Feline asthma, a condition affecting 1 to 5% of cats, targets the lower airways of their lungs. This condition, often referred to as allergic asthma, is triggered by inhaled allergens that provoke an overreaction from a cat’s immune system. Understanding what happens during a Cat Asthma Attack is crucial for pet owners to provide timely and effective care.
When a cat predisposed to asthma inhales an allergen for the first time, their body starts producing specific antibodies against it. Upon subsequent exposure to the same allergen, these antibodies recognize it and initiate a complex immune response. This response leads to the migration of various immune cells to the airways, triggering the release of inflammatory substances. Inflammation causes irritation, swelling, and constriction of the airways. Consequently, the airway diameter narrows, and mucus accumulates, as illustrated in Figure 1. These combined effects significantly restrict airflow, making it difficult for the cat to breathe, resulting in a cat asthma attack.
Cats are typically diagnosed with asthma between 4 and 5 years of age. While breed predisposition is not definitively established, some studies suggest a potential link with Siamese cats. Sex does not appear to be a factor in asthma susceptibility.
Clinical Signs of a Cat Asthma Attack
Recognizing the signs of a cat asthma attack is vital for prompt intervention. Cats experiencing an asthma attack may exhibit a range of symptoms, from subtle to severe. These can include difficulty breathing, characterized by increased effort and rapid breaths, wheezing sounds, coughing or hacking, and even open-mouthed breathing in severe cases. Some cats might also vomit as a secondary sign of respiratory distress. The intensity of these signs can vary, ranging from acute, life-threatening respiratory crises to chronic, milder symptoms like persistent low-grade coughing or increased respiratory rate. Palpating the throat area may sometimes trigger these signs. During a cat asthma attack, a characteristic posture is often observed: cats may hunch close to the ground, extending their necks forward, as shown in Figure 2. This posture is a clear indication of respiratory distress and the need for immediate attention.
Diagnosis of a Cat Asthma Attack
Diagnosing a cat asthma attack and underlying feline asthma requires a comprehensive approach, as there is no single definitive test. Veterinarians rely on a combination of the cat’s medical history, clinical signs, and diagnostic tests. If asthma is suspected, the veterinarian will consider factors such as the onset and progression of symptoms, potential allergen exposure, and rule out other conditions. Imaging studies, microscopic evaluation of airway secretions (cytology), and sometimes blood and allergy testing are essential components of the diagnostic process.
Visualizing the lungs is a crucial part of diagnosing feline asthma. Radiographs (X-rays) are commonly used and can reveal characteristic patterns in asthmatic cats, although not always. These patterns often include a bright branching appearance along the airways due to inflammatory cell accumulation, as depicted in Figure 3. Overinflation of the lungs, caused by trapped air in constricted airways, may also be visible on radiographs. Computed tomography (CT) scans, providing three-dimensional images, can offer a more detailed assessment and help differentiate asthma from other airway diseases, although its use in feline asthma diagnosis is still evolving.
Bronchoscopy, involving a flexible camera inserted into the airways, allows direct visualization and sample collection. This procedure, performed under sedation or anesthesia, can reveal distinctive changes in the airway lining characteristic of asthma, although similar changes can occur in other respiratory diseases. Cytological analysis of airway samples may show elevated inflammatory cells, but this finding is not exclusive to asthma.
A critical aspect of diagnosing a cat asthma attack is to exclude other conditions that mimic asthma. Chronic bronchitis, lungworm infestation, parasitic migration to the lungs, and infectious pneumonias can present similar signs and test results. Misdiagnosis is a concern because treatments for these other conditions might be inappropriate or even harmful for cats with asthma. Therefore, a thorough diagnostic process is essential to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for a cat asthma attack.
Treatment and Management of Cat Asthma Attacks
Treatment for a cat asthma attack and long-term management of feline asthma typically involve medications to reduce airway inflammation and open up constricted airways. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment, effectively reducing inflammation in the lungs. Bronchodilators, which dilate the airways, are often used in conjunction with corticosteroids. Both drug types are available in oral, inhaled, and injectable forms, allowing for tailored treatment plans based on the severity of the cat asthma attack and the cat’s individual needs. While corticosteroids can be used alone, bronchodilators are usually not effective as a sole treatment because they do not address the underlying inflammation driving the asthma.
Other therapies for feline asthma are under investigation. Allergen desensitization (allergy shots), omega-3 fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory drugs targeting specific metabolic pathways show promise but require further research to confirm their efficacy and safety. Environmental modifications, such as air purification and allergen avoidance, are often recommended, mirroring human asthma management, but their effectiveness in cats is not yet rigorously proven.
Prognosis for Cats Experiencing Asthma Attacks
Feline asthma is often a progressive, chronic condition. While a complete “cure” is not currently possible, effective management allows cats to live comfortably for many years. Cats with asthma may experience flare-ups, or cat asthma attacks, of varying severity throughout their lives. Owners play a vital role in managing their cat’s asthma by closely monitoring their breathing, watching for coughing or wheezing, and administering medication as needed, especially during a cat asthma attack. With diligent monitoring and appropriate veterinary care, cats with asthma can maintain a good quality of life and enjoy a happy existence.
Updated July 2014
