Cats with Asthma

Asthma is not unusual in cats. Asthma is a respiratory condition in which the bronchi (the air passages that go into the lungs) become clogged with mucous and begin to spasm, making it hard to breathe. Most of the time your kitty will appear fine, but when she has an asthma attack, it can be very scary.

The primary symptom during an attack is often coughing, combined with a wheezing sound. She may seem unable to "catch her breath" or appear to be gasping for air. Try to stay calm and if possible, calm her as well.

If you see signs of asthma in your cat, you need to see your vet for an examination and diagnosis. Asthma can be a bit tricky to diagnose. For one thing, your vet is unlikely to witness an asthma attack, although if you kitty has a severe case of asthma he or she may hear some wheezing or shortness of breath.

Your vet will first do a complete physical exam. He or she will then take a chest x-ray to rule out any other respiratory problems. If your vet doesn't find any other cause for your pet's symptoms, he or she will probably prescribe asthma medications and wait to see if those help. If they do, then it can be concluded that the diagnosis of asthma is correct.

Treatment for a cat with asthma generally consists oral medications. There are several different types of medicines from which to choose. Antihistamines help by drying up excessive fluid and mucous in the lungs and bronchi. Steroids work by controlling the inflammation of the airway. Bronchodilators are used to reverse the swelling of the bronchi and control spasms. Sometimes a combination of drugs is prescribed. Your vet will work with you to determine the best treatment regimen for your kitty.

Sometimes breathing treatments are recommended. These are medications that your cat must inhale instead of swallow. If your cat needs to use inhalation medication, your vet will teach you how to administer it. You will be given a face mask to put over your pet's nose (cats breathe through their noses, not their mouths), and it will connect to a short tube (called a spacer) into which you will squeeze a short puff of the medication. Your cat will need to breathe the medication for seven to ten seconds. The breathing treatments are not difficult to administer; it sounds more complicated than it really is. Breathing treatments may be used on a regular basis but may also be used during an asthma attack.

In severe cases, injections of epinephrine may be given during an asthma attack. This will immediately begin to reduce the swelling of the airway. If your cat has severe asthma attacks, your vet will show you how to administer the injection in case it is needed.