Title: Feline asthma

{{Short description|Cat allergy}}
'''Feline asthma''' is a common [[allergy|allergic]] respiratory disease in [[cat]]s, affecting at least one percent of all adult cats worldwide.  It is a chronic progressive disease for which there is no cure. Common symptoms include [[wheeze|wheezing]], [[cough]]ing, labored breathing and potentially life-threatening [[bronchoconstriction]]. There is conjecture that the disease has become more common due to increased exposure to industrial [[pollution|pollutants]]. Feline asthma can also be attributed to lung damage caused by long-term exposure to second-hand smoke.

==Signs and symptoms==
[[File:Cat Fluffy having a couching fit.webm|thumb|An adult cat having a coughing fit]] 
Feline asthma occurs with the [[inflammation]] of the small passageways of a cat's lungs. During the attack the lungs will thicken and constrict, making it difficult for the cat to breathe. [[Mucus]] may be released by the lungs into the airway, resulting in fits of coughing and wheezing. Some cats experience a less severe version of an asthma attack and only endure some slight coughing. The obvious signs that a [[cat]] is having a respiratory attack are: coughing, wheezing, blue lips and gums, squatting with shoulders hunched and neck extended, rapid open mouth breathing or gasping for air, gagging up foamy mucus, and overall weakness.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|date=2017-10-16|title=Feline Asthma: What You Need To Know|url=https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-asthma-what-you-need-know|access-date=2020-09-15|website=Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine|language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;

==Diagnosis==
Owners often notice their cat coughing several times per day. Cat coughing sounds different from human coughing, usually sounding more like the cat is passing a [[hairball]]. [[veterinary physician|Veterinarians]] will classify the severity of feline asthma based on the medical signs. There are a number of [[disease]]s that are very closely related to feline asthma which must be ruled out before asthma can be diagnosed. [[Lungworm]]s, [[Dirofilaria immitis|heartworms]], upper and lower respiratory infections, [[lung cancer]], [[cardiomyopathy]] and lymphocytic plasmacytic stomatitis all mimic asthmatic symptoms. Medical signs, pulmonary radiographs, and a positive response to steroids help confirm the diagnosis.

While radiographs can be helpful for diagnosis, airway sampling through transtracheal wash or bronchoalveolar lavage is often necessary. More recently, computed tomography has been found to be more readily available and accurate in distinguishing feline tracheobronchitis from bronchopneumonia.

==Treatment==
Although feline asthma is incurable, ongoing treatments allow many domestic cats to live normal lives.{{cn|date=March 2024}} Feline asthma is commonly managed through use of [[bronchodilators]] for mild cases, or [[glucocorticosteroids]] with bronchodilators for moderate to severe cases.

Previously, standard veterinary practice recommended injected and oral medications for control of the disease. These drugs may have systemic side effects including [[diabetes]] and [[pancreatitis]]. In 2000, Dr. Philip Padrid pioneered inhaled medications using a pediatric chamber and mask using [[fluticasone]] and [[salbutamol]]. Inhaled treatments reduce or eliminate systemic effects.&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|title=Treatment Instructions for Asthma and Bronchitis in Cats|url=http://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/treatment-instructions-for-asthma-and-bronchitis-in-cats|access-date=2020-10-06|website=vca_corporate|language=en}}&lt;/ref&gt;&lt;ref&gt;{{Cite web|title=Diagnosing and treating feline asthma (including the use of inhalants) (Proceedings)|url=https://www.dvm360.com/view/diagnosing-and-treating-feline-asthma-including-use-inhalants-proceedings|access-date=2020-10-06|website=DVM 360|date=August 2011 }}&lt;/ref&gt; In 2003 a chamber called the AeroKat Feline Aerosol Chamber was designed specifically for cats, significantly improving efficiency and reducing cost for the caregiver. Medicine can also be administered using a human baby spacer device.&lt;ref&gt;Homfray, Matthew, &quot;Feline Asthma - Investigation and Treatment&quot;,  (2007, March 26). EzineArticles.com. Retrieved February 2, 2010.&lt;/ref&gt; Inhaled steroid usually takes 10–14 days to reach an effective dose.

==Prevention==
Feline asthma and other respiratory diseases may be prevented by cat owners by eliminating as many [[allergen]]s as possible. Allergens that can be found in a cat's habitual environment include: [[pollen]], [[Mold (fungus)|mold]]s, dust from cat litter, perfumes, room fresheners, carpet deodorizers, hairspray, aerosol cleaners, cigarette smoke, and some foods. Avoid using cat litters that create excessive dust, scented cat litters or litter additives. Of course eliminating all of these can be difficult and unnecessary, especially since a cat is only affected by one or two. It can be very challenging to find the allergen that is creating asthmatic symptoms in a particular cat and requires a lot of work on both the owner's and the veterinarian's part. But just like any disease, the severity of an asthma attack can be propelled by more than just the allergens, common factors include: [[obesity]], [[stress (psychological)|stress]], [[Parasitism|parasites]] and pre-existing heart conditions. Dry air encourages asthma attacks so a humidifier, especially during winter months, is advised.

==Risk factors== 
Studies show that cats between the ages of two and eight years have the greatest risk of developing a respiratory disease.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}} Siamese and Himalayan breeds and [[breed]] mixes seem to be most prone to asthma.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}} Some studies also indicate that more female cats seem to be affected by asthma than male cats.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

==Notes==
{{reflist}}

==References==
{{Morefootnotes|article|date=September 2020}}
*Feline Asthma with Fritz the Brave:[http://www.fritzthebrave.com veterinarian-approved protocol, photos, video and information]
*Dr. Serina J. Hillerson, DVM, March 1, ''Cat Fancy''.
*Dr Susan Little, DVM [https://web.archive.org/web/20061205060357/http://winnfelinehealth.org/health/asthma.html &quot;Feline Asthma - Updated Information], winnfelinehealth.org.
*College of Veterinary Medicine, [[Michigan State University]] [https://web.archive.org/web/20060901085338/http://www.cvm.msu.edu/research/mregl/feline.htm &quot;Feline Asthma&quot;].
*AeroKat(tm) Feline Aerosol Chamber [http://www.aerokat.com Trudell Medical International]
*[[Cat]] Asthma Symptoms, [[wheeze|Wheezing]], Treatments, and [[Breed]]s. (n.d.). Pet Health Center | Veterinary Care and Information from WebMD. Retrieved April 4, 2013, from http://pets.webmd.com/cats/asthma-symptoms-cats
*Feline Asthma &amp; Other Respiratory [[Disease|Disorders]]. (n.d.). Feline Asthma &amp; Other Respiratory Disorders. Retrieved April 4, 2013, from http://www.felineasthma.org/medications/index.htm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901091620/http://felineasthma.org/medications/index.htm |date=2013-09-01 }}
*{{cite journal |id={{ProQuest|217698296}} |title=Feline asthma treatments under review |journal=DVM |volume=33 |issue=7 |date=July 2002 |page=20S }}
*{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|1123860737}} |last1=Gagliardi |first1=Kathy |title=Feline asthma: What you need to know |work=The Daily Camera |location=Boulder, Colorado |date=1 October 2012 }}
*Clair Chesterman. (2019, Jan 17). Best Cat Inhalers For Asthma: Ultimate Comparison from [https://technomeow.com/best-cat-inhaler-masks-this-year/ Technomeow]

==See also==
*[[Asthma]]
*[[Winn Feline Foundation]]

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090825110957/http://www.felipedia.org/~felipedi/wiki/index.php/Asthma Felipedia]
*[http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&amp;S=0&amp;C=0&amp;A=665 ''Feline Asthma'' from The Pet Health Library]

{{Domestic cat}}

[[Category:Cat diseases]]
[[Category:Asthma]]