Inhaler toxicity in cats most commonly happens when they bite and puncture a reliever inhaler - the blue ‘asthma puffer’. These inhalers may be extremely beneficial to people, but a single damaged device can release up to 200 doses at once, which can be life-threatening for a cat. Cats of any age can be affected, but young, curious cats are most at risk.

If your cat chews or bites into an asthma inhaler, they can get a massive overdose of the medication instantly. Most commonly, this is the blue reliever inhaler, though preventer and combination inhalers may also be involved. The canister's contents can rapidly cause a dangerously fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat and collapse within minutes. The plastic and metal parts of the inhaler also pose a risk of causing a dangerous stomach or intestinal blockage if swallowed. 

Keep inhalers out of reach of pets at all times and call a vet without delay if your cat chews or bites into one.

What is inhaler toxicity in cats?

Reliever inhalers (often blue) commonly contain a drug called salbutamol (or albuterol), a medication that relaxes and opens airways for people with asthma or COPD. At normal doses in people, salbutamol helps people to breathe more easily, but for cats, it can be a dangerous poison.

• If your cat punctures an inhaler, the device may instantly release all of the medication left in it, often 100–200 puffs in one burst.

• At very high doses, salbutamol affects your cat’s heart as well as lungs, making it beat too fast and sometimes irregularly.

• Salbutamol can also widen blood vessels (vasodilation), causing abnormally low blood pressure.

• The combination of direct stimulant effect and low blood pressure results in a dangerously fast and unstable heart rhythm.

• The sudden escape of compressed gas can also cause severe, painful 'frostbite' burns inside your cat's mouth.

• If your cat swallows plastic or metal pieces from the inhaler, these parts won’t be digested and can cause a serious blockage in their stomach or intestines.

Symptoms of asthma inhaler toxicity in cats

Clinical signs often begin within minutes and may get worse very quickly.

Common signs include:

• A very fast/racing heart (tachycardia)

• Rapid breathing (tachypnoea)

• Restlessness, anxiousness, seeming unable to settle

• Weakness or wobbliness

• Vomiting

• Shaking or trembling

More severe cases may develop:

• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)

• Dangerously low blood potassium levels (hypokalaemia)

• Temporary high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia)

• Severe muscle weakness or total inability to move

• Collapse

• Muscle damage

• Burns or injuries inside the mouth

These symptoms can be life-threatening without prompt veterinary treatment. Call a vet without delay!

Choking and obstruction risks

As well as the risks of drug toxicity, inhalers pose a physical danger to cats.

Cats may:

• Chew and swallow the plastic cover or casing

• Swallow smaller broken fragments

• Occasionally ingest parts of the metal canister

Because cats generally have smaller jaws than dogs, they are less likely to swallow a whole canister. However, their smaller body size means even small pieces can cause serious obstruction. Swallowing these parts can lead to serious problems like choking or a blockage in the food pipe or intestines.

• Signs of obstruction may include repeated vomiting, gagging, abdominal pain, lethargy or refusal to eat.

• In some cases, vets may need to use a special camera (endoscopy) or perform surgery to remove the item.

Cats at most risk of asthma inhaler toxicity

Any cat can be poisoned by puncturing an asthma inhaler. However, some will be at greater risk than others:

• Cats who live with asthma sufferers

• Young and inquisitive cats

• Cats that play with or chew household objects

• Cats attracted to items that smell strongly of their owner

• Smaller-sized cats: a smaller body size needs less of the toxin for severe effects

• Cats with existing heart disease and other health problems

How do vets diagnose asthma inhaler toxicity in cats?

Your vet will diagnose inhaler toxicity by knowing your cat chewed or had access to an inhaler, combined with the sudden appearance of related symptoms.

Because of the risk of serious heart problems, affected cats require careful monitoring, including checking:

• Heart rate and blood pressure

• An electrocardiogram (ECG): recording the electrical activity of the heart

• Blood electrolytes, especially potassium: small changes can have a huge effect on the heart

• Blood sugar levels

If you or the vet suspect your cat may have swallowed plastic or the metal canister, X-rays might also be needed.

What is the treatment for inhaler toxicity in cats?

There’s no specific ‘cure’ for salbutamol toxicity. Treatment focuses on stabilising your cat’s heart rate and rhythm and correcting any imbalances in their body’s electrolytes.

Most cats need to stay at the vet hospital for close monitoring and supportive care.

Treatment may include:

• Continuous ECG heart monitoring

• Fluids given directly into a vein (IV fluids)

• Careful correction of low potassium levels

• Medication called “non-selective beta-blockers” to control a dangerously fast heart rate

• Treatment for irregular heart rhythms

• Monitoring and managing blood sugar levels

• Pain relief for any injuries inside your cat’s mouth

• Imaging (x-rays, ultrasound) or surgery if a blockage occurs

Your cat will stay in the hospital until their heart rate, rhythm, alertness and electrolyte levels return to normal. Most cats get better within 24 hours once their condition is stable. However, severe cases may require longer monitoring, and there is a small risk of lasting heart damage.

How to prevent inhaler accidents in cats

• Store inhalers securely in closed cupboards or drawers

• Keep handbags and gym bags off the floor and out of reach

• Avoid leaving inhalers on bedside tables or sofas

• Dispose of used inhalers safely

• Supervise cats known to play with or chew household items

When should I seek urgent veterinary help?

Contact a vet immediately if: 

• Your cat has bitten or punctured an inhaler

• The inhaler is damaged, empty or leaking

• Your cat develops a racing heart

• They appear weak, distressed or collapsed

• You suspect they have swallowed part of the device

Do not attempt to make your cat vomit at home, especially if they are weak or showing heart symptoms