Feline asthma is caused by allergic inflammation. An integrative approach for asthma in cats that combines conventional medications, alternative therapies, and environmental modifications is often the most successful.
Did you know that up to 5% of all cats will be affected by asthma in their lifetimes? The most common reason for coughing in cats, this condition is also referred to as allergic bronchitis, which names its root cause — allergic inflammation. Symptoms often first appear in young to middle-aged cats, and are triggered by many of the same allergens that affect humans – e.g. mold, pollen, dust and dust mites, cigarette smoke, and household chemicals. If your own kitty has been diagnosed with asthma, know that an integrative treatment approach that includes alternative therapies and environmental modifications often yields the best results.
How is feline asthma diagnosed?
Although coughing most often signals asthma in cats, other causes include intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infections, and heart disease. This means a proper veterinary diagnosis is vital.
- X-rays (radiographs): If your cat is coughing, the first thing your veterinarian will recommend is a series of radiographs of their lungs and heart. Feline asthma has a very specific pattern that is evident with an x-ray. For some cats with early disease, an x-ray will look normal. This may change if your kitty’s asthma progresses, and does not prohibit the initiation of treatment.
- Fecal test: Checking your cat’s stool for parasites is important, especially if he was recently rescued or has access to the outdoors. Some parasites migrate through the lungs, causing inflammation, coughing and wheezing.
- Laboratory testing: Your veterinarian will also recommend lab tests such as a complete blood count, a chemistry panel, a total T4, and a urinalysis. These tests will screen your kitty for other diseases that could be affecting his health.
Integrative approaches for cats with asthma – diet and supplements
For cats that are coughing regularly and have mild to moderate symptoms, I start the treatment plan with alternative therapies.
First off, a diet high in protein and moisture and low in carbohydrates reduces overall inflammation in the cat’s body. I recommend a high quality canned or commercially-prepared raw diet that uses high pressure processing (HPP).
In addition to a good diet, the following supplements may negate the need for steroids (more on these below),or reduce the dosage of steroids required.
- CBD: Hemp extracts rich in CBD also contain other phytocannabinoids and terpenes that help reduce inflammation. I start patients with 2 mg twice daily, given with food.
- Probiotics: The bacteria in your cat’s gut play an important role in immune function. When probiotics are taken orally, a significant change occurs in the bacteria in your cat’s airways. Daily use of probiotics not only supports healthy digestion but may also decrease inflammation in the respiratory tract.
- Chinese herbs: Classical Chinese herbal formulas can play an important role in decreasing allergies and inflammation. A veterinarian who specializes in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine can prescribe an herbal formula customized to your cat’s constitution.
- Fish oil: Omega-3 fatty acids possess proven anti-inflammatory properties for many parts of your cat’s body including their skin, heart, joints and brain.
- Quercetin: This flavonoid is often referred to as nature’s antihistamine, and can help reduce allergic inflammation.
Steroids – the standard conventional treatment
Steroids are the mainstay of the traditional approach to feline asthma. Although many people are concerned about the potential detrimental side effects of steroids, these powerful medications can be effective when needed, if used responsibly. There are three types of steroids that may be used to medicate your kitty:
- Inhaled: Fluticasone is an inhaled steroid given to cats to control lung inflammation. The advantage of inhaled steroids is that they are applied directly to the part of the cat’s body needing treatment, and therefore have fewer side effects in other parts. Fluticasone inhalers can be purchased at your local pharmacy with a prescription from your veterinarian. Most cats are amenable to having the mask placed on their faces, and are only required to take a few breaths after the inhaler is discharged. Fluticasone can be used once or twice daily. It may be prescribed regularly or on an as needed basis.
- Oral: Prednisolone is an oral steroid that comes in tablets, meltable tablets and liquid. This steroid may have a stronger effect on controlling asthma, as well as other inflammation in the body such as inflammatory bowel disease. However, oral steroids may have more side effects than inhalants. Cats that need to be rescued from severe inflammation may take both oral and inhaled steroids at the same time.
- Injectable: This type of steroid is less popular among veterinarians as they are long-acting and harder to control. Cats with severe asthma that aren’t able to be medicated at home benefit from injectable steroids becuase they provide control for weeks or months without the need for daily medication administration.
Side effects of steroids
When given at the correct dose, the majority of cats tolerate steroids and benefit from their use. However, there are a few serious side effects to keep in mind.
- Diabetes mellitus. Occasionally, steroid use causes cats to become diabetic. This frequently occurs at the beginning of treatment and can be reversed if detected quickly. As the steroid dose increases, so does the risk of diabetes.
- Heart failure. For cats with underlying heart disease, steroids may hasten its progression and cause heart failure. Your veterinarian or a veterinary cardiologist can test the function of your cat’s heart before starting him on steroids, if there is a concern.
Medications to open airways
Another class of medications dilates the airways and makes breathing easier for cats in distress. They can be inhaled or given in pill form. These non-steroidal medications are usually paired with steroids for added benefits
While an asthma diagnosis in your cat can feel overwhelming, consulting with an integrative veterinarian who is willing to work with you on a treatment plan, along with taking steps to reducing allergens in your home, will soon have him breathing easier.
Does your cat have a cough or hairball?
Many people assume their cats are expelling a hairball when they have a coughing fit. In reality, coughing kitties are often having asthmatic episodes. When cats cough, they extend their necks, crouch, and make repeated expiratory wheezing sounds. Many cats appear to swallow after the episode. They are not swallowing a hairball, but most likely a small amount of mucus from their lungs.
Environmental modifications
If your cat has asthma, it’s important to make some changes in your home to minimize the burden of allergens that could be affecting him. Here are several ways to do so:
- Consider HEPA filters to remove dust and allergens from the air
- Use a low-dust cat litter
- Vacuum your home and upholstery regularly
- Wash bedding frequently
- Dust surfaces often
- Use natural cleaning products.
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Veterinarian Dr. Angie Krause graduated from Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. She incorporates many modalities into her practice, including acupuncture and herbal formulas as well as laser therapy, myofascial release, physical therapy, nutrition and more. Dr. Angie’s goal is to use the body’s innate healing ability to improve the health and longevity of dogs and cats. She has a house call practice called Boulder Holistic Vet (BoulderHolisticVet.com).