Feline asthma affects 1-5% of cats and causes episodic airway constriction ranging from mild coughing to life-threatening respiratory crises. Effective long-term management reduces suffering and hospitalizations.
Cats experiencing asthmatic episodes suffer acute respiratory distress that is genuinely frightening. Chronic unmanaged asthma causes progressive airway remodeling that worsens the condition over time. Long-term management with inhaled corticosteroids significantly improves welfare by reducing both acute episodes and chronic airway inflammation. Environmental trigger removal - switching to low-dust litter, eliminating aerosols and smoking indoors - is often highly effective. Owners trained to recognize early episode signs and administer bronchodilators can prevent escalation to emergencies.