FELINE ASTHMA
If your cat has ever coughed, you’ll know how dramatic it looks. As well as trying to clear their throat, they gag and retch while stretching their neck at an odd angle. Despite how it looks, this is the most effective way for cats to clear their windpipe.
More often than not, there’s a simple explanation for coughing, such as the dreaded hairball or a rogue piece of grass at the back of their throat. But occasionally, it can be a sign of a more serious disease, such as feline asthma.
What is it?
Feline asthma describes chronic inflammation of the small airways in the lungs (bronchioles).Any cat can develop it, although vets see more cases in certain breeds, such as Siamese.
Similar to humans, cats develop asthma as an allergic response to microscopic particles in the air (including pollens, dust, smoke, and perfumes). These particles irritate the airways and stimulate the production of inflammatory cells and mucous. Over time, the airways become narrow, making breathing more difficult.As well as coughing, cats with asthma can wheeze and breathe quickly. They may seem generally unwell, especially if they have a secondary bacterial infection in their lungs.
Diagnosis
The vet will probably carry out a blood test then take a closer look inside their lungs. X-rays help to rule out some lung conditions but don’t provide enough information to diagnose asthma. Bronchoscopy (passing a camera into your cat’s airways) allows your vet to check inside your cat’s small airways and take samples of cells (called a bronchoalveolar lavage).
THE VET
Penny Clarke, BVetMed MRCVS, graduated in
2003 from the
Royal Veterinary College. She is a cat-loving clinician at a busy, small animal hospital in Warwickshire. Penny writes about all things veterinary and also human neurodiversity, particularly autism.
There are a few ways to treat feline asthma:
● Anti-inflammatories (steroids) reduce airway inflammation.
● Bronchodilators relax airway muscles, helping them stay open.
● Antibiotics to treat a secondary bacterial infection.
Just like humans, cats can breathe in their treatment with an inhaler. Believe it or not, most cats learn to tolerate their inhaler very well! Inhaling drugs reduces how much drug is absorbed elsewhere in the body, potentially reducing side effects.
Visit icatcare.org/inhalertraining to learn about inhaler training, including an insightful video.
Cats with asthma may need lifelong treatment and occasional in-patient stays for more intensive therapy.Always call your vet for emergency advice if your cat has breathing problems.