Kim Thomas, DVM, Three Notch Veterinary Hospital in Hollywood, MD, and co-founder of Annapolis, MD-based VetCentric.com, a leading Internet site for animal health care and information services, said definitively that smoking around cats is not recommended.
“We can’t say for certain that second-hand smoke or allergens doesn’t cause illness or death,” Dr. Thomas said. “We can’t rule it out.”
Exacerbates existing conditions
What is certain, however, is that second-hand smoke can contribute to and certainly exacerbate pre-existing respiratory disease, including but not limited to asthma, chronic bronchitis, respiratory tract infections, even emphysema.
According to Dr. Thomas, cats also can develop sensitivity or hypersensitivity to other allergens, especially if they are indoors all the time and the products are used in a closed environment. Perfumes, hair sprays, household cleaners, flea products, carpet fresheners, even Christmas trees, can create breathing difficulties or aggravate existing conditions. Because allergies develop over time, older cats may be more vulnerable, she said.
Also, if a cat has inherent respiratory difficulties because of its anatomy (brachycephalic, i.e. short-nosed or pug-nosed) and then develops an allergy or sensitivity, breathing could become more labored, Dr. Thomas said.
Pete Keesling, DVM, staff veterinarian for Pets.com and owner of San Martin Animal Hospital in San Martin, CA, said although there is reason to be concerned about the effects of second-hand smoke on cats, the vast majority of felines are unaffected. In his opinion, the most at-risk group are those cats with pre-existing respiratory problems. Also slightly more prone are those with hypoplastic trachea, because this physical condition can restrict air flow. Symptoms to watch out for are respiratory difficulty, respiratory distress, runny eyes, runny nose, and lack of appetite, Dr. Keesling said.
