Asthma in Cats: Understanding the Root Causes

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects many cats, causing symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. While it can be alarming to witness your cat experiencing asthma symptoms, understanding the causes can help you manage the condition and improve your pet’s quality of life. This article explores the common causes of asthma in cats and offers insights into managing and preventing it.

What are the Common Symptoms of Asthma in Cats?

• Coughing

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About 80% of cat asthma symptoms manifest as coughing, which can sometimes be mistaken for spitting up hairballs.

• Shortness of breath

A cat's respiratory rate increases dramatically during an asthma attack. Normal resting respiratory rate is 24 to 30 breaths per minute, but if it exceeds 40 breaths, attention is needed.

• Open Mouth Breathing

When a cat's asthma symptoms are severe, open-mouth breathing can occur, indicating that the cat may be having difficulty breathing.

• Panting

Cats will experience a distinct wheezing sound when breathing, which is caused by bronchoconstriction and narrowing of the airways.

• Difficulty breathing

Severe asthma attacks can lead to symptoms such as difficulty breathing and even cyanosis (bluish gums and lips) in cats.

Related: Why Is My Cat Breathing Fast​

• Hen Squatting Position

Cats will assume a hen squatting position, stretching their necks out and pressing them against the ground; this is to make it easier to breathe.

• Drowsiness and reduced activity

As a result of breathing difficulties, cats may decrease their activity level and become lethargic.

These symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the asthma and the frequency of allergen exposure. Some cats may only have occasional attacks, while others may have daily attacks.

What Causes Asthma in Cats?

Environmental Triggers

1. Allergens
   • Dust Mites
     • Dust mites are microscopic organisms that thrive in warm, humid environments, such as bedding and carpets. Cats are exposed to dust mites when they lie on carpets or sleep in their beds. When a cat inhales dust mite allergens, it can trigger an allergic reaction in the airways. The immune system mistakes these harmless substances for harmful invaders and mounts an immune response, leading to inflammation in the lungs and airways, which is a characteristic of asthma.
   • Mold Spores
     • Mold can grow in damp areas of a cat's living environment, like basements or poorly ventilated bathrooms. When mold spores are released into the air and inhaled by cats, they can cause irritation and inflammation in the respiratory tract. The spores can act as allergens, triggering the immune system to overreact and resulting in asthma - like symptoms.
   • Pollen
     • Outdoor cats are more exposed to pollen, especially during the spring and summer months when pollen levels are high. Different types of plants release pollen into the air, and when cats inhale these pollen grains, their immune systems may react abnormally. The pollen can cause inflammation in the nasal passages, throat, and lungs, contributing to the development of asthma symptoms.

2. Smoke and Air Pollutants

   • Cigarette Smoke
     
     • Second - hand cigarette smoke is extremely harmful to cats. The chemicals in cigarette smoke, such as nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide, can irritate a cat's delicate respiratory system. When cats are exposed to cigarette smoke regularly, it can damage the cilia in their airways that help to keep the airways clean. This damage can lead to inflammation and an increased risk of developing asthma.
   • Household Chemicals
     • Cleaning products, such as bleach, ammonia - based cleaners, and aerosol sprays, can release fumes that are irritating to a cat's lungs. If these chemicals are used in a poorly ventilated area where the cat is present, the cat may inhale the fumes. Over time, repeated exposure to these chemicals can cause inflammation in the airways and potentially contribute to the development of asthma.
   • Airborne Particles
     • In urban areas, there may be a higher concentration of airborne particles such as dust, soot, and vehicle exhaust emissions. Cats living in these environments may inhale these particles, which can lodge in their airways and cause irritation. The body's immune response to these foreign particles can lead to chronic inflammation in the respiratory system, increasing the likelihood of asthma.

3. Infections

   1. Respiratory Infections
      • Viral Infections
        • Feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus are common viral infections in cats. These viruses can infect the upper respiratory tract and, in some cases, spread to the lower respiratory tract. When a cat has a viral infection, it can damage the cells lining the airways. This damage can make the airways more sensitive and prone to developing inflammation, which is a key factor in asthma.
      • Bacterial Infections
        • Bacterial infections, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica, can also affect a cat's respiratory system. Although these bacteria may not directly cause asthma, they can exacerbate existing airway inflammation. If a cat has a pre - existing respiratory condition or a weakened immune system, a bacterial infection can further damage the airways and increase the risk of developing asthma - like symptoms.

4. Diet and Obesity

   1. Food Allergies
      • Some cats may be allergic to certain ingredients in their diet, such as proteins (e.g., beef, fish, or chicken) or grains. When a cat ingests a food it is allergic to, it can cause an allergic reaction that may not only affect the digestive system but also the respiratory system. The immune system may release histamines and other inflammatory mediators, which can lead to inflammation in the airways and potentially contribute to asthma.
   2. Obesity
      • Obesity is a growing problem in cats. Excess weight can put pressure on a cat's chest cavity and lungs, making it more difficult for the cat to breathe. Additionally, obese cats are more likely to have a compromised immune system. The combination of reduced lung function and a weakened immune response can increase the risk of developing respiratory problems, including asthma.

How to Treat Asthma in Cats?

The treatment of asthma in cats consists of the following.

①Medication

Corticosteroids: such as prednisolone and dexamethasone, which can be used to control inflammation.
Bronchodilators: e.g. aminophylline, terbutaline to relieve bronchospasm.
Antihistamines: e.g. paracetamol, diphenhydramine, etc. to relieve allergy symptoms.
Antibiotics: used to prevent secondary infections.

②Inhalation therapy

Drug inhalation using inhalers and masks e.g. Flixotide.

③Oxygen therapy

Provide additional oxygen support to relieve breathing difficulties during an asthma attack.

④Environmental management

Reduce exposure to allergens, e.g. dust mites, pollen, smoke.
Use an air purifier to keep the air clean.
Avoid using cat litter that generates dust easily and clean the litter box regularly.

⑤Other treatments

Stem cell therapy: Studies have shown that early application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to treat asthma is effective in delaying and reducing the major symptoms of the disease.

Desensitization therapy: Serum allergen assay based on IgE receptors to induce tolerance and thus immune cure through the use of closely matched allergens, but may require concurrent glucocorticoid therapy.

Omega-3 fatty acids/nutraceuticals: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3PUFA) are enriched in cell membranes and are involved in the process of inflammatory response modulation, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inflammatory cells, which in turn has anti-inflammatory effects, but are not suitable as monotherapy.

Inhaled lidocaine: nebulized lidocaine (2 mg/kg, TID) for 2 weeks reduces airway hyperresponsiveness but does not attenuate airway eosinophilia, and no adverse effects have been observed with nebulization; further studies are needed to determine if it can be used to treat airflow limitation in spontaneous feline asthma.

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: BALF eosinophilia and lung compliance were reduced in cats treated with the Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) masertinib (50 mg/d orally) in the experimental feline asthma study, but there are dose limitations, and further studies are needed before TKI therapy can be routinely recommended.

Also Read: Understanding and Managing Cat Asthma Attacks

How to Prevent Asthma in Cats?

1.Environmental Management

Reduce allergens

• Use low-dust cat litter, such as paper litter or “low-dust” cat litter, and avoid using litter that generates dust easily.
• Minimize the use of fragrances, air fresheners, styling sprays, etc. (at least not in front of your cat), as the chemicals in these items can be allergens.
• Do not smoke in the home; second-hand smoke is extremely irritating to asthmatic cats.
• Keep the home environment clean, vacuum and dust more often to reduce the accumulation of dust and allergens.
• Try not to use carpets, as they easily absorb dust, dander and allergens and are not easy to clean.
• Control air quality and use air purifiers to filter out airborne dust, pollen, smoke and other particles that may trigger asthma.

2.Dietary management

Choose hypoallergenic prescription food to avoid food allergy triggering asthma.
Control your cat's weight. If your cat is overweight, weight loss may be able to reduce symptoms of respiratory distress, as obesity can worsen lung function.

3.Avoid exposure to allergens

Reduce your cat's outdoor exposure; outdoor environments have more irritants that can easily trigger asthma.
Avoid exposure to unsafe plants and pollens, and stay away from cats when using sprays.

4.Regular care and checkups

Brush your cat's hair regularly to prevent hairballs and avoid respiratory discomfort caused by the hair.
Take your cat to the hospital for regular checkups to check for parasites and to detect and treat diseases that may trigger asthma.

5.Emergency Preparedness

Prepare emergency medications, such as the bronchodilator drug aminophylline tablets, for quick use in case of emergency.
For cats that may be exposed to parasites and regular routine deworming.

FAQs

Conclusion

Asthma in cats can be caused by a range of environmental and biological factors, including allergens, irritants, infections, and genetic predispositions. Understanding the triggers and managing your cat’s environment can help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. Always consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment to ensure your cat lives a comfortable, healthy life.