Dr Sarah-Jane Molier BSc BVM&S MRCVS
Caring for a cat with asthma can feel incredibly daunting. Thankfully, while feline asthma can be a very serious condition, in most cases it can be well controlled with the right treatment. You may be wondering how you can best support your asthmatic cat, so let’s explore how you can help a cat with asthma at home.
What is feline asthma?
Feline asthma, also known as allergic bronchitis, is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory condition of the small airways in the lungs. While the exact cause is unknown, it is thought to be caused (or at least exacerbated) by an allergic reaction to particles that the cat inhales. The cat’s immune system overreacts to the inhaled allergen, setting off a series of immune system and inflammatory responses. These lead to inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the airways, which become narrowed. This in turn can cause mucous to build up in the airway. Naturally, it is much harder for the cat to breathe through these narrow, mucous-plugged airways.
Cats usually develop asthma in adulthood, around 6-8 years of age. However, they can develop it earlier or later than this. Any breed or sex can be affected, but it’s possible that Siamese and Oriental breeds are at increased risk.
Symptoms of feline asthma?
One of the most common symptoms of <feline asthma> is coughing. It’s important to note that cats will often stretch their necks out low to the ground and retch after coughing, which can look like they are trying to be sick. I saw a cat recently whose owner had spent months trying every fur ball remedy they could find. Eventually, the cat became subdued, so the owner brought her in for a consultation. After examining her and performing some tests, we realised she was actually coughing, and diagnosed her with feline asthma. She was very lucky, as asthma in cats can be very serious, especially if left untreated. It’s a good idea to video any episodes of coughing or gagging in your cat and show them to your vet for advice.
Other symptoms of feline asthma include:
– Wheezing
– Noisy breathing
– Fast breathing
– Increased effort to breathing
– Open mouth breathing
– Vomiting
In severe cases, cats may struggle to breathe. Their lips, tongue or gums may appear blue. Although rare, asthma can even be fatal. You should always treat any difficulty breathing as an emergency.
What triggers asthma in cats?
While the exact causes are unknown, suspected triggers include:
– Smoke from cigarettes
– Smoke from flames (fires and candles)
– Dust, including human dander
– Dust from cat litter
– Dust mites
– Aerosol sprays (such as cleaning, deodorants and hair spray)
– Pollen.
It is also possible that some foods can exacerbate symptoms.
Treatment for a cat with asthma
The mainstay of treatment for feline asthma is corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation (swelling) in the airways, and bronchodilators, which dilate (or open up) the airways. Corticosteroids are sometimes used on their own, while bronchodilators would almost always be used alongside corticosteroids. Both of these drug types can be given orally (by mouth), by injection or by inhalation.
While using an inhaler on your cat may seem like an impossible task, most cats tolerate it very well, provided it is introduced in the right way. Using an inhaler is often actually a lot easier than trying to give tablets to a discerning cat! Inhalers can also minimise the side effects of the drugs used since they deliver the drug straight to where it needs to act, and less is absorbed by the body.
How can I ease my cat’s asthma?
While asthma cannot be cured or prevented, there are a number of things you can help a cat with asthma at home, alongside medical treatment. Some of these measures may even reduce the dose of medications needed (under your vet’s instruction of course). So, here’s how to help a cat with asthma at home:
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Keep your cat at a healthy weight:
Obesity is known to exacerbate asthma, as well as being linked to many other health conditions, such as arthritis and heart disease. If you’re struggling with your cat’s weight, ask your vet or vet nurse for advice. Many vet practices run weight loss clinics for pets.
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Don’t smoke in the house:
Cats with asthma have very sensitive lungs, so inhaled tobacco smoke can set off an asthma attack.
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Don’t burn candles or incense in the home:
Similar to tobacco smoke, any inhaled smoke can irritate an asthmatic cat’s lungs.
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Use dust-free, unscented cat litter:
Some cat litters give off a lot of dust when the cat digs, meaning the cat inhales dust every time they toilet.
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Consider keeping your cat out of the bedrooms:
Human dander or dust can exacerbate asthma, so keeping your cat out of bedrooms or particularly dusty rooms can help to reduce their symptoms.
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Minimise stress:
Stress can aggravate many diseases including feline asthma and, despite their stoic exterior, cats are particularly susceptible to stress. Try to identify what may cause your cat stress, and minimise the triggers.
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Don’t use aerosols around your cat:
Any aerosols can set off a reaction when inhaled, including perfumes, air fresheners or cleaning products. Minimise your use of aerosols and always make sure your cat is out of the room when in use. It’s a good idea to ventilate the area well before allowing your cat back in.
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Diet:
While more research is needed in this area, there is some anecdotal evidence that hypoallergenic diets may help in the management of feline asthma. You would need to feed the diet exclusively for 8-12 weeks in order to see if it is effective or not. There is also some research showing that the use of omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial, although this has not been conclusively proven yet.
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Regularly hoover
Dusting and hoovering regularly will reduce the overall levels of dust in your house.
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Take your cat for regular vet checks
This enables your vet to monitor their breathing, lung sounds, weight and overall health. They can watch for long-term side effects of any drugs they are on, as well as being able to adjust doses as needed.
Take home message
There’s lots that you can do to help a cat with asthma at home, but if you have any concerns about their breathing, you should take them to see a vet straight away. The sooner treatment is started, the less chance there is of permanent damage to the airways. In severe cases feline asthma can also be fatal, so the sooner the better. The good news is that asthma can usually be well managed with the right treatment, which is usually needed for life.
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