Cat With Asthma: What To Know

Though it can be difficult to diagnose, asthma in cats should not be ignored. Cats with asthma are suffering, but they have no way to tell you or treat themselves.

If you’re concerned that your cat has asthma, the first thing you should do is minimize risks in your home that could hurt your cat and contact a vet. Read on to learn more about feline asthma and what you need to know about it.

What Is Feline Asthma?

Like asthma in humans, feline asthma is a type of bronchitis found in cats that affects their respiratory system. Feline asthma can inflame a cat’s airways making it difficult to breathe.

Asthma in cats is usually triggered by something inhaled, ranging from smoke and pollen to dust produced by some types of cat litter. The result is inflamed airways, and cats could produce extra mucus in response — something to keep an eye out for with your cat. 

How Do I Know If My Cat Has Asthma?

The best way to find out if your cat has asthma is by bringing them to a vet for a professional diagnosis. However, if you’re concerned and can’t immediately see a vet, these are common symptoms of feline asthma:

Wheezing or irregular breathing. If it sounds like your cat is having trouble breathing regularly, it could be a sign of inflamed breathing passageways.

Shortness of breath. Cats that seem to be constantly out of breath may not be getting enough air into their lungs, a result of asthma.

Coughing. Coughing in cats isn’t common, and coughing with mucus can mean your cat has feline asthma.

Lethargy. Lethargy is a frequent symptom of cat illnesses and ailments, so this alone isn’t a sign of feline asthma. However, with other symptoms, lethargy could mean something is wrong with your cat.

Again, you should visit a vet to determine whether your cat has feline asthma. If you do think your cat has asthma, there are steps you can take right now to help them.

What To Do If Your Cat Has Asthma

While waiting for your vet appointment (or after getting a diagnosis), here’s what to do if your cat has asthma.

Purchase or replace air purifiers

The best way to prevent an asthma attack in your cat is by ensuring they have clean air to breathe. Consider buying or replacing an air purifier for your home. It could help with any other odors, too. 

Switch your cat litter

Some types of litter, such as clay cat litter, produce dust. This dust is fine for most cats, but cats with feline asthma could have a negative reaction to the dust. Consider switching to a no or low dust cat litter like silica cat litter. 

Minimize smoke

If smoke is commonly present in and around your house, whether it be from a fire pit to cigarettes, consider reducing the amount of smoke near your cat. Smoke is a well-known trigger for asthma attacks in cats. 

Can A Cat Survive With Asthma?

The good news about feline asthma is that, with proper treatment and care, your cat should be able to live a long, happy life. This does take making some adjustments at home, and you will probably need to visit a vet more often.

Final Thoughts: Cats With Asthma

Feline asthma is serious, but not untreatable. Cats with asthma have trouble breathing due to an inflammation in their breathing passages. Symptoms can include coughing, wheezing, and lethargy. You should always consult with a vet if you think your cat has asthma. 

FAQs For Cats With Asthma