Cat coughing in a moderate to persistent range, accompanied by wheezing, trouble breathing, and rapid or open-mouth breathing, may indicate asthma. Seek a veterinarian’s advice immediately for the appropriate treatment.

#WorldAsthmaDay serves as a reminder to spread awareness about asthma in humans, as well as animals like cats. Allergic bronchitis, another name for feline asthma, is a common respiratory condition that can affect cats of any age. Apart from the mentioned symptoms, cats may also suffer from lethargy, appetite loss, weight loss, and even vomiting.

Let’s explore the realm of feline asthma, with a closer look at its symptoms, causes, and treatment possibilities.

Causes of Asthma-led Cat Coughing

Although the exact cause of this complicated respiratory condition is not yet known, scientists do think that environmental allergens are the cause of it. These allergens may consist of:

Dust mites

Dust mites are tiny creatures that are present in the household dust. They are particularly prevalent in furniture, carpets, and bedding. Cats with a history of asthma may have an allergic reaction to dust mite allergens and it lead to the cat coughing heavily.

Pollen

Another common allergen that might harm cats with asthma is pollen from plants and trees. Cats may experience higher respiratory distress and asthma symptoms at specific periods of the year when pollen counts are high.

Mold Spores

Basements, baths, and locations that have seen water damage are examples of moist, humid environments where mold can grow. Cats may experience asthma symptoms if they breathe in mold spores that have been released into the air.

Cigarette Smoke

Both animals and people are harmed by second-hand smoke. Cigarette smoke contains allergens and substances that can make asthma attacks worse in cats and aggravate pre-existing respiratory disorders making cat coughing unavoidable.

Chemicals

Certain chemicals present in household goods like air fresheners, aerosol sprays, and cleaning products may cause sensitivity in some cats. These substances may aggravate asthma symptoms by irritating the airways. When these allergens are introduced to a cat who is genetically predisposed to asthma, their immune system overreacts. The cat’s airways become inflamed and constricted as a result of the immunological reaction, making it challenging for it to breathe normally. This causes symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and breathing problems.

It’s crucial to remember that not all cats will experience asthma symptoms or have the same triggers. While some cats might react strongly to certain allergens, others might not. Additionally, cats can develop asthma without having any known allergen triggers, indicating that there may be additional factors at play in the onset of the condition.

Symptoms of Feline Asthma

Coughing

The most typical sign of feline asthma is the cat coughing moderately or persistently. The cough may be wet and accompanied by the production of mucus, or it may be dry and hacking like a hairball cough. Depending on how severe the asthma is, the coughing episodes can be infrequent or regular.

Wheezing

Another noticeable sign of feline asthma is wheezing. When the cat exhales, a high-pitched whistling sound is made. The airways get constricted and narrowed as a result of inflammation, which results in wheezing.

Breathing Issues

Cats with asthma frequently have trouble breathing or breathing quickly and shallowly. They might exhibit symptoms of laboured breathing include greater effort, mouth breathing, or utilizing their abdominal muscles to help them breathe.

Rapid or Open-Mouth Breathing

Cats may use rapid or open-mouth breathing to make up for the reduced airflow when their asthma gets worse or during an asthma attack. This indicates respiratory trouble and necessitates urgent veterinarian care.

Lethargy

Cats with asthma may display signs of fatigue or low energy. They might be less engaged in play or regular daily activities, spend more time relaxing, and be less active.

Lack of Appetite and Weight Loss

Cats with asthma may have a lack of appetite and lose interest in feeding. Over time, this may lead to weight loss. The cat may link discomfort with food and stop eating altogether if it has trouble breathing while it is eating. Although obesity is not a symptom of feline asthma, still it can make the illness worse, so it’s critical to provide your cat with a nutritious diet and regular exercise.

Vomiting

Cats with asthma can experience vomiting attacks. This may happen as a result of the irritation brought on by coughing or from ingesting too much mucus. Cat vomit can be a common occurrence, but cat parents need to understand what’s normal and what’s not. Vomiting can be a symptom of many different underlying health issues, ranging from minor to serious, so it’s important to monitor your cat’s symptoms and seek veterinary care if needed.

Diagnosing and Treating Feline Asthma

Consult a veterinarian right away for a proper diagnosis if you think your cat might have asthma. A complete check-up by the veterinarian may involve X-rays, blood tests, and bronchoscopies. To get a precise diagnosis, they will also take the cat’s medical history and symptoms into account.

Treatment Options

A mix of medicines and environmental changes are used to manage feline asthma and enhance the cat’s quality of life. Here are some details on the available treatments and changes to the environment:

Bronchodilators

Medication called bronchodilators helps to relax and open the cat’s airways, which makes it simpler for it to breathe. They function by letting the muscles that surround the airways relax. Depending on the demands of the cat, bronchodilators can be given orally, through inhalers, or injections as advised by the veterinarian.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids is an anti-inflammatory drug that helps to lessen airway irritation. They can be given intravenously, orally, or through an inhaler. The symptoms of asthma are lessened and the frequency and intensity of attacks are reduced with the use of corticosteroids.

Anti-inflammatory medication

Other anti-inflammatory medications, in addition to corticosteroids, may be prescribed to treat feline asthma. These drugs assist in reducing airway inflammation and enhancing respiratory function.

Environmental Modifications

Feline asthma is a chronic illness that needs constant attention. Cat parents should keep a close eye out for any changes in their cat’s behaviour or breathing habits. The prognosis of the cat can be considerably improved, and the risk of complications can be reduced, by early discovery and treatment.

Regular cleaning

Cleaning the house can help to lessen the allergens that cause asthma symptoms by regularly vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning the cat’s living habitat. To reduce the amount of dust released into the air, use wet towels and mops. Frequent hot water washing of blankets and bedding can also aid in preventing the accumulation of allergens.

Air purifiers

By removing allergens from the air, air purifiers with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters can assist to improve air quality and lessen asthma triggers. In the areas where the cat spends the most time, install air filters.

Avoid Smoke

Smoking can make asthma symptoms in cats worse. Keep your cat away from smoke-filled spaces and refrain from smoking in their presence.

Keep your cat indoors

Keep your cat inside, if at all possible, to limit exposure to environmental allergens such as pollen and mold spores. By eliminating potential allergens from the indoor environment, asthma triggers can be reduced.

Cats with asthma can get relief from their symptoms and live happy, healthy lives by taking medication and managing their environment. We can help our beloved feline friends live happy, healthy lives and get the treatment they require by raising awareness of feline asthma and funding ongoing research.