Introduction

Feline asthma is a common chronic inflam­matory airway disease of the lower respira­tory tract and may account for more than 60 % of feline lower respiratory tract diseases (Dye et al. 1996; Johnson and Drazenovich 2007; Padrid 2014; Trzil and Reinero 2014). It is estimated to affect between 1-5% of cats of all breeds, ages, and genders, with the Siamese breed reported to have a higher prevalence. The underlying pathogenesis is increased airway mucus production, together with intermittent bronchiolar smooth mus­cle contraction and bronchoconstriction in response to inhaled aeroallergens or irritants (Reinero 2011; Trzil and Reinero 2014). With time irreversible airway remodeling occurs.