Feline Asthma
Also called: Allergic bronchitis, allergic airway disease, feline lower airway disease
- Cats
- Respiratory
- Young / Adult
Feline asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower airways, usually triggered by inhaled allergens, that causes the airways to narrow, become inflamed, and fill with mucus. It cannot be cured but is usually manageable, and many cats live normal, active lives with treatment. Severe attacks can be life-threatening.
When it is an emergency
Open-mouth breathing or visible difficulty breathing is an emergency — seek veterinary care immediately.
Signs to look for
- Coughing (sometimes mistaken for trying to bring up a hairball)
- Wheezing
- Difficulty or rapid breathing
- A hunched posture with neck extended during an attack
How a vet diagnoses it
No single definitive test. Diagnosis combines history, signs, and chest X-rays, plus tests to rule out other causes — blood work, fecal exam (to rule out lungworm), and sometimes airway sampling. Heart disease and infection must be excluded.
Treatment
Corticosteroids (often inhaled via a feline spacer/mask) to control airway inflammation, plus bronchodilators for flare-ups and rescue use. Reducing environmental triggers (dust-free litter, avoiding smoke/sprays/perfumes) and maintaining a healthy weight are important.
Monitoring at home
Breathing rate/effort, cough frequency, frequency of attacks, body weight, and medication side effects.
Who tends to get it
Can affect cats of any age, commonly young to middle-aged adults.
This library is educational reference only. It is designed to help you learn about health conditions your pet may have been diagnosed with — it does not interpret your pet's symptoms, cannot diagnose, and is not a substitute for veterinary care. Cats and dogs often hide illness well, so signs can be subtle. Any new, persistent, or worsening sign warrants a vet visit.