Is Your Cat Wheezing? It Could Be Feline Asthma

Cats are graceful, independent creatures and sometimes a little mysterious. That’s part of their charm, but it can also make it hard to tell when something’s wrong. Even subtle changes in behaviour or breathing can point to a more serious issue.

Feline asthma is a great example. It’s often overlooked or mistaken for something minor, but if left untreated, it can become a serious and even life-threatening condition. As vets, our goal is to help you spot the early signs, understand what’s happening in your cat’s airways, and feel confident in managing the condition so your cat can breathe easier and stay well.

In spring, many of us feel the effects of pollen and other airborne allergens, and it’s not just humans who are affected. Cats can react too, especially those with asthma.

Feline asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the lower airways (the bronchi), causing them to become inflamed, swollen, and narrowed. This makes it harder for your cat to breathe. It shares similarities with human asthma and is typically triggered by environmental irritants like dust, pollen, mould, or household chemicals.

While it can develop at any age, it’s most commonly seen in young to middle-aged cats

Cats are experts at hiding illness, so asthma can be tricky to spot in the early stages. But if you know what to look for, you can catch it sooner. Common signs include:

• Frequent coughing or hacking (often mistaken for a hairball)
• Wheezing or raspy, noisy breathing
• Open-mouth breathing or panting, especially after mild exercise
• Rapid or laboured breathing (watch for the belly working harder than usual)
• Lethargy or less interest in play
• Hiding or seeming withdrawn

In more severe cases, you might see your cat sitting in a hunched posture with elbows out and neck extended - this is a red flag that your cat is struggling to breathe and needs urgent care.

If any of these signs sound familiar, especially if they’re happening regularly, it’s time to see your vet.

Asthma in cats is usually caused by an allergic reaction. Common triggers include:

• Dusty or scented cat litter
• Cigarette smoke
• Pollen or mould spores
• Household sprays, perfumes, and cleaning products
• Dust mites and other indoor allergens

When a cat with asthma is exposed to these irritants, their immune system overreacts, causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

Diagnosis starts with a thorough history and physical exam. From there, we may recommend tests such as:

• Chest X-rays:  to check for signs of bronchial thickening or hyperinflated lungs
• Airway cytology or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL):  to assess inflammation at a cellular level
• Blood tests:  to rule out other causes and check for allergic response markers
• Faecal testing:  to rule out lungworm, which can also cause coughing

It’s important to distinguish asthma from other respiratory issues like pneumonia, heart disease, or chronic bronchitis, as each requires a different approach.

There’s no cure for feline asthma, but it can be effectively managed with the right care plan. Treatment usually includes:

1. Corticosteroids

These reduce inflammation in the lungs. Oral medications like prednisolone are often used initially, but long-term, an inhaled steroid (such as fluticasone via a feline-friendly inhaler like AeroKat) may be recommended to minimise side effects.

2. Bronchodilators

These help open up narrowed airways, especially during flare-ups. Some can be delivered through an inhaler to provide quick relief.

3. Environmental Management

Minimising exposure to triggers is just as important as medication. Steps you can take include:

• Switching to dust-free or low-dust litter
• Avoiding smoking or using aerosols indoors
• Using air purifiers to reduce allergens
• Vacuuming frequently with a HEPA filter

4. Emergency Support

If your cat has a severe asthma attack - showing signs like open-mouth breathing, bluish gums, or collapse - get them to a vet immediately. Emergency treatment may include oxygen therapy, injectable steroids, and bronchodilators.

With ongoing treatment and regular monitoring, most cats with asthma live full, happy lives. Some may need daily medication, while others only require treatment during flare-ups.

It helps to keep an eye on your cat’s breathing at home. A normal resting breathing rate is about 20-30 breaths per minute. If that rate increases or if you notice more coughing or effort while breathing, contact our friendly team.

If your cat has been coughing, wheezing, or breathing heavily, it’s always worth getting it checked out. Early diagnosis and management can make a big difference to your cat’s comfort and quality of life.

Book a check-up with us today and let’s help your feline friend breathe easier.