Can a cat have asthma?

Cats can and often do have asthma. When a cat experiences an asthma attack, the small passageways in its lungs become constricted and become thicker, causing respiratory difficulty. Coughing and wheezing can also occur if the cat's lungs release mucus into the cat's airways.

The symptoms of asthma in cats can range from severe to mild, with some cats having just a slight but persistent cough as a symptom. All feline asthma cases can become serious quite quickly, making veterinary attention necessary for any cat with a chronic cough. Asthmatic cats under extreme stress or exposed to allergens are more prone to experiencing severe asthma attacks.