Feline asthma and the coughing cat

Coughing is not a common symptom in cats

Coughing is not a common symptom in cats. It generally indicates a lower respiratory or lung disease in cats. Asthma is the most frequent cause of coughing in cats. Siamese cats seem to be predisposed to asthma.

Feline asthma is similar to asthma in people. It is an allergic lung disease that causes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. Cats commonly have flare ups during allergy season. Like people, dust, pollen, and smoke may precipitate or exacerbate asthma symptoms.

Feline asthma is diagnosed by a veterinarian with chest x-rays, blood work such as a complete blood count, and by ruling out other conditions that mimic feline asthma. Feline heartworm disease is occasionally mistaken for feline asthma. Pneumonia, heart failure, lung parasites, and cancer also cause coughing in cats.

Once diagnosed, feline asthma can be controlled but not cured. Steroids are frequently used to control feline asthma. Methylprednisolone is a long acting steroid injection given by a veterinarian that is highly effective in controlling a cat's asthma symptoms. The only oral steroid that seems to be effective for cats with asthma is prednisolone. Prednisolone comes in liquid or pill form. Corticosteroids, while extremely effective, can have significant complications such as diabetes and liver disease in cats.

Bronchodilators such as albuterol, terbutaline, and theophylline may be used along with steroids to control severe asthma symptoms in cats. They come in inhalers, oral liquids, tablets, or by injection by a veterinarian.

The hallmark of feline asthma is it's chronic, cyclic, progressive cough. Sudden worsening or acute bronchoconstriction is life threatening. It is important to obtain a diagnosis of feline asthma early on in the course of the disease. And, once diagnosed, it is imperative to see your veterinarian at the first signs of wheezing or coughing in a cat.

Feline asthma and the coughing cat

By: Pamela Dragos

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