Introduction

Cats, like people, commonly suffer from asthma. Feline asthma is caused by an allergic reaction which leads to inflammation of the lower airways and build-up of mucus in the lungs. The symptoms usually appear in young to middle-aged cats, but older cats can be affected as well. Extensive investigation may help to identify the asthmatic trigger, but often the underlying cause is never determined.

Symptoms of Feline

Feline asthma is a well-recognized medical disorder in domestic cats. The signs typically are episodic (they wax and wane over time), and they can be acute or chronic, mild or marked. The clinical signs of this condition usually include:

• Coughing (can sound like “coughing up a hairball”)
• Sneezing
• Labored breathing (dyspnea)
• Wheezing
• Abdominal press during exhalation (visible)

The signs usually are most prominent when the cat exhales and can typically be heard easily by the owner. Some affected cats also develop:

• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite (inappetence; anorexia)

In very severe cases, a cat may present with:

• Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
• Open-mouth breathing
• Pale gums and other mucous membranes (inadequate oxygen intake; cyanosis)
• Hunched shoulders (due to respiratory discomfort and distress)

These severe symptoms can also be seen in cats with pleural effusion and pulmonary edema, both of which typically are associated with heart failure. When the consequences of asthma become this extreme (called “status asthmaticus”), the cat needs immediate veterinary attention. Status asthmaticus is a true medical emergency.

Cats at Increased Risk

Siamese cats seem to be over represented as a breed. Parasitic lung infections are more common in the southern and mid-western United States, while heartworm is more prevalent in the South. While asthma can affect cats of any age, it tends to be seen most frequently in middle-aged cats between 2 and 8 years of age.