Feline Asthma and Bronchitis: Welfare Management

Feline Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis

Feline asthma is one of the most common respiratory conditions in cats, affecting an estimated 1–5% of the domestic cat population. It is characterised by reversible bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation, triggered by hypersensitivity to inhaled allergens. Chronic bronchitis involves airway inflammation without the reversible bronchoconstriction component. Both conditions cause significant welfare compromise through chronic respiratory difficulty, episodes of acute distress, and the anxiety associated with breathing impairment.

Pathophysiology

Feline asthma is an immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction involving:

IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation triggered by inhaled allergens
Eosinophilic airway inflammation
Smooth muscle bronchoconstriction (acute, reversible with bronchodilators)
Progressive airway remodelling with chronic disease — airway wall thickening, mucus gland hyperplasia

Common triggers include cigarette smoke, dust from cat litter, aerosol sprays, cleaning products, pollen, mould spores, and carpet dust.

Clinical Signs and Welfare Impact

Cats with asthma/bronchitis experience:

Coughing: Often mistaken for hairball attempts — a squatting, neck-extended posture with wheezing or honking cough
Wheezing: Audible expiratory wheeze from bronchoconstriction
Dyspnoea (breathing difficulty): Increased respiratory effort, abdominal breathing, extended neck
Acute bronchospasm: A life-threatening emergency — cat in respiratory distress, open-mouth breathing, cyanosis
Exercise intolerance: Reduced activity due to dyspnoea
Anxiety: Breathlessness causes significant distress and anticipatory anxiety about attacks

Chronic respiratory difficulty reduces quality of life substantially. Cats experience ongoing effort to breathe normally and episodic acute fear during bronchoconstriction attacks.

Diagnosis

Thoracic radiographs: Characteristic hyperinflation, air trapping, peribronchial pattern ("doughnut" sign); 25% have normal radiographs
Bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL): Cytology shows eosinophilia (asthma) or neutrophilia (chronic bronchitis)
Echocardiography: Rule out cardiac disease causing respiratory signs
Blood eosinophilia may support diagnosis but not reliably specific

Treatment

Corticosteroids

The cornerstone of treatment — reduce airway inflammation:

Inhaled corticosteroids (fluticasone via feline-specific spacer/mask — AeroKat): Preferred for long-term management — reduces systemic side effects
Oral prednisolone: Highly effective; used for induction or when inhaler administration is not possible
Injectable methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol): Monthly injection — convenient but less titration flexibility

Bronchodilators

Inhaled salbutamol (albuterol) via AeroKat: First-line rescue bronchodilator for acute attacks
Oral or injectable terbutaline: Used in clinic for acute bronchoconstriction
Bronchodilators treat bronchoconstriction but do not address underlying inflammation — use alongside steroids

Environmental Management

Reducing trigger exposure is a critical welfare intervention:

Switch to low-dust, unscented cat litter (avoid clay/clumping types)
Use HEPA air purifiers in rooms where cat spends most time
No smoking in the home (cigarette smoke is a major feline asthma trigger)
Avoid aerosol sprays, scented candles, diffusers, plug-in air fresheners
Vacuum frequently using HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner
Wash bedding weekly in hot water

Emergency Response for Acute Attacks

Acute bronchospasm is a veterinary emergency:

Administer rescue inhaler (salbutamol) if available and trained to use
Transport to vet immediately — oxygen therapy and injectable bronchodilators may be required
Keep cat calm and minimise handling
Pre-arrange emergency protocol with vet clinic in advance