Feline Asthma Types

Feline asthma is a chronic lung disease commonly mistaken for hair balls. It has been referred to as chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma and allergic bronchitis. The scientific name for feline asthma is Feline Bronchial Disease Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Feline asthma involves the lungs and lower airways of the cat. Feline asthma can occur in cats of all ages and is prevalent in about 1 percent of the population.

  1. Food-Induced Asthma

    • Food can cause allergic reactions in cats even if the food has been fed for years. An allergic reaction can develop over time but appear suddenly. Sensitivity to the food ingredient may last forever and must be omitted from the diet permanently. Common food ingredients that cause asthma symptoms include: wheat, milk, gluten, tuna and the preservatives added to cat food. Foods with several ingredients are more likely to cause an allergic reaction than one containing a minimal amount.

    Pollen-Induced Asthma

    • Pollen is a very common cause of asthma. Pollen is released from weeds, trees and grasses. Asthma caused by pollen is very widespread and difficult to avoid. Pollen floats through the air and can be tracked inside through clothing. Grass pollen is the most common asthma trigger, although trees, fungi and flowers can play a role.

    Cat Litter-Induced Asthma

    • Cat litter can be a source of irritation to cats. Cat litter that is heavily scented and dusty may aggravate or inflame respiratory tissues. Clay cat litter can be more offensive. Natural type cat litters such as pine and cedar can damage the respiratory tract and cause respiratory disease and asthma due to the acids found in the wood. Litter made from corn or wheat can also trigger a reaction if the cat is allergic to these ingredients in the food.

    Smoke-Induced Asthma

    • Smoke is considered a significant lung irritant when inhaled and a common asthma trigger. However, smoke from candles, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves can cause a reaction. Scents lingering from these irritants can cause problems as well.

    Household Allergens

    • Household sprays, aerosols, powders, dryer sheets and room deodorizers aggravate asthma symptoms. Even products like deodorant, hair spray, talcum powder and potpourri can trigger an asthmatic reaction. Many scented products are very problematic when inhaled. Some forms of insulation cause allergic reactions in cats.

    Dust-Induced Asthma

    • Dust and dust mites commonly trigger asthma in cats. Dust can contain many different substances including fabric fibers, mold spores, food particles, human skin and microscopic animals called mites. Animal dander, cockroaches and dust mites are the most common sources of feline asthma caused by dust substances.

    Vaccine-Induced Asthma

    • Vaccines given yearly can cause the onset of asthma. Many holistic vets recommend not vaccinating cats once they are diagnosed with asthma. Vaccines are labeled to be given only to healthy cats.