Feline allergic bronchitis, also known as feline tracheobronchitis or feline asthma, is common in cats. While the diagnosis may appear to be frightening, the symptoms can be controlled so that your cat can live a happy life. Treatment of Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats the symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention.

What Is Cat Bronchitis?

Bronchitis is a condition in which your cat's lower airway, including the trachea and bronchioles, becomes inflamed. This inflammation can cause an increase in secretions as well as a narrowing of the airway, making oxygen delivery harder for your cat.. It might be an acute disease with reversible abnormalities in your cat's airway, or it can be a chronic disease with changes in your cat's airway that persist anywhere from two to three months and are irreversible. Feline bronchitis, sometimes known as asthma, is highly similar to human allergic asthma.

Symptoms of Bronchitis in Cats?

A dry, hacking cough is the most typical symptom of asthmatic cats. Coughing cats stoop low and stretch out their necks. You'd be correct if you thought this sounded like a cat coughing up a hairball. You might think your cat is coughing up a hairball the first few times you hear it. On the other hand, a natural cough will not result in a hairball on your floor.

Other frequent bronchitis symptoms in cats include whistling or wheezing with each breath (generally more audible on exhale than inhale) and increased difficulty breathing.

It's possible that this difficulty breathing will escalate to open-mouth breathing. Panting, or open-mouth breathing, is not a natural behavior in cats like in dogs, and if you notice your cat suddenly panting, you should seek veterinary medical help right once. 

As your cat's bronchitis worsens, you may notice a drop in energy and more time spent lounging around the house. It's worth noting that cats with bronchitis don't usually lose their appetite or develop a fever. Depending on the cause, your cat's bronchitis symptoms may be cyclical, seasonal, or even constant.

Cat Bronchitis Symptoms

• Panting
• Coughing that is dry and hacking.
• Squatting low and extending the neck
• With each breath, whistling or wheezing
• Squatting low and extending the neck
• Breathing with an open mouth
• Energy levels are dropping.

Cat Bronchitis Causes

Any number of airway irritants, allergies, bacterial infections, or even parasites like lungworm or heartworm can cause or worsen feline bronchitis.

It may be impossible to pinpoint the exact source of your cat's bronchitis. This is due to various causative agents and the type of tests required to rule out each cause. Testing for each particular reason can take a long time and be expensive. Cigarette smoke, perfume, carpet cleaners, scented laundry detergents or fabric softeners, and even essential oil diffusers might irritate the airways.