Distinguishing Cat Asthma from Bronchitis: Key Symptoms

What is Feline Bronchitis?

Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the bronchi, which are the medium to large airways in the lungs. Feline bronchitis occurs when the bronchial mucosa of cats becomes inflamed due to various causative factors. It is most common during the spring and autumn seasons or when there are rapid changes in temperature, and it is classified as a respiratory disease. There are both chronic and acute forms, as well as large, small, and diffuse bronchitis. Coughing is the primary symptom, and it may also present with difficulty breathing, which can sometimes occur together. This condition can affect cats of any age and breed. If not treated promptly, it can potentially develop into bronchopneumonia.

Feline bronchitis can be caused by various factors, with the most common being respiratory infections and allergies.

Allergens include:

Tobacco smoke

Dust in the home

Litter dust

Food allergies

Sprays, perfumes, and pollen

Feline bronchitis is categorized into two types: acute and chronic bronchitis.

Acute Bronchitis:

This is usually caused by a viral infection and is characterized by acute, persistent dry heaving and coughing, accompanied by pain and the production of green or yellow phlegm. Some cats may also experience a fever. Acute bronchitis is less common.

Chronic Bronchitis:

Symptoms are similar to those of acute bronchitis, particularly coughing, but they last longer and occur less frequently. Sometimes, there are no symptoms before an outbreak of coughing, and some cats may experience rapid breathing at rest. Chronic bronchitis can also develop from multiple episodes of acute bronchitis and is considered a progressive disease.

Common Symptoms of Feline Bronchitis:

Coughing (the hallmark symptom)

Intermittent dry heaving or vomiting

Fever

Loss of appetite

Lethargy

Sleepiness

Phlegm (yellow or green, which is mucus from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea)

Sneezing

Rapid breathing during rest or sleep

Intermittent difficulty breathing (especially after exercise)

What is Feline Asthma?

Asthma can be loosely defined as a disease of the lower airways that causes airflow limitation, which can be reversible or recoverable with medication.

Airflow limitation is often the result of a combination of airway inflammation and constriction of the smooth muscles in the airways.

Sometimes, the only symptom of asthmainduced airflow limitation is a daily cough, known as coughvariant asthma.

Cats with asthma may exhibit symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and struggling to breathe. In mild cases, symptoms may be occasional short coughs. Some cats may have no symptoms between occasional acute episodes of airway obstruction. In severe cases, cats may experience persistent coughing and multiple lifethreatening episodes of acute bronchospasm.

Allergens That Can Trigger Feline Asthma:

1. Irritating odors, such as perfumes, air fresheners, and scented litter

2. Chemicals, such as new furniture, paint, or the bedding of a new cat

3. Irritating gases, such as smoke from smoking, incense burners, or burning materials

4. Dust inhalation, especially during spring when there are many grasses and pollen outdoors, or when cleaning the house

5. Overweight, which not only increases the burden on the chest and affects breathing but also can lead to other diseases such as feline diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease

6. Changes in the external environment, such as the stress and fear that cats may experience during long car rides or in unfamiliar environments

Bronchitis and asthma can both cause daily coughing, which is the only clinical symptom in many cases. Therefore, it is often impossible to clearly distinguish between the two diseases. However, the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of both conditions are largely overlapping.

Tip: To learn more about feline asthma, you can watch "What Causes Feline Asthma" for more information.