March 10, 2026, 10:43 am | Read time: 7 minutes
Yes, cats can get asthma too. Unfortunately, many people overlook early signs or misinterpret them. PETBOOK editor Saskia Schneider lost a cat to the disease herself and explains why even veterinarians were late to diagnose it, and what owners should definitely watch out for.
Overview
What Is Feline Asthma?
Feline asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower airways, specifically the bronchi. Inflammation of the mucous membrane, increased mucus production, and cramping of the bronchial muscles lead to a narrowing of the airways, known as bronchoconstriction.1
Cats between the ages of two and eight are most commonly affected. This was also about the age when our first cat, Kila, showed symptoms. However, we didn’t recognize them at the time. We didn’t think much of Kila panting or starting to cough after playing. The disease is considered incurable but can be well controlled with consistent treatment in most cases. Perhaps an earlier diagnosis and better education could have saved her life.
Typical Symptoms
Clinical signs can initially be mild and worsen in episodes over time. Many cats exhibit a chronic or recurrent cough, often mistaken by owners for an attempt to cough up a hairball. Wheezing or whistling breathing sounds and prolonged, strained exhalation are also typical. The ability to endure physical activity often decreases, and affected animals appear more quickly exhausted.
In severe cases, acute respiratory distress occurs with mouth breathing, rapid and noticeably strained breathing, and a typical posture with the head extended forward and elbows spread apart.
With Kila, we particularly noticed the panting—which we dismissed as “she’s just worn out”—and the coughing. Initially, we thought it was a heart condition, and the vet also suspected that at first. That was over 15 years ago. Today, it’s known that coughing cats usually don’t have heart problems but often suffer from a respiratory disease.2
Possible Triggers of Asthma in Cats
In many cases, feline asthma is based on an allergic or environmental reaction. Typical triggers include cigarette smoke, scented candles, air fresheners, perfume, dusty cat litter, or aggressive cleaning agents. Pollen, mold, and house dust mites can also play a role. Often, no single allergen can be clearly identified, complicating the search for causes.3
We couldn’t identify a cause for Kila either. The asthma occurred both in winter and summer. An important factor often underestimated: Stress further exacerbates the symptoms. In hindsight, this significantly contributed to the rapid decline in our cat’s health.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history, including questions about the duration and intensity of the cough and potential environmental exposures. A chest X-ray provides important clues, as typical changes such as ring-shaped structures (“donuts”), tramline-like consolidations, or lung overinflation can be visible. We had to go to a specialized heart clinic for cats, which then made the diagnosis.
A fecal examination is used to rule out lungworms, which can cause similar symptoms. The most informative method is bronchoalveolar lavage, where fluid is introduced into the airways under anesthesia and then retrieved for cytological examination. Additionally, other conditions such as heart problems, tumors, pneumonia, or pleural effusions must be ruled out.4
Therapy
In an acute emergency, stabilizing the cat is the priority. Respiratory distress requires immediate veterinary treatment with oxygen administration and bronchodilator medications like terbutaline or salbutamol. Corticosteroids are used to reduce the inflammatory swelling of the bronchial mucosa. In particularly severe cases, temporary artificial ventilation may be necessary.
The long-term therapy aims to control chronic inflammation and keep the airways permanently open. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment and are preferably administered by inhalation, as this form targets the lungs directly and causes fewer systemic side effects than tablets. Fluticasone is often used.5
Inhalation at Home
Bronchodilators are also used, which can be either short- or long-acting. Inhalation is done using a spacer with a breathing mask, to which the cat should be gradually accustomed. The major advantage of this therapy form is the direct local effect with a reduced burden on the entire organism.
However, that’s easier said than done, as our cat was not at all thrilled with the inhaler. It’s also difficult to give the animal treats or lickable paste at the same time. Therefore, training should be built up gradually but never forced, as stress worsens the disease. Inhalation should also be performed as regularly as possible.6
How to Get Your Cat Used to Inhalation
Very few cats accept having the inhaler simply placed on them. Most reject it consistently. Therefore, this approach should not be forced. It’s best to start by teaching your cat that there’s always something great when the inhaler is brought out. Every interaction with the cat is then rewarded: every sniff at the device, touching it, or even just looking at it.
After a few times, take the inhaler and start touching the cat with it. Initially on the paws, later on the head. Important: If the cat feels uncomfortable, take a step back in the training. For us, it ultimately worked best by feeding Kila something tasty after inhalation and staying calm during training.
Supportive Measures
In addition to medication, managing the environment plays a crucial role. A smoke-free home is essential, as is dust-free cat litter and good room ventilation. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can further reduce allergen exposure.
Overweight should be avoided or gradually reduced, as it further complicates breathing. Stressful situations should be minimized as much as possible. Omega-3 fatty acids or antioxidant vitamins can be used as supportive measures, although these do not replace veterinary therapy but merely complement it.
When to Go to the Vet Immediately?
A cat with mouth breathing, noticeably strained breathing, or bluish mucous membranes must be immediately treated by a veterinarian. If an emergency medication administered does not improve the situation within 15 to 30 minutes, it is an urgent situation. Respiratory distress in cats should always be considered a medical emergency.
Asthma in Dogs: When Your Pet Struggles to Breathe
Recognizing and Treating Lungworm Infestation in Cats
Prognosis
Feline asthma is a chronic condition that requires lifelong therapy. However, if detected early and treated consistently, many cats can lead a nearly normal and active life.
However, the disease should be taken seriously, and the animal should be spared any stress. Despite medication and regular inhalation, Kila died when I was away for two weeks at a seminar. This put the cat under massive stress. At the same time, some renovation work was being done in the apartment—we thought it was a good time since I was away.
Conclusion: Incurable, but Not Necessarily Fatal
Whether it was ultimately the stress or the dust that caused such a massive deterioration in the cat that she died in the oxygen tent at the clinic can unfortunately no longer be answered today. However, one thing is certain: If asthma in cats is left untreated, the disease leads to structural remodeling of the airways over time, which can increasingly worsen the symptoms.
Kila was only eight years old. She showed first symptoms at the age of two, but we didn’t receive a diagnosis until she was almost six. Her condition probably deteriorated so rapidly because too much damage had already been done to her body by the disease. It is all the more important to not only recognize symptoms early but also take them seriously.