Feline Asthma, a Progressive Condition with No Cure

If your cat wheezes, coughs, or hacks, it may have asthma. Symptoms can vary in intensity, ranging from acute respiratory crises to chronic, low-grade coughing, elevated respiratory rate, or increased respiratory effort.

Flare-ups can vary in intensity from mild to life threatening. Although cats can never be truly “cured” of asthma, by carefully monitoring their respiratory effort, keeping an eye out for coughing, and intervening with medication when they need help, owners can help their asthmatic cats live happily for years. The animal health industry is researching therapies to improve the lives of cats afflicted with asthma and give their owners peace of mind.