Treating Asthma in Cats

Dog Breeds

Cat owners who have a cat that suffers from asthma can take heart in the fact that there are a number of helpful treatments which are effective for treating asthmatic cats. In addition to prescription medications, a change in life style may also reduce asthmatic attacks.

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Introduction

Owners of asthmatic cats can take comfort from the fact that there are a number of treatments available to minimize the symptoms and consequences of this disorder. Once asthma is diagnosed, the veterinarian will try to identify the underlying cause(s) of the allergic reaction. Owners are encouraged to keep an “asthma diary,” which records when the cat has an asthma attack, the severity of the attack and how long the attack lasts. While it may seem burdensome, an accurate record of a cat’s asthmatic episodes can help identify their asthmatic triggers. The goals of treating feline allergic bronchitis are to stabilize respiratory function, alleviate inflammation and remove the inciting allergens from the cat’s environment, if at all possible. Of course, all of these goals are designed to make the cat as comfortable as possible.

Treatment Options

Cats with allergic bronchitis should be treated aggressively in order to minimize long-term airway inflammation and corresponding chronic bronchial damage. Cats with acute severe asthma attacks should be hospitalized until the crisis has passed. Sedation and administration of oxygen may be necessary to stabilize the animal. In emergencies, the veterinarian will probably administer one or more injectable medications to relieve acute respiratory distress.

A number of medications can help to reduce the number and severity of asthma attacks. Once the disorder becomes chronic, however, complete resolution may not be possible. The most common treatment protocol is administration of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, together with bronchodilators to help inhibit airway constriction. These medications both can be given orally or in an inhaled form. In the past, nebulizers were used to administer inhaled medical treatments to asthmatic cats. However, nebulizers are difficult to use on animals – especially on cats. More recently, form-fitting metered-dose inhalers have become available. These inhalers are specifically designed to fit a cat’s muzzle and are especially helpful to administer bronchial dilation medications in acute situations. Asthmatic cats also often benefit from periodic oral anti-histamines.

In cats with secondary bacterial infections, antibiotics that penetrate airway secretions may be recommended as well. Incorporation of antibiotic therapy usually follows evaluation and culture of airway samples. If the cat has associated heart or lung parasite involvement, medications called anthelminthics can be prescribed based on the specific parasite involved. Finally, cough suppressants are available for cats suffering from prolonged or exhausting non-productive coughs. Antihistamines and cough suppressants are used cautiously in cats, because coughing is a helpful and normal mechanism for clearing airway secretions.

Environmental and life-style changes are also important. Cats with asthma usually limit their activity level on their own. Obese cats should be placed on a calorie-restricted diet under the supervision of a veterinarian, because obesity can exacerbate the symptoms of asthma. Affected animals should be housed in a stress-free, clean, calm environment, preferably indoors, with a high-quality diet and free access to fresh water. An in-house air filter can be helpful to many asthmatic cats. Air conditioning and furnace filters should be changed regularly.

Prognosis

The prognosis for cats with asthma ranges from good to grave, depending on the extent of disease, frequency of attacks and response to treatment in a given individual. If the inciting allergen can be identified and avoided or removed, the prognosis is quite good. Life-long symptomatic treatment will be necessary in most other cases to enable affected cats to lead relatively normal lives, with a fair prognosis depending upon the extent of permanent damage to and scarring of lung tissue. Some cats, unfortunately, do not respond well to treatment, and they have a much more guarded prognosis.

Diagnosis and Tests