Nebulization in Cats: Benefits, Uses, and How to Use a Nebulizer

Elif Bayraktar / Shutterstock.com

If your cat has a breathing problem, such as asthma, nebulization therapy could help. Nebulizer machines can turn saline or liquid medication into a mist your cat can inhale through a face mask.

Commonly nebulized medications include saline, anti-inflammatories (including steroids), and bronchodilators. When introduced carefully, inhaled medication can be easier than giving your cat tablets. You can also use lower doses, as the medication is inhaled straight to where it is needed in your cat’s lungs.

So, how do you get started? Read on for everything you need to know about nebulization and cats, including when they are used, and how to introduce one successfully to your cat.

What is a Nebulizer?

Steaming your cat in the bathroom can help to relieve congestion in their airways. Zhuravlev Andrey / Shutterstock.com

Nebulization is when a liquid is turned into a fine mist that can be breathed in. This can be as simple as putting your cat in a steamy bathroom after a hot shower – like you might use steam if you have a bad cold. However, a nebulizer is a special machine that changes liquid (either saline or medication) to a fine mist that can be inhaled through a face mask. Nebulizers are similar to inhalers but they produce much smaller particles, meaning they can penetrate deeper into the lungs.

There are several types of cat nebulizers on the market. But most consist of a compressor (which turns the liquid into tiny droplets), a space chamber, and a mask. Nebulizers designed specifically for cats have extra small face masks for their little noses.

Your cat should take several breaths in the mask to receive the full dose. This might sound daunting. However, with some training, most cats can learn to use a nebulizer happily. Keep reading for how to introduce a nebulizer to your cat successfully.

Why use Nebulization in Cats?

Nebulization is a brilliant way to administer medication directly to the airways of cats suffering from airway problems, such as asthma or respiratory tract infections.

When you give your cat oral medication, it must travel through their gastrointestinal tract, be metabolized in the liver, and enter the bloodstream – all before it is delivered to the lung where it is needed. This requires high doses and runs the risk of side effects in the rest of the body.

In comparison, the benefits of inhaled treatments include:

• Lower doses
• Fewer side effects
• Safer for the liver
• Quicker onset of action
• Avoids the stress of tableting

As well as being a great way to deliver medication, many cats with respiratory issues benefit from nebulization with just water or saline – called steam nebulization. The inhaled droplets bring moisture to the airways and help to break up mucus. Steam nebulization, either in a steamy bathroom or by nebulizing sterile saline, is helpful for any cat suffering from congestion in their airways.

What Conditions Can Nebulization Help?

Nebulization is a great way to clear a congested nose. Tunatura / Shutterstock.com

Nebulization is most useful for cats with airway problems. It has been used in the treatment of many respiratory conditions in cats, including:

• Lower and upper respiratory tract infections
• Cat flu
• Pneumonia
• Chronic bronchitis
• Feline asthma

What Medications can be Nebulized?

As well as sterile saline, many liquid medications can be nebulized. The most common inhaled medications used in cats include:

• Steroids: corticosteroids such as fluticasone are strong anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce inflammation in the airways. They are used in many respiratory conditions, especially feline asthma.
• Bronchodilators: bronchodilators, like albuterol, open up the airways, making it easier for your cat to breathe and clear debris. They work together with other inhaled medications, allowing them to be inhaled more deeply.
• Antibiotics: certain liquid antibiotics, such as gentamicin, can be mixed with sterile saline and nebulized. Antibiotics are only used in cats with proven bacterial infections.

How to Use a Nebulizer in Your Cat

Several nebulizers are designed specifically for cats. Whatever type you choose, the first step is helping your cat become familiar with using it. You want it to be a positive experience, especially if they need to use it long-term.

Start Slowly

Smearing a tasty treat on the inside of the face mask can help your cat make positive associations with the nebulizer. Witsawat.S / Shutterstock.com

Give your cat time to get used to the nebulizer before you try using it. At first, simply lay it on the ground to let your cat explore it on their terms. It may help to smear something tasty like a lick treat, or cream cheese, on the inside to encourage them.

Introduce the Mask

Once your cat is confident putting their head near it, you can try holding the mask near them. Let them come to you. You can use treats to reward them for going near the mask, or food, on the inside. This creates a positive association with the mask. Repeat this over several sessions, gradually adding the other components of the nebulizer machine. Make sure you always let them come to you rather than push the mask towards them.

When they are happily placing their face inside for a treat you can begin placing the mask on their face for a few seconds at a time, without giving any medication. Take it away and give lots of fuss and treats.

Start Using the Nebulizer

When your cat is happy to come to you and place their face inside the mask for a few seconds, it is time to try using it properly. Try using sterile saline for the first few sessions to practice, before moving onto medication once your cat is using the nebulizer reliably. All machines are different so be sure to follow the instructions and dose the medication as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Some nebulizers have a spacer, allowing you to administer the medication into the chamber before the mask is on your cat – this can help cats who find the noise or sensation startling. Gently place the mask on their face for the required number of breaths.

Be sure to give lots of praise and treats afterward so they link it to a positive experience. You may find that over time they come running over for their medication!

Clean the Nebulizer

You need to clean the nebulizer thoroughly after every use. Otherwise, bacteria and other microorganisms can grow inside and make your cat unwell. Follow the instructions with your machine to do this safely.