What are the signs of asthma in cats?

Asthma causes inflammation and narrowing of the small airways. During an episode, a cat may make a whistling sound, cough as though trying to bring up a hairball, breathe quickly, or use the abdomen noticeably. Some cats crouch low, stretch the neck forward, and keep the elbows away from the chest. Between episodes they may seem normal, which can make the problem easy to miss. Dust, smoke, fragrances, sprays, dusty litter, and other airborne irritants can aggravate breathing, but similar signs can also come from infection, heart disease, or another lung problem.

Keep the cat quiet and move it away from smoke, sprays, dust, or strong scents. Avoid chasing or restraining it unnecessarily because stress can increase breathing effort. Contact a veterinarian for repeated cough, wheeze, or fast breathing; record a short video if this can be done without delaying care. Diagnosis may involve an examination, chest imaging, and tests to rule out other causes. Only use inhalers or other medicines prescribed specifically for that cat.

Go to an emergency veterinarian for open-mouth breathing, blue or grey gums, collapse, severe effort, or a cat that cannot settle because it is struggling to breathe. Keep the carrier level and the environment cool and calm during transport. A severe episode can become life-threatening quickly, so do not wait for the cat to recover on its own.

Ask whether asthma is the likely cause, which household irritants to remove, how to give prescribed inhaled medicine, and how to recognise an episode early. Discuss follow-up checks and whether a nebuliser treatment plan is appropriate.