Is Your Cat Coughing or Wheezing? Understanding Feline Asthma

Cats are elegant, independent, and sometimes a little secretive about how they’re really feeling. This makes it tricky to spot health issues early,  especially when it comes to breathing problems. What might seem like a small cough or wheeze could, in fact, be a sign of feline asthma.

Asthma in cats can become serious if left untreated, but with the right care, it can be managed successfully. At Northern Beaches Mobile Vet, we want to help you recognise the signs, understand what’s happening in your cat’s lungs, and know the steps you can take to keep them breathing comfortably.

Just like humans, cats can react to allergens in their environment. Feline asthma is a long-term inflammatory condition affecting the lower airways (the bronchi). When inflamed, the airways narrow, making it harder for cats to breathe.

This condition often develops in young to middle-aged cats and is commonly triggered by irritants such as dust, pollen, mould, or even household sprays and cleaning products.

Cats are skilled at hiding illness, so spotting asthma early can be challenging. Some warning signs include:

• Persistent coughing or hacking (sometimes mistaken for hairballs)

• Wheezing or noisy breathing

• Breathing with the mouth open, especially after light activity

• Fast or laboured breathing (watch the belly moving with extra effort)

• Less interest in play or increased lethargy

• Choosing to hide or withdrawing from usual activities

In more severe situations, cats may sit hunched with elbows out and neck extended. This is a clear emergency sign,  seek veterinary care immediately.

Asthma is usually linked to allergens or irritants. Common triggers include:

• Dusty or scented cat litter

• Cigarette smoke

• Mould spores or pollen

• Household sprays, perfumes, and cleaning products

• Dust mites and other indoor allergens

When exposed, the immune system overreacts, leading to airway inflammation and breathing difficulties.

Diagnosis involves a thorough history, physical exam, and often a combination of tests such as:

• Chest X-rays: checking for changes in the lungs

• Airway sampling (BAL):  to assess inflammation

• Blood tests:  ruling out other causes and checking for allergies

• Faecal testing:  ruling out lungworm infections

Because asthma symptoms can overlap with conditions like pneumonia or heart disease, accurate diagnosis is essential.

While feline asthma can’t be cured, it can be well controlled. Treatment may include:

1. Corticosteroids:  to reduce inflammation (oral or inhaled forms)

2. Bronchodilators:  to relax and open narrowed airways, often via inhaler

3. Environmental management:  minimising allergens with low-dust litter, avoiding smoke and sprays, using air purifiers, and vacuuming with a HEPA filter

4. Emergency care:  if a severe attack occurs, urgent veterinary treatment may include oxygen, injectable medication, and rapid-acting bronchodilators

With the right management, many cats with asthma live happy, active lives. Some may need daily medication, while others only require treatment during flare-ups.

At home, monitoring your cat’s breathing can help. A normal resting rate is around 20-30 breaths per minute. If this increases or your cat shows signs of struggling, reach out to your vet promptly.

If your cat is wheezing, coughing, or breathing heavily, don’t wait. The earlier asthma is diagnosed, the better the outcome.

Book a consultation with us today!