Coughing and wheezing are often the first symptoms pet parents notice if their cat is having an asthma attack. You may also notice that your cat is hunched close to the ground with their neck extended forward as if trying to expel a hairball.
In more severe cases you will notice that your cat's sides are going in and out as they work hard to breathe, and that they are drooling or coughing up mucus.
Having such a difficult time breathing is bound to be both frightening and stressful for your cat. If you notice that your cat is having difficulties breathing, contact your vet immediately for assistance or call your nearest animal emergency hospital!
Signs and symptoms of asthma in cats include:
- Hunched body with neck extended
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent coughing or gagging
- Open mouth breathing
- Gurgling sounds from throat
- Wheezing
- Rapid breathing
- Frothy mucus while coughing
- Overall weakness
- Blue lips and gums
- Increased swallowing
Rapid breathing during sleep can be another sign that your cat is having an asthma attack. While at rest your cat will normally take between 24 - 30 breaths per minute. If your cat is taking more than 40 breaths per minute asthma may be the cause, contact your vet immediately for assistance.
One important thing to note is that snoring or breathing loudly when resting doesn't necessarily mean that your cat has asthma. Nonetheless, if you're worried about your cat's breathing it is always best to contact your vet for advice.
Causes of Asthma in Cats
It is not unusual for cats to cause allergic asthma in people, but what causes asthma in cats? Asthma in cats is frequently brought on by increased stress levels or the inhalation of an allergen. Some of the most common allergens to trigger asthma attacks in cats include:
- Grass
- Dust mites
- Mould
- Pollen
- Cigarette smoke
- Household cleaning products
- Some foods
- Cat litter dust
Aside from inhaled allergens, conditions such as pneumonia, obesity, parasites, a pre-existing heart condition, or a genetic predisposition could play a role in the severity of your cat's asthma.
Treating Asthma in Cats
If your cat appears to be experiencing asthma you may be wondering what you can give your cat to help, but it's important to have your cat's breathing difficulties diagnosed before administering any treatment. If your cat is struggling to breathe, contact your vet right away, or visit your nearest animal emergency hospital for urgent care.
If your kitty is diagnosed with asthma, your vet may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in your cat's lungs, and possibly a bronchodilator to help dilate their airways and make breathing easier. These medications can be prescribed in the form of an injectable, oral medication or as an inhaler fitted with a mask designed for use with cats.
Life Expectancy for Cats with Asthma
Asthma is generally an incurable and often progressive condition in cats, which means that your cat with asthma is very likely to experience periodic attacks throughout their lifetime. These asthma attacks can range in intensity from very mild to severe or life-threatening.
That said, by keeping a watchful eye on your cat's respiratory effort, looking out for the symptoms listed above, and intervening with the prescribed medication when needed, you can help your asthmatic cat to live a long happy life.
Diet & Cat Asthma
If you believe that a change of diet could help to manage your cat's asthma symptoms, consult your vet. Helping your cat to maintain a healthy weight, while ensuring that all of their nutritional needs are met, is a terrific way to help your cat stay healthy.
But what should you feed your cat with asthma? Speak to your vet to learn which food is best for your cat, based on your kitty's 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.
Is your cat having difficulties breathing, or have you noticed symptoms of asthma? Contact our Huntersville, Mecklenburg County vets right away to book an appointment for your feline friend.
Often caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled allergens, asthma affects between 1-5% of cats. Our Bartlett vets share the symptoms of asthma in cats and how this condition is treated.
How do you know if your cat has asthma?
Coughing and wheezing are often the first signs that your cat is struggling to breathe and may be having an asthma attack. You may also notice that your cat is holding their neck out straight with their head close to the ground. During a full-blown asthma attack you will be able to see your cat's sides go in and out as they work hard to breathe, and they may drool or cough up mucus. Needless to say, all of this can cause your cat to become very frightened and stressed. If you notice that your cat is having difficulties breathing, it's time to call your vet!
Other common signs of an asthma attack in cats are:
- Wheezing
- Rapid breathing
- Difficulty breathing, or increased effort to breathe
- Open mouth breathing
- Persistent coughing or gagging
- Increased swallowing
- Frothy mucus while coughing
- Overall weakness
- Body hunched close to the ground with neck extended forward
- Gurgling sounds from throat
- Blue lips and gums
Another sign to watch for is rapid breathing while your cat is sleeping. Normally, when resting or sleeping your cat will take between 24 - 30 breaths per minute. If you notice that your cat is taking anything more than 40 breaths per minute call your vet immediately for advice, or contact your closest animal emergency hospital.
If your cat is snoring or breathing loudly when resting it doesn't necessarily mean that they are suffering from asthma, 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.
An Asthma attack is often brought on by an allergy or stress. Some of the most common allergens to trigger asthma attacks in cats include:
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Grass
- Mould
- Home cleaning products
- Cigarette smoke
- Cat litter dust
- Pet food
A number of underlying conditions may also contribute to the severity of your cat's asthma attack including obesity, parasites, a pre-existing heart condition, genetic predisposition, or pneumonia.
What can I give my cat for asthma?
If your cat is diagnosed with asthma, treatment may include corticosteroids prescribed by your vet to reduce inflammation in your cat's lungs, and possibly a bronchodilator to help dilate your cat's airways. These drugs may be prescribed in the form of an injectable, oral medication or as an inhaler. While your vet may prescribe a corticosteroid medication only as treatment for your cat's asthma, bronchodilators are not generally used on their own since they do not treat the inflammation that causes the asthma attacks.
What is the life expectancy of a cat with asthma?
Unfortunately, if your cat has asthma it won't go away. Asthma in cats is an incurable and often progressive condition, meaning that cats with asthma are likely to experience occasional flare-ups that can vary in intensity from mild to life-threatening.
That said, the condition is manageable with the right care and medication. By carefully monitoring your cats respiratory effort, watching for coughing, and intervening with medication when needed, you can help your asthmatic cats live a happy life for years to come.
What should I feed my cat with asthma?
There is a lot of advice out there as to what you should feed your cat to help reduce the number and severity of their asthma attacks. If you're concerned that your cat's food may be triggering asthma attacks, consult your vet. Helping your cat maintain a healthy weight, while ensuring that all of their nutritional needs are met, are essential factors in helping your cat stay healthy. Your vet will be able to recommend the right diet for your pet, based on your cat's medical history and overall state of health.