can cats get asthma

Yes, cats can get asthma, and it’s a fairly well-recognized chronic condition in cats, similar in many ways to human asthma.

What cat asthma is

Feline asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower airways (the small tubes in the lungs). When a cat inhales an irritant or allergen, the airways become inflamed, produce excess mucus, and the muscles around them tighten, making it hard for the cat to move air in and out. It is estimated that up to about 5% of cats may be affected, though many cases are mild and go undiagnosed.

Common symptoms to watch for

Typical signs of asthma in cats include:

• Coughing that can look like they’re trying to cough up a hairball (but nothing comes up).
• Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing.
• Rapid or labored breathing, sometimes with open-mouth breathing (this is an emergency).
• Hunched or crouched posture with neck extended and elbows out during an episode.
• Reduced activity, hiding more, or stopping play because of breathing effort.
• In severe attacks, blue-tinged gums or tongue (due to lack of oxygen), which is an emergency.

If a cat is breathing fast, open-mouth breathing, or seems to be struggling for breath, that is a veterinary emergency and they should be seen immediately.

Why some cats get asthma

Asthma in cats is usually triggered by an allergic-type reaction to something in their environment. Common triggers include:

• Cigarette or vape smoke, fireplace or candle smoke.
• Dust, dust mites, and dusty cat litter.
• Mold or mildew.
• Pollen or grass.
• Strong scents like perfumes, air fresheners, aerosol sprays, and some cleaning chemicals.
• Certain household chemicals or sprays.

Any breed can be affected, but Siamese and Himalayan cats seem to be overrepresented in some reports.

Diagnosis and vet care

Vets usually diagnose asthma by combining:

• History and description of episodes (videos from home are very helpful).
• Physical exam and listening to the lungs.
• Chest X‑rays to look for airway changes typical of asthma.
• Sometimes bloodwork, fecal tests (to rule out parasites), or airway washes/bronchoscopy in complex cases.

Because cough and breathing issues can also come from heart disease, infection, pneumonia, or foreign bodies, it’s important not to assume it’s asthma without a vet’s assessment.

Treatment and daily management

Cat asthma cannot be “cured,” but it is often very manageable long term.

Common treatments include:

• Inhaled medications : Steroid inhalers (via special cat masks/spacers) to reduce airway inflammation; sometimes bronchodilator inhalers to open the airways during or before episodes.

• Oral medications : Steroids or bronchodilators by mouth, especially at the beginning or in more severe cases.

• Emergency care : Oxygen, injectable steroids, and bronchodilators at the clinic during a serious attack.

• Environmental control : Using dust-free litter, avoiding smoke and aerosols, using air purifiers, reducing dust and mold, and avoiding strong fragrances in the home.

Many owners on forums describe their asthmatic cats living comfortably for years once on the right combination of inhaler therapy and home environment adjustments.

Quick answers to common questions

• Can cats get asthma? Yes, it’s a real and relatively common condition.

• Is it dangerous? It can be, especially during severe attacks, but with treatment many cats do well long term.

• Can I treat it at home without a vet? No; you can support with environmental changes, but medication and diagnosis need a vet.

• Does it look like a hairball? Often yes, which is why asthma coughs are frequently mistaken for hairball episodes.

If you suspect your cat might have asthma, the safest next step is to book an exam with a veterinarian and, if possible, bring a clear video of the coughing or breathing episodes.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.