Cat Asthma Inhaler: How to Use a Spacer and Mask Step by Step

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Feline asthma, a chronic inflammation of the airways, affects a significant number of cats. For many, the best treatment is a daily puff of an inhaled steroid, much as in people. The idea of putting a mask on a cat is daunting, but with training, most cats learn to accept it. This guide builds on feline asthma.

Why inhalers

Oral steroids work, but they affect the whole body, and can cause side effects such as diabetes, weight gain and urinary infections in some cats. Inhaled steroids deliver medicine straight to the airways, with little reaching the rest of the body, so they allow long-term control with fewer side effects. A rescue bronchodilator opens the airways quickly during an attack.

The equipment

• Metered-dose inhaler (MDI). The pressurized canister that holds the drug.
• Spacer chamber. A small tube, designed for cats, that holds the puff, so the cat can inhale it over several breaths. Cats cannot press and breathe in at the same time, so a spacer is essential.
• Mask. A soft, snug mask fits over the cat's nose and mouth.

Examples of drugs your vet may prescribe include inhaled fluticasone, for long-term control, and albuterol, for rescue. Your vet will tell you the drug, dose and schedule.

Training your cat

Do not start by pushing the mask on. Spend a week or so building comfort:

1. Leave the spacer and mask on the floor, near food, so the cat can sniff it.
2. Reward calm interest with treats.
3. Hold the mask near the cat's face, for a second, then a few seconds, with treats.
4. Place the mask gently over the nose and mouth, for a few seconds, rewarding.
5. Add the sound of the inhaler, with no drug, rewarding.
6. Once the cat accepts the mask, practice an empty puff.
7. Add real puffs only when the cat is calm.

Sessions of a minute or two work best. Go at the cat's pace. See positive reinforcement for cats.

Giving a treatment

1. Shake the inhaler, and attach it to the spacer.
2. Gently hold your cat, calmly, on your lap or on a table, or wrapped in a towel. Some owners use a quiet room.
3. Place the mask over the nose and mouth, snug, but gentle.
4. Press the canister once, to release a puff into the chamber.
5. Hold the mask in place while your cat takes about five to ten breaths, which you can see from the valve moving or the chest rising.
6. Remove the mask, and reward your cat.
7. If the vet prescribed more than one puff, wait a moment between them.
8. Rinse your cat's face with a damp cloth after steroid doses, as your vet advises, and wipe the mask.

Keep a log.

Frequency

Your vet decides how often. Some cats need puffs twice daily at first, then less often. Do not stop suddenly, and do not change the dose. Keep rescue medication available.

During an attack

Signs include open-mouth breathing, wheezing, coughing and a crouched posture with neck extended. Stay calm, keep the cat quiet and, if your vet has given you rescue medication, follow instructions. Go to an emergency clinic if the cat does not improve quickly, if its gums are blue, or if breathing is labored. See cat panting and open-mouth breathing.

Reduce triggers

• Use low-dust, unscented litter. See how to choose cat litter.
• Do not smoke, burn incense or use aerosol sprays.
• Use a HEPA air purifier.
• Avoid strong scents. See cat-safe cleaning products.
• Keep a healthy weight.

Cleaning the equipment

Wash the spacer and mask weekly in warm, soapy water, rinse and air dry, as directed. Check the valve, and replace if worn.

Monitoring

Count your cat's resting breathing rate regularly. See how to check your cat's vital signs. Keep follow-up visits.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your cat refuses the mask, return to an earlier training step, and spend longer on treats. If it pulls away, try a different time, such as after play when it is calm. Use a towel wrap if needed. If the valve does not click when your cat breathes, the mask may be loose, so adjust it. If the cat seems upset after treatment, give a favorite treat and a few minutes of calm. Tell your vet if you struggle, since other delivery options exist.

Side effects and safety

Inhaled steroids have fewer systemic effects, but your vet will still monitor your cat. Watch for thrush in the mouth, weight changes or increased thirst, and report them. Store inhalers at room temperature, and check expiry dates. Do not share your own inhaler with your cat without veterinary guidance, and never use an inhaler with other ingredients.

Tracking control

Keep a diary of coughing episodes, breathing rate and any triggers. A well-controlled cat has few or no episodes. If episodes increase, call the vet. Your vet may adjust the dose or add medication. Regular rechecks, with chest X-rays when needed, keep treatment on track.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat coughs, wheezes or has trouble breathing. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.