Signs & Symptoms of Asthma in Cats

Cat asthma is usually an allergic reaction to inhaled allergens, and affects around 1-5% of all cats. In today's post, our Redding vets identify the most common symptoms of this condition and discuss treatment options.

Signs & Symptoms of Asthma in Cats

How can you tell if your cat has asthma? The first signs of an asthma attack might include coughing and wheezing. You may also observe your cat hunching close to the ground with its neck extended forward as if trying to expel a hairball.

During a full-blown asthma attack, you may notice your cat's sides going in and out as it struggles to breathe. It may also drool or cough up mucus.

All of this can result in your cat becoming very frightened and stressed. If your cat has difficulty breathing, contact your vet immediately or your nearest animal emergency hospital.

Other signs that your cat may be experiencing an asthma attack include:

Another sign of asthma in cats is rapid breathing during sleep. While resting or sleeping, your cat normally takes between 24 and 30 breaths per minute. If your cat takes more than 40 breaths per minute, call your vet immediately for assistance or contact your closest animal emergency hospital.

Note: If your cat is snoring or breathing loudly when resting, it doesn't necessarily mean they are having an asthma attack. However, if you are concerned about your cat's breathing, it is always best to err on the side of caution and contact your vet for further advice.

What causes asthma in cats?

Asthma attacks are frequently brought on by the cat inhaling an allergen or possibly due to increased stress levels. A few of the most common allergens to trigger asthma attacks in cats include:

Some underlying conditions could contribute to the severity of your cat's asthma attack, including pneumonia, obesity, parasites, a pre-existing heart condition, or a genetic predisposition. 

What can I give my cat for asthma?

When treating asthma in cats, your veterinarian may prescribe various medications to manage the condition. What is in asthma medicine for cats typically includes:

• Corticosteroids: These anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation in the airways.
• Bronchodilators: These medications help open the airways, making breathing easier for the cat.

These medications can be administered orally, via injection, or inhaler. It is important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully and never give your cat human asthma medications, as they can be harmful.

What is the life expectancy of a cat with asthma?

Asthma in cats is an incurable and often progressive condition, which means that cats with asthma are likely to experience periodic flare-ups that can vary in intensity from mild to life-threatening.

Nonetheless, the condition is manageable with extra care from pet parents and medication. Monitoring your cat's respiratory effort, watching for coughing, and intervening with medication can help asthmatic cats live a happy life for years.

What should you feed your cat with asthma?

There is a lot of advice on what you should feed your cat if they suffer from asthma. If you think a diet change could help your cat's asthma symptoms, consult your vet.

Helping your cat maintain a healthy weight while ensuring that all of their nutritional needs are met is a great way for pet parents to help their cat stay healthy.

Your vet can recommend the proper diet for your cat based on its medical history and overall health.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

If your cat is experiencing breathing difficulties, contact our vets in Redding right away!