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Feline asthma is a recurring inflammation of the small airways that lead to the lungs. The small passage ways or bronchioles become thick with mucus and eventually spasm and collapse as a cat tries to inhale. It is a chronic condition that can occur at anytime during a cat's lifespan. An asthma attack can range from mild to severe and can be fatal. Signs of an asthma attack can vary from a chronic cough or wheezing to shallow breaths and breathing with the mouth open.

When a cat has an asthma attack it will usually assume a crouched position with the neck and head extended forward. The cat will appear to be coughing but it is actually trying to force air out of the lungs so it can inhale as much air as possible. There is a distinct wheezing and with some cats the tongue and gums may appear slightly bluish in color.

For many pet owners a mild asthma attack can be mistaken for coughing. Usually the owner will think the cat is coughing up a fur ball. However, when the coughing is chronic and is accompanied by noisy breathing (even after the coughing has stopped) it is more likely to be an asthma attack. Some cats will have repeated attacks for days or weeks before a pet owner realizes that something is wrong.

If a cat is coughing regularly and there are no signs of a fur ball it is critical to take the cat to the vet. The earlier asthma is diagnosed the better the outcome. Treating the early or mild stages of asthma can help manage the disease and can also play a role in preventing it from becoming more severe.

Feline asthma is diagnosed by an x-ray which will clearly indicate small rounded donut shaped objects on the bronchioles. The lining of the small airways appear thicker than normal and there is a presence of donuts on the bronchioles. The donuts are indicative of a mucous buildup in the airways and are a clear sign of asthma.

The treatment for feline asthma can include corticosteroid medications which can be taking orally, through an injection or via an inhaler.
While there are no specific causes of asthma there are certain triggers the can lead to an asthma attack. These triggers include cigarette smoke, dust, fumes, pollen, scented sprays, scented cat litters, high dust cat litters and other air pollutants. Stress also plays a major role in the onset of an asthma attack.

To reduce the triggers associated with feline asthma try switching to a dust free, scent free kitty litter, avoid the use of unnecessary scented or chemical sprays, switch to organic cleansers, keep the cat in a separate room when cleaning, painting or even deodorizing a room to prevent the cat from coming into contact with triggers. A cat will walk on a freshly cleaned or deodorized floor and then lick its paws thereby ingesting the fluids or chemicals that were used to clean.

Simple precautions and proper medication can help an asthmatic cat live a long and healthy life.

Learn more about this author, Krista Tannahill.
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