Cough, Cough, Wheeze, Wheeze: Is it a Hairball or Does Your Cat Have Asthma?

Feline asthmatic bronchitis is caused by inflammation of the small airways of the lungs. Environmental pollution (including cigarette smoking, candle and incense burning), pollens, molds and grasses all can trigger asthma in a susceptible cat. Some cats have problems with asthma during the Winter, in climates where forced-air heating is used. Others begin to cough in the Spring, when the windows are opened. Still others are affected year-round.

Coughing is typically the foremost clinical sign of asthma in cats. Unlike dogs and humans, cats rarely cough from heart disease. The astute human guardian may detect wheezing from their asthmatic cat and these kitties tend to have a pronounced breath on expiration. They may be lethargic and either stop eating or drastically reduce their food intake.