Why does my cat need an inhaler?
Feline asthma and bronchitis cause narrowing and swelling of the airways in the lungs. Most cats with asthma will experience coughing, difficulty breathing, open-mouth panting, and other signs of respiratory distress. If left untreated, death may occur in severe cases.
For cats with frequent and persistent symptoms, treatment involves administering corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation, and a bronchodilator that helps relax the muscles in the lungs, allowing the airways to open. Some bronchodilators also help to reduce inflammation and help clear mucus.
One way to give these medications is by inhaler (or puffer), which delivers the steroids directly to the lungs. For cats with only occasional symptoms, the inhaler may only be needed when an asthmatic event occurs. Depending on the severity of the disease, an inhaler can be a lifesaver for cats suffering from asthma.
Why is inhaled medication better for my cat than oral medication?
Long-term oral corticosteroid use in cats often produces harmful side effects, including diabetes mellitus. An inhaled steroid appears to be more effective than an oral one for the symptoms of feline asthma and bronchitis, and inhaled steroids are associated with fewer side effects than oral steroids.
Is there a specific type of inhaler for cats, and how do I use it?
The inhaled medications used to manage feline asthma and bronchitis are human medications, but they must be delivered using a special aerosol chamber designed for cats (AeroKat). The inhaler canister attaches at one end of the chamber, and a soft face mask covers the cat’s mouth and nose at the other end of the chamber.
Fluticasone propionate (Flovent®) is the most commonly used inhaled corticosteroid, and albuterol/salbutamol (Ventolin®) is the most commonly used inhaled bronchodilator. Some veterinarians recommend combining fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair®), another bronchodilator.
Your veterinarian will discuss these treatments with you and prescribe the best medications for your cat’s condition. Most cats readily accept using the aerosol chamber and inhalers with little anxiety or nervousness, and administration of the medication takes only a few seconds.
To help your cat stay calm while receiving their inhaled medications, introduce the mask slowly, over about a week. Try putting a few kibbles or treats in the mask for your cat to eat, then having your cat breathe room air through the mask, without the inhaler, which will make it much easier to medicate your cat in the future.
Most cats need one to two weeks of oral medication to control their initial case of asthma, so you can use that time to help your cat accept the inhaler. Your veterinarian will demonstrate safe and correct use of the inhaled medications and the aerosol chamber.
What follow-up is needed for these medications?
If your cat has been diagnosed with feline asthma, they will require long-term medication, possibly for life. It is essential that you follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully, as they will be specific to your cat.
- If your cat was given an injection of corticosteroids, relief should be apparent within 12–24 hours. If water consumption or urination increases, inform your veterinary team. These side effects are common with steroids and should go away in a few days. Long-term use of corticosteroids in cats may lead to serious side effects.
- If an oral corticosteroid is prescribed, your cat may require dose adjustments until their symptoms are under control. If instructions for lowering the dose aren’t on the label, call your veterinary team for instructions.
- Return for further evaluation when at the first signs of respiratory distress or noisy breathing.
- Measure your cat’s breathing by counting how many breaths they take per minute while sleeping. If this number is over 30 breaths per minute, or increases consistently, their asthma could be worsening.
- Your cat will require a recheck examination to monitor their progress.
- If your cat has a respiratory emergency, call your veterinarian immediately.
Instructions for Using an Asthma Inhaler
- Verify that the inhaler you are using matches your veterinarian’s current prescription. Inhaled asthma medications come in multiple sizes and concentrations.
- Remove the safety cap from the asthma medication inhaler.
- Shake the inhaler well for 5 to 10 seconds, then insert it into the right end of the aerosol chamber.
- Place your cat on your lap, a towel, or a soft surface.
- Place the aerosol chamber mask around your cat’s nose and mouth. Ensure that you have a good seal around your cat’s face.
- Deliver the prescribed number of puffs of medication into the chamber. If your cat reacts to the noise, try delivering the puffs while holding the chamber away from your cat, then placing the mask over their nose and mouth.
- Hold the inhaler mask in place for five to six breaths. Watch the indicator tab on the chamber to know if your cat took a deep enough breath to inhale the medication.
- Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations regarding the frequency of administration as prescribed.
- Reward your cat with praise and a treat after dosing.
Be sure to replace your cat’s inhaler before it is empty. Most inhaled medications are metered to show how many doses are left. Monitor the number of remaining doses, so you do not run out. If you are unsure, shake and test the puffer before administering it.
