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May 22 2025
Home » News » May Is Asthma Awareness Month Lets Talk About Cats Who Cough
If you’ve ever caught your cat crouched low to the ground, neck extended, hacking like they’ve got a hairball, but nothing comes up, there’s a good chance it wasn’t just a hairball. May is Asthma Awareness Month and it’s a perfect time to discuss a disease that affects roughly 1%–5% of cats.
Feline asthma is a chronic condition that affects a cat’s lower airways—the small tubes that carry air into the lungs. When an asthmatic cat breathes in something normally harmless, like pollen, dust, or mold, their body over-reacts to it.
This kind of response is called an allergic reaction, and it’s the same basic mechanism behind things like hay fever in people. The culprits that set off these reactions are known as allergens. These are everyday particles floating in the air that most animals ignore but can cause serious inflammation in cats (and people) with asthma. Common allergens include dust from cat litter, cigarette smoke, mold, household sprays, and even perfumes.
When a cat with asthma inhales one of these triggers, the lining of their airways swells up. Their airway muscles tighten, and mucus starts to build up. All that makes the airways narrower—so it’s suddenly much harder for your cat to breathe.
Cats are known for being private creatures, but asthma symptoms tend to give them away—if you know what to look for. If you see any of these big red flags, contact your veterinarian immediately:
Diagnosing asthma involves ruling out other causes of coughing or breathing trouble, like infections, heartworms, parasites, or even tumors. Vets may use a combination of the following tests:
While there’s no cure for feline asthma, treatment can make a huge difference. The main goals of treatment are reducing inflammation, opening the airways, and avoiding triggers. Most cats can live full lives with consistent care. Here’s what treatment might include:
Swap out dusty cat litter, avoid sprays or scented products, and clean regularly to reduce dust buildup. Air purifiers can help too.
If your cat is overweight, slimming down can ease strain on the lungs and decrease overall inflammation.
Some cats benefit from diets designed to lower allergic responses, although it may take time to see results.
Caring for a cat with asthma is a bit like managing a chronic condition in humans—it takes attention and consistency. Keep a symptom diary, follow the treatment plan closely, and watch for signs of flare-ups. With the right approach, your cat can enjoy a happy, active life.
And since it’s Asthma Awareness Month, now’s the perfect time to check in on your pet’s health. Got questions? Don’t hesitate to talk to your vet.
Because when it comes to asthma—feline or otherwise—awareness is the first step to better breathing.
LifeLearn News
Note: This article, written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written permission of Lifelearn. Please note that the news information presented here is NOT a substitute for a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian.
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