Have you ever noticed changes in your cat’s breathing? Maybe they started to wheeze or they’re coughing. It’s not consistent enough that you’re ready to take them to the vet, but it is worrisome enough that you are starting to take note.
While it’s not common, some cats can suffer from asthma. The good news is that it is treatable, so let’s go over the basics of asthma in cats so you know what to look out for, what tests your vet may run, and potential treatment plans.
Common Symptoms of Asthma in Cats
According to Cornell University, asthma is a breathing condition that stems from an allergic reaction. When your cat’s body is exposed to an allergen repeatedly, their immune system can be triggered, causing an asthma attack. This is different than your cat purring.
Much like asthma in people, your cat is struggling to breathe. This is causing the distress that you hear, and it can be frightening. Asthma can impact up to 5 percent of cats, so here’s what you need to look out for if you suspect your cat has asthma.
Difficulty Breathing
One of the biggest signs of asthma is a change in breathing. This can present itself in different ways from cat to cat. Common changes include:
- Wheezing
- Rapid Breathing
- Coughing
- Hacking
- Open-mouth Breathing
You may notice your cat having a hard time breathing, almost like they are gasping for air. Depending on the severity of the attack, they may be in serious distress. If your cat is unable to recover, you may want to take it to a vet to be safe.
Hunched Over
Similar to humans, when they are trying to catch their breath, cats can often hunch over close to the ground when they are having an asthma attack. They may also extend their necks. Both of these are unconscious responses to try to make more space and clear the way for more air to get into the lungs.
In this position, your cat may be coughing or wheezing as they attempt to return to normal breathing. They’re doing their best, so try to comfort them as much as you can to make them feel better.
Vomiting
Cats who are hyperventilating may also vomit during an asthma attack. Again, your cat’s immune system is in hyperdrive, so it is trying to purge whatever may be causing the distress. This can result in vomiting.
Rapid breathing can also cause a cat to feel ill, causing them to throw up. If your cat throws up when having difficulty breathing, don’t automatically assume that there is something else wrong. It may all be connected.
How is Asthma Diagnosed in Cats?
If you suspect your cat has asthma, you will want to consult with your veterinarian. They will need to run a series of tests, including:
- X-rays
- CT scans
- Blood Work
- Allergy Testing
- Bronchoscopy
These tests will help give your vet a clear idea of what’s going on in your cat’s lungs. The scans pick up inflammation, which will show up as a bright branching pattern. Additionally, your cat’s lungs may seem bigger in the scans because air is trapped there.
In many cases, your cat will undergo sedation so your vet can take a look at any abnormalities in their lungs and take samples to confirm their diagnosis. They want to rule out other health conditions that could present similarly, including pneumonia, bronchitis, lungworms, and more.
Typically, cats will be diagnosed with asthma between four and five years old. It impacts male and female cats similarly, though certain breeds, including Siamese cats may be more susceptive to getting asthma.
Asthma Treatment in Cats
Thankfully, asthma is completely treatable in cats. Your vet will work with you to develop a treatment plan that works for your cat’s specific needs.
Typically, it will include a mixture of corticosteroids to help reduce the inflammation in the lungs that causes the spasms, as well as a bronchodilator to help open up the airways. These treatments can be oral, injected, or inhaled by your cat, depending on how they handle taking medicine.
Can Asthma in Cats be Cured?
At this time, there is no cure for asthma in cats. Much like in humans, it is a chronic disorder that will need to be treated by medicine to help keep it under control for the duration of the cat’s lifetime.
Even with medicine, your cat may occasionally continue to have asthma attacks, especially if they are faced with their allergens. These may vary in intensity, so it’s critical that you keep an eye on the severity of your cat’s attack and seek medical attention if it is life threatening.
Asthma is not a death sentence as long as you keep your cat properly medicated.
So, Can Cats Have Asthma?
If you notice consistent breathing issues in your cat, you may want to get them checked out for asthma! This breathing condition impacts up to 5 percent of cats, and treating it can completely transform your cat’s quality of life.
Consult with your veterinarian if you think your cat has asthma. At the end of the day, if you properly treat asthma in cats, your cat can live its long and happy nine lives comfortably and without breathing discomfort.
