What Are the Symptoms & Causes of Asthma in Cats?

Much of the symptoms and causes of feline asthma are the same as human asthma, but it is important to decipher feline asthma from similar conditions.

  1. Pulmonary Reaction

    • Allergic reactions cause spasms of the bronchi restricting air flow, swelling, which can make it difficult for the cat to breathe.

    Primary Symptoms

    • Coughing, wheezing, gagging, general breathing difficulties, or hunching of the shoulders with the neck extended are some symptoms of feline asthma.

    Breathing Rate

    • The normal breathing rate for a cat is 20-30 breaths per minute. Over 30 breaths per minute may be a sign your cat is having difficulty breathing.

    Common Misdiagnosis

    • According to veterinarians, cat coughing can seem like passing a hairball, and sometimes goes undiagnosed.

    External Causes

    • Common triggers of feline asthma include scented cat litters, smoke, household products like cleaners and aerosols, pollen, mold, mildew, and dust.

    Internal Causes

    • Food allergies can bring about an allergic asthmatic attack in cats. Stresses such as having company over or moving can also cause immunodeficiency.