Cat Asthma: Symptoms, Triggers & Treatment
Understanding Feline Asthma
Feline asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways, similar to human asthma. It affects 1-5% of cats and is often triggered by environmental allergens.
Symptoms
- Chronic coughing (often mistaken for hairball attempts)
- Wheezing or audible breathing difficulty
- Open-mouth breathing
- Rapid breathing at rest (>40 breaths per minute)
- Hunched posture with neck extended
Common Triggers
- Cigarette smoke, incense, candles
- Dusty cat litter (clay-based)
- Air fresheners, perfumes, cleaning sprays
- Pollen, mold spores
- Household dust and dust mites
Treatment
Inhaled Medications
The Aerokat inhaler delivers corticosteroids (fluticasone) and bronchodilators (albuterol) directly to the lungs with minimal systemic side effects.
Oral Medications
For cats who can't use an inhaler, oral prednisolone provides systemic anti-inflammatory effects but has more side effects with long-term use.
Environmental Management
Switch to low-dust litter, eliminate smoking indoors, use HEPA air purifiers, and avoid aerosol products near your cat. These changes alone can significantly reduce flare-ups.
