How feline asthma causes welfare compromise in affected cats and what medical and environmental management improves quality of life.
Feline asthma is a chronic welfare condition requiring ongoing management to minimize acute attack frequency and severity. The experience of an asthma attack — acute respiratory distress, panic, and air hunger — constitutes significant suffering. Modern management using inhaled medication via spacer devices is more welfare-positive than oral steroids alone. Environmental trigger management including dust control, smoke avoidance, and stress reduction complements medication. Cats with well-managed asthma can maintain excellent quality of life with appropriate veterinary support.