Feline asthma affects an estimated 1-5% of cats and causes episodic bronchoconstriction that can be life-threatening, with inhaler therapy offering superior welfare outcomes compared to systemic medication.
Respiratory distress is one of the most acutely distressing experiences any animal can endure - the inability to breathe effectively triggers panic in addition to the physiological consequences. Feline asthma causes episodic respiratory crises that, without treatment, can cause oxygen deprivation and death. Inhaled medications allow more precise drug delivery to the airways with fewer systemic side effects than oral steroids. Training cats to accept inhaler delivery takes patience but represents a major welfare improvement over repeated oral medication. Identifying and eliminating environmental triggers is the most welfare-positive long-term management strategy.