Upper respiratory tract disorders in cats are among the most common reasons for veterinary visits. Feline herpesvirus (coryza) is frequently diagnosed in this species, and inhalations are often recommended alongside standard treatments. This method of absorbing various substances through the nose and respiratory tract can be administered in different ways and serve various purposes.
How to Perform an Inhalation and What to Use
The purpose of inhalation varies depending on the liquid and/or molecules used. It’s possible to perform inhalation with saline solution alone, for example—this helps moisturize the upper respiratory tract. However, to make this technique more effective, you can add the following, as recommended and/or prescribed by your veterinarian:
- Antibiotics to fight bacterial superinfection,
- Anti-inflammatories to soothe the mucous membranes,
- Antispasmodics to relieve bronchial spasms,
- Mucolytics to thin secretions,
- Expectorants to help expel these secretions.
Essential oil blends are often recommended for these inhalations.
There are two main techniques: you can use a device specifically designed for this purpose—a nebulizer—or a bowl of hot water.
Nebulizer Inhalation
Some clinics are equipped with nebulizers and offer them for rent. If that’s not the case, you can find them at your local pharmacy (for sale and/or rent).
This device—also known as an inhaler, aerosol, mister, vaporizer, or nebulizer—converts certain liquids into an ultra-fine mist without heat, delivering them directly into the bronchial tubes.
This device consists of a container, a vibrating element, and a mask. The vibrational waves travel through the liquid, causing the tiny droplets released to detach and transform into a gaseous state. The resulting vapor then flows through a tube into the mask.
If your four-legged companion is docile, the ideal method is to place the inhaler mask directly over their muzzle. However, this technique is often difficult to implement, especially since the session lasts around ten minutes. Patience is key! Another option is to perform the inhalation using a method inspired by the hot water bowl technique—simply place the mask over the openings of their travel carrier.
Steam Inhalation with Hot Water
- Fill a bowl with hot water. Add a few drops of a cat-specific inhalation blend—these are typically essential oil-based mixtures.
- Place your cat in their carrier and set the bowl in front of it—be careful not to place it inside, as your cat could dip a paw in and burn themselves or ingest the mixture.
- Cover the carrier with a cloth.
During the session, don’t hesitate to reassure your cat by talking to them. Once the inhalation is complete, make sure to wipe your pet down with a damp cloth. The essential oils or other molecules in the inhalation blend will have partly settled on their fur, so it’s important to prevent them from ingesting any during grooming.
An inhalation session lasts 10 minutes and can be performed twice daily for 7 days. If no improvement is noted after one week of use, consult your veterinarian.
