Yes, cats can have asthma and bronchitis that seriously interfere with their breathing. A severe asthma attack can be life threatening. Feline asthma and bronchitis usually first occur between the ages of two and six.

It is estimated that about 1% of cats have asthma, with Siamese cats being the most likely breed to have the condition. Feline asthma may be triggered by allergens or stress or may be the result of a respiratory infection.

Cats experiencing an asthma attack will have great trouble breathing. A mild attack may sound like coughing and is over fairly quickly. However, in a severe attack, the cat may lie down in a prayer position and pant with their mouths open for an extended period of time.

Your vet can diagnosis whether you pet has asthma and can recommend treatment. Asthma in cats can be treated successfully but not cured - just like in people. Your vet should check the general health of your cat through a physical exam, blood work, and urinalysis. The vet may also perform a chest x-ray or a bronchoscopy (a procedure that allows the vet to see the airways and sample the mucus lining of the bronchi).

If your cat is diagnosed with feline asthma, there are usually two types of treatment. One is for emergencies and contains a bronchodilator such as aminophylline  that  relaxes the muscles surrounding the airways. Second is routine treatment with corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drugs to decrease the inflammatory symptoms of feline asthma. Some cats only need their medicines intermittently when the condition flares up, but others do better on continuous doses of medicine.

In terms of prevention, you should remove triggers from the cat’s environment. This may include: scented cat litter, dust, mildew, perfumes, aerosol fragrance sprays, and other scented cleaning products. For more information feline asthma causes and treatment, check out ***KittenCare from the United Kingdom***.

Posted by Barbara.