Emergency — phone the vet now
Within hours
Cat asthma attack
Crouched neck-extended posture, harsh dry cough, open-mouth breathing — phone the vet now; severe asthma attacks can be fatal without prompt intervention.
Recognise the signs
- Crouched, neck extended, harsh dry cough
- Wheezing
- Open-mouth breathing — emergency
- Reduced activity, hiding
First aid steps
- Phone the vet immediately for any open-mouth breathing.
- Move the cat away from possible triggers (smoke, scented sprays).
- Minimise handling.
- If a vet-prescribed inhaler is at home, use as directed.
Do NOT
- Do not give human asthma inhalers without vet guidance.
- Do not chase or stress the cat.
- Do not assume coughing is hairballs.
While transporting to the vet
- Carrier, towel cover, minimum disturbance.
- Phone ahead — oxygen and steroid prep.
When to phone the vet immediately
- Open-mouth breathing
- Blue or grey gums
- Collapse
Common causes
- Allergens — dust, smoke, scented sprays, dusty litter
- Stress can trigger flares
- Chronic underlying airway disease
What the vet will need to know
- Frequency and triggers of attacks
- Current medication
- Phone video of cough
- Recent environmental changes
Aftercare
- Long-term inhaled steroids via AeroKat spacer is standard.
- Identify and remove triggers.
- Regular reviews.
- Most cats achieve good control with proper management.
Prevention
- Smoke-free home.
- Low-dust unscented litter.
- No scented sprays, candles, plug-ins.
- Vacuum and dust regularly.
Breed-specific notes
- Siamese and Oriental breeds appear over-represented.
Frequently asked questions
Will my cat use an inhaler?
Most adapt to AeroKat spacers within days. Owners often see dramatic improvement.
Are oral steroids better than inhaled?
Inhaled deliver locally with fewer side effects; oral may be needed for flares or where inhalers can't be used.
Can asthma be cured?
Not cured but well controlled in most cats with consistent treatment and trigger avoidance.