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When should my young cat with asthma start steroids for coughing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 1 year and 6 months old

My 18 month cat has asthma and is on theophylline. He coughs once every morning when he gets up. Sometimes he may cough once at night after eating, but this is once in awhile. How do I know if he needs to be put on steroids, how bad does the asthma have to be. I really don't want such a young cat on such strong meds. He is playful and always interacting with my other kitty. Sometimes I think the cough is a hairball like yesterday?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 13th, 2017

If he starts to have an elevated respiratory rate, difficulty breathing, or increased cough than he may need a steroid. If he is only coughing a few times a day and otherwise seems fine than it doesn't sound like he needs a steroid, yet.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Poor kitty. It is unfortunate he has to deal with asthma at such a young age. I would suggest treating him with steroids early to avoid irreversible damage to his lungs and bronchi. I hear you when you say you don't want him on strong medication. However you should know that cats tolerate steroids quite well, and at low enough doses they have less of a chance to cause immune suppression and other diseases like diabetes and Cushings. Once you start the steroids and have him on it a while, you can taper him down to once every day, once every other day and even once or twice a week in some cases. Inhaled steroids, although daunting at first, can really help the quality of life for your pet without many side effects.

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