Humans aren’t the only ones that can suffer from asthma. One of the most common respiratory diseases in cats, asthma affects between 1-5% of cats. The average age of cats diagnosed is between 4-5 years. We have several cats that have asthma and receive treatment twice a day. If you think your cat may have asthma, it’s important to see your veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Here’s some helpful information to give you a little background so you feel more prepared for your visit. Described as a constriction of the airways, asthma occurs when the immune system overreacts to an allergen, resulting in inflammation. Cat asthma is not contagious. While it has been hypothesized that genetics may play an underlying role, research in this area is still ongoing. The professional consensus is that if a cat has asthma, symptoms can be triggered by a host of environmental factors. “While the exact cause of feline asthma remains unknown, the prevailing thought in veterinary medicine is that the symptoms of asthma are triggered by an allergic response to inhaled airborne particles,” said Purina veterinarian Dr. Kurt Venator, DVM, Ph.D. and Chief Veterinary Officer. “It can be a challenging condition to manage, as asthmatic cats can react to so many potential irritants in the environment.” Classic signs of cat asthma include difficulty breathing, cat coughing and wheezing, along with many other signs. While it’s not curable, there are simple steps responsible pet owners can take today to help their feline companions breathe easier. Journal Cat Coughing & Wheezing If your cat does have asthma, it can be challenging to discover what is triggering the symptoms. In order to find out, owners will likely have to make changes in their home. Keep a journal and begin eliminating possible irritants. Evaluate and note any changes you see in your cat. This can be a slow process, but it’s vital in order to understand the cause of their symptoms. Remember, the signs of cat asthma can be exacerbated by a myriad of potential irritants in the environment. Minimize Irritants that Can Cause Cats with Asthma to Cough or Wheeze Cat owners are encouraged to avoid any potential environmental irritants such as mold, pollen, cigarette smoke, perfume, dust, etc. Clean your house more frequently, vacuum and change air filters to help keep the air clean. Try to be mindful of household cleaning agents, as some scented cleaners and air fresheners may serve as irritants. We have several cats that must receive aerosol treatments for their asthma. This is done with an aerosol canister that holds the medication to give your cat time to more effectively inhale the medication. The most popular one is the Aerokat. You may get it from Amazon or their website. You do not have to mash it on their face or anything, we just gently hold it and let them breath in the medicine several times. Read more here: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health- center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-asthma-what-you-need-know https://www.purina.com/articles/cat/litter/understanding-cat-asthma