Feline asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease causing breathing difficulties that range from mild to life-threatening, significantly affecting cat quality of life.
Asthmatic cats experience distressing breathing difficulty, particularly during acute attacks which cause obvious respiratory distress, panic, and oxygen deprivation. Between attacks, airway inflammation may cause subclinical discomfort and exercise intolerance. The chronic nature of the condition requires consistent management to prevent suffering, and owners who recognize early warning signs can prevent many life-threatening emergency situations.