A Las Vegas cat owner discovered her pet had asthma after seeing a video on TikTok—prompting a wave of awareness online and advice from veterinarians.
In a video posted in February by user @lifewithmaple_, her calico cat Maple is seen crouched and coughing, as if trying to expel a hairball. But nothing comes out. The caption reads: “Cat owners, this is what feline asthma looks like.” In the post, she wrote: “I thought she had a fur ball, but after looking more into it—thanks to TikTok—we found out Maple has asthma.”
Veterinarians confirmed to Newsweek that the behavior shown in the video likely points to asthma, a chronic respiratory condition caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
Dr. Jamie Richardson, head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Veterinary, explained that common signs include coughing, wheezing, labored or rapid breathing, open-mouth breathing, and a hunched posture with an extended neck. In severe cases, gums may turn blue due to lack of oxygen. “Asthma symptoms can be confused with hairball coughing,” Richardson said.
Dr. Maggie Placer, a feline health expert with EveryCat Health Foundation, added that while hairballs come from the digestive tract, asthma affects the respiratory system. “Many cat caregivers don’t realize the difference at first,” she said.
Feline asthma can range from daily to seasonal episodes and may cause appetite loss or weight loss. It is often triggered by allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, or household irritants like cigarette smoke, perfumes, and aerosol sprays. Stress, obesity, and respiratory infections can also worsen symptoms.
Richardson recommends keeping the home clean and allergen-free. Using unscented, dust-free litter and avoiding smoke, candles, and strong cleaners can help reduce asthma flare-ups. Air purifiers and proper ventilation are also important.
Veterinarians treat asthma with anti-inflammatory medications, bronchodilators, and, in emergency cases, oxygen therapy. Steroids are commonly used—first in oral form, and then as inhalers for long-term care. In some cases, immunotherapy or stem cell treatment may be considered.
Placer emphasized the importance of reducing stress when handling a cat during a sudden asthma attack. “Stress can make breathing even harder,” she said.
Certain breeds, such as Siamese and other Oriental breeds, are more likely to develop asthma. Most cats are diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 8. Environmental exposure and genetics both play a role.
“If your cat shows signs of asthma, it’s important to see a vet as soon as possible,” Richardson advised. “Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference.”
The TikTok clip has since gone viral, with more than 2.2 million views and over 146,700 likes. Users flooded the comments with similar experiences.
One commenter, Chloe Spoonemore, wrote: “Just found out our cat has asthma. The vet saw lung inflammation on an X-ray, and now we’re doing albuterol breathing treatments.”
Another user, Nani, shared: “My cat was developing asthma, but I changed her litter to a dust-free option, and she hasn’t been coughing since.”
Aichiyorukimi added: “My cat had worse asthma attacks before she got diagnosed. Always go to a vet if your cat is doing this!”
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