Collapsed Trachea in Cats: Common Causes and Symptoms

Collapsed trachea in cats is a rare but life-threatening condition that causes difficulty breathing due to airway narrowing. It needs veterinary diagnosis and treatment to manage symptoms.  

Here’s everything you need to know about tracheal collapse and how to best support your cat if diagnosed.  

Summary

The trachea is a tube that goes from the neck into the chest that allows air to move to and from the lungs. The trachea is supported by a thick ring of cartilage. When this cartilage weakens, the trachea becomes flatter and collapses, blocking airflow. This can cause coughing and breathing difficulties in affected cats. 

Tracheal collapse is rare in cats, but it can become life-threatening without prompt treatment.  

If your cat is having trouble breathing, has blue-tinged gums, or has collapsed, bring him to an emergency veterinarian immediately. 

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of collapsed trachea in cats include: 

• Dry, “honking” cough  

• Wheezing 

• Gagging 

• Rapid breathing 

• Panting 

• Lethargy 

• Exercise intolerance 

• Blue-tinged gums 

• Collapse 

Symptoms worsen during times of stress and excitement, during exercise, and in warmer weather due to increased strain on the already weakened tracheal cartilage. 

Causes

The exact cause for tracheal collapse is unknown. However, it’s believed there may be several contributing factors, such as:  

• Congenital defects within the tracheal cartilage that cause weakness 

• Chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma, that cause increased tracheal pressure 

• Injuries to the neck, such as a fall, that damage the trachea 

• Nasopharyngeal polyps that lead to airflow obstruction (blockage) 

• Breathing in irritants, such as smoke or allergens, that cause chronic inflammation (swelling) 

• Obesity that puts increased weight on the trachea 

Tracheal collapse can occur in cats of any age. However, cats who are middle-aged or older are more likely to get tracheal collapse due to the progressive weakening of their cartilage. 

Brachycephalic breeds, such as Persians and Himalayans, may be at an increased risk for tracheal collapse due to their airway abnormalities.  

Cats who have underlying health conditions, such as obesity or chronic respiratory disease, are also at increased risk.  

Diagnosis

Veterinarians will diagnose tracheal collapse using a combination of a physical exam, your cat’s medical history, and diagnostic testing. A veterinarian will listen to your cat’s heart and lungs and feel the trachea to see if a cough results. 

Pet parents should let the veterinarian know when symptoms began and if anything worsens these symptoms, such as exercise or excitement. It’s also helpful if you can bring a video of your cat’s cough for the veterinarian to look at.  

If tracheal collapse is suspected, diagnostic testing can be done, which includes:  

• X-rays: Images of the neck and chest can be taken to see the trachea and find areas of flattening.  

• Fluoroscopy: This test uses X-rays to see a cat’s trachea when he breathes in and out using a special contrast dye to better visualize the area of collapse. 

• Endoscopy: A thin tube is placed into a cat’s mouth and into the trachea so that the airways can be directly viewed to check for abnormalities. General anesthesia is used for this procedure.  

Treatment

Unfortunately, tracheal collapse in cats is a progressive condition, which means it will continue to worsen as the cartilage continues to weaken. Therefore, it’s not curable.  

Treatment focuses on reducing the symptoms and supporting a cat’s quality of life.  

Medications that may be prescribed for symptoms of tracheal collapse include:  

• Cough suppressants, such as dextromethorphan, to reduce coughing 

• Corticosteroids, such as prednisolone, to reduce airway inflammation 

• Bronchodilators, such as terbutaline, to open the airways 

• Antibiotics, such as Clavamox, to treat secondary bacterial infections in the airways 

Hospitalization and supportive care with oxygen therapy may be needed for cats with severe symptoms.  

If symptoms are not well-managed with medications, surgery can be done to place tracheal stents, though this is rare. 

Recovery and Management

Tracheal collapse in cats is a chronic and progressive condition that requires lifelong management after diagnosis.  

Aside from managing symptoms with medication, pet parents can take the following steps to keep their cats comfortable:  

• Restrict exercise and rigorous physical activity so symptoms do not worsen.  

• Encourage weight loss for overweight cats to reduce pressure on the trachea. Always work with your veterinarian on a weight loss plan for your pet. 

• Keep the home environment calm and stress-free. Consider adding Feliway diffusers to your cat’s resting areas.  

• Remove airway irritants, such as fragrances and smoke, from the home.  

• Use a cat harness instead of a collar if you want to take your cat outdoors for walks.  

Prevention

Although some cases of tracheal collapse in cats are not preventable, pet parents can take the following steps to reduce their cat’s risk:  

• Ensure your cat stays at a healthy, ideal weight by feeding a high-quality diet, such as Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight, and limiting the number of treats given.  

• Manage any underlying health conditions that may contribute to their having tracheal collapse. 

• Reduce your cat’s exposure to environmental irritants, such as smoke or allergens. Consider adding an air purifier (like the Vacqueen HEPA Washable Pre-Filter Smart Air Purifier for Pets) to your home environment. 

• Ensure your cat gets regular wellness care to support their overall health and well-being.