The Symptoms of Cat Asthma & When to Consider Visiting Your Veterinarian

Cat asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can significantly impact your cat's breathing and overall quality of life. Caused by inflammation of the airways, there are a variety of symptoms of cat asthma—ranging from mild coughing to severe attacks. Left untreated, asthma can worsen over time and lead to complications. Cat owners should know the signs to watch for, along with available treatments to help manage the condition.

What Causes Cat Asthma?

Asthma in cats can develop at any age, in any breed and in both males and females. While the exact cause is unknown, it may result from genetic predispositions, environmental factors or a combination of factors. Asthma occurs when a cat’s immune system overreacts to certain irritants, causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This response can make breathing difficult, and in some cases, lead to asthma attacks.

Identifying the Common Triggers for Cat Asthma

While there is often no single cause, several environmental and health-related factors are known to trigger or exacerbate asthma in cats. Common triggers include:

• Allergens: Allergens such as pollen, mold spores and dust mites are common culprits. Seasonal changes, when pollen counts are high, or poorly ventilated spaces with accumulated dust can trigger asthma symptoms.
• Household Chemicals: Everyday products like cleaning sprays, air fresheners, perfumes or scented candles may irritate your cat's respiratory system. Even natural essential oils can act as irritants for sensitive cats.
• Air Pollution: Cats exposed to smog, cigarette smoke or fumes from vehicles may develop or worsen asthma symptoms. Indoor pollutants, such as those from poorly maintained HVAC systems, can also contribute.
• Obesity: Excess body weight can place additional stress on a cat’s lungs and make it harder for them to breathe, increasing their susceptibility to asthma attacks.
• Dental Disease: Bacteria can travel from your cat’s mouth to their lungs, in turn causing a respiratory infection or triggering existing asthma.
• Stress: Anxiety or sudden changes in environment, such as the introduction of a new pet or moving to a new home, can worsen asthma or provoke attacks in some cats.

How to Spot the Symptoms of Cat Asthma

The symptoms of cat asthma often mimic those of other respiratory illnesses, but they are typically more severe and persistent. Being able to distinguish these symptoms can help you get timely treatment for your cat. Symptoms can include:

• Persistent Coughing: Repetitive and often unproductive coughing, unlike the occasional hairball cough.
• Wheezing: A whistling sound that occurs during breathing, usually caused by narrowed airways.
• Open-mouthed Breathing: May indicate respiratory distress, given that cats typically breathe through their noses.
• Panting: Panting after minimal activity or without exertion.
• Shallow or Rapid Breathing: Faster-than-usual breathing rates at rest.
• Hunched Posture: Sitting with their neck extended and shoulders hunched while breathing.
• Weakness: A reduction in activity or playfulness due to labored breathing.
• Excessive Swallowing: Caused by mucus in the throat, often seen in conjunction with coughing.
• Vomiting: Sometimes occurs after intense coughing episodes.

When to Consider Visiting Your Veterinarian

Cat asthma shares symptoms with other respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis, pneumonia or even heart disease, so making a proper diagnosis is essential. If you notice persistent or worsening symptoms, you should get in touch with your veterinarian. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve your cat’s quality of life. Your veterinarian will work with you to determine whether cat asthma medications could help, based on the severity of the condition and your cat’s specific triggers.

Your veterinarian may perform several diagnostic tests, such as:

• Blood Tests: These could help detect any underlying infections, inflammation or allergic responses.
• Fecal Exams: These can be used to identify potential parasitic infections, such as lungworms, that can cause similar symptoms.
• Chest X-rays: Imaging helps your veterinarian visualize lung inflammation, airway narrowing or any other structural issues.
• CT Scans: These provide detailed images of your cat’s lungs and airways, helping your veterinarian identify inflammation, structural abnormalities or other signs of asthma.
• Bronchoscopies: By using a small camera, your veterinarian can examine your cat’s airways and collect fluid samples—called bronchoalveolar lavages—for analysis. These samples can provide critical information about inflammation or infection.

Cat Asthma Medications: Inhalers & Corticosteroids

Treatment for cat asthma typically includes medications to reduce inflammation and improve airflow. These medications can often be easily administered in the convenience of your home. In severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend hospitalization to stabilize your cat’s condition.

All of these cat asthma medications are available through Mixlab’s pet pharmacy. Along with branded and generic medications, Mixlab provides custom compounding options to help improve compliance among picky cats—including enticing flavors, easy-to-administer forms and specific dosages.

Albuterol

• Medication Type: Bronchodilator
• How It Works: Relaxes airway muscles, quickly opening constricted airways during asthma attacks.
• Usage: Administered by a cat asthma inhaler, albuterol is ideal for immediate relief during acute episodes. It is not designed for long-term or preventative use, as overuse can reduce its effectiveness.
• Side Effects: Monitor your cat for nervousness, shaking, fast heartbeat or dizziness.

Fluticasone

• Medication Type: Inhaled corticosteroid
• How It Works: Reduces airway inflammation over time, making it a popular treatment for long-term asthma management.
• Usage: Fluticasone is administered daily through a cat asthma inhaler to prevent attacks and manage chronic symptoms.
• Side Effects: Keep an eye out for increased thirst, urination, appetite, weight, along with weakness, hair loss or changes in your cat’s coat.

Prednisolone

• Medication Type: Oral corticosteroid
• How It Works: Reduces systemic inflammation, providing quick relief during severe flare-ups.
• Usage: Typically prednisolone is prescribed for short durations due to potential side effects, such as increased thirst or appetite.

Cyclosporine

• Medication Type: Immunosuppressant
• How It Works: Modulates the immune system’s response to reduce airway inflammation. It can be particularly useful if your cat also has allergies.
• Usage: A newer option for asthma treatment, cyclosporine may be prescribed when corticosteroids are insufficient or if long-term treatment is needed.

Supportive Care After an Asthma Diagnosis

In addition to medication, your veterinarian may recommend supportive care to enhance your cat’s overall respiratory health and prevent future flare-ups. These adjustments can include:

• Environmental Changes: Consider using an air purifier, avoid smoking indoors, and reduce dust accumulation if possible. Think about replacing any strong cleaning agents with unscented, pet-safe alternatives.
• Weight Management: Since obesity can worsen the symptoms of cat asthma, help your cat maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise.
• Reducing Allergen Exposure: Regularly clean bedding, consider using hypoallergenic litter, and limit the potential irritants in your cat’s environment.

Manage Symptoms of Cat Asthma with Next-day Medications

When managing cat asthma, you need fast and reliable access to the right medications. Mixlab offers a wide variety of cat asthma medications, including branded, generic, and compounded options that can be tailored to your cat's needs—available in different dosages, forms and flavors to help with easy administration. Plus, we make sure you get your cat’s medication on time with convenient, next-day delivery. No more waiting weeks for your much needed medication to arrive. Contact Mixlab with questions or place your order for cat asthma medication, and together, we’ll help your cat breathe easier.