Bronchitis in cats

Bronchitis causes cats to cough. While your cat’s coughing may seem like a minor problem or a hairball, if the cough persists speak to a vet.

Bronchitis in cats is the inflammation of the airways within the lungs. It causes coughing in cats. This inflammation can be sudden, if due to an new infection, or it may be long-lasting (chronic). About 1% of the cat population is affected by chronic bronchitis.

Overview

What is bronchitis in cats?

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the lining of the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs, called bronchi and bronchioles.

There are many causes of bronchitis in cats.

Acute bronchitis has a sudden onset due to:

Airway irritation by inhalation of foreign material
Bacterial or viral infections
Parasite infections, such as heartworm and lungworm

The main symptom of bronchitis is coughing. If the cough lasts more than two months, the bronchitis is referred to as chronic and includes two very similar diseases feline asthma and feline chronic bronchitis. Possible causes include:

Inhalation of irritants like tobacco smoke, air pollutants
Inhalation of allergens
Inhalation of bacteria associated with dental disease
Recurrent respiratory infections (bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungus).

Chronic bronchitis in cats develops slowly and can get worse over time.

Symptoms

Symptoms of bronchitis in cats?

You might notice some or all of the following in your cat:

Coughing
Hacking
Wheezing
Laboured, rapid and open-mouthed breathing
Crouching with the neck extended
Lethargy
Nose discharge
Sneezing
Vomiting

Risk

Are some cats at higher risk of bronchitis than others?

Acute bronchitis can affect cats of any age.
Chronic bronchitis usually develops in middle-aged to older cats. There is no obvious breed or gender predisposition. Siamese cats may be more frequently affected.

Diagnosis

How do vets diagnose bronchitis in cats?

Detailed clinical history of the concerns you have and symptoms your cat shows
Hands-on examination including listening to your cat’s heart and chest
X-rays
Blood and urine tests

Your vets might also recommend:

Faecal test
Heartworm blood test
Lower airway evaluation and sampling: This involves passing a bronchoscope (a small camera on a flexible tube) through the mouth and down the throat to visually examine the lower airway while your cat is under anaesthesia. Samples of tissue and airway secretions may be collected during this procedure for additional testing.

Vet treatment

What is the treatment for bronchitis in cats?

Your vet might recommend one or more of the following, based on your cat’s specific needs:

Antibiotics: They are most commonly used to treat acute bronchitis, but may also be used in some cases of chronic bronchitis.
Worming treatment
Steroids by mouth or inhalation
Cough medication
Bronchodilators: to open inflamed and narrowed airways, allowing your cat to breathe more easily

Home treatment

How to help your cat with bronchitis

Acute bronchitis:
- Keep your cat indoors so you can monitor them
- Offer soft food to encourage them to eat if they are struggling with that

Chronic bronchitis:
- Remove environmental triggers: minimise exposure to tobacco smoke, dust mites, dusty cat litter, and other common household irritants that can worsen your cat’s symptoms.
Maintain a healthy weight.

Prevention

How to prevent bronchitis in cats

Take your cat to your vet for yearly checkups so any problems can be identified and treated early
Keep worming treatment up to date
Keep your cat’s home environment clean and smoke-free.

When to worry