Feline Asthma: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

What Is Cat Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory issue which causes inflammation of lungs and trachea. This inflammation is stimulated by the inhalation of an allergen which activates the defence mechanism of the body. Once the immune system is activated, the body responds to the foreign element by constriction of passageways and forms mucus. This results in cough and wheezing. Feline asthma is incurable but with proper care and treatment, it can be easily controlled.

What are the causes of Asthma in Cats?

With a plethora of substances and elements entering the cat’s body through inhalation every now and then, it is difficult to gauge which allergen actually caused asthma or the allergic reaction in the body. It may be a substance a cat has accidentally sniffed from the environment or even some foods which can trigger such an allergic attack. Well, here is a small list of such elements that are the common causes of asthma in cats. These include:

· Pollen

· Dust

· Mould

· Tobacco smoke

· Cat litter

· Perfumes

· Cleaning Products

· Foods — Beef, soy, corn or fish

Asthma at times is also a secondary symptom for underlying diseases like

· Heartworms

· Tumours

· Stress

· Obesity

· Parasites

· Heart conditions

· Pneumonia

What Are the Signs of Asthma in felines?

Felines with respiratory issue breathe faster than the normal. Where an average cat takes anywhere around 26 -30 breathes a minute, a cat with asthma might take over 36–40 breathes per minute due to stressed lungs. Thus the first sign of asthma is rapid breathing. Others include:

· Persistent cough

· Difficulty breathing

· Mouth open to inhale

· Mucus

· Blue lips

· Change in color of gums

· Lethargy

· Squatting with hunched shoulders and neck extended

Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma in Cats

Though there is no sure way to identify asthma in cats, some of the tests like radiographs, x-rays, blood tests, microscopic evaluation of cells, bronchial secretions and parasite tests can help rule out the main cause of an allergic reaction in the cat’s body.

It is important to be accurate while treating feline asthma as other ailments like chronic bronchitis, lungworm infestation, etc. result in similar symptoms and wrong medication can lead to increased damage in your pet.

Coming over to the treatment of the ailment, a vet may choose any of these three ways to control asthma in felines –

Anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation and damage done to the lungs. Corticosteroids also reduce mucus production and thus indirectly help in clearing the airways.

Bronchodilator to widen the constricted air passages for better inhalation. These allow for deeper administration of the drugs into the feline’s lungs when needed, esp., during an attack

Antihistamines when other methods don’t work.

How To Prevent an Asthmatic Attack in Cats?

If there is an asthmatic cat in your house, it may demand a lot of care and attention from your end. Apart from providing appropriate treatments for asthma, there are other necessities that you must fulfill to provide a liveable and allergen-free environment to your furry feline. Wondering what are those? Well, have a look.

1. Treat your cat for parasites like fleas and ticks, intestinal worms and heartworms that may trigger allergic reactions. It is essential to use preventatives throughout the year so your cat does not get infested, risking himself into asthma.

2. Since stress is one of the alleviators of lung allergies, it is important to provide a tranquil and comfortable life to your kitty.

3. Do not use cat litters that attract a lot of dust and are scented.

4. Obesity can also aggravate the disease, so it is important to look after the diet of your feline.

5. Use humidifiers to avoid dry air as it can lead to asthma attacks in cats.

What To Do In Case OF An Asthma Attack in Cat?

· In an emergency situation, the first thing that is required from your end is to not panic and keep the kitty calm and in a comfortable state.

·Open the windows and doors for proper ventilation.

· Call the vet hospital emergency services for help.

· Or, in case you yourself want to drive through to the vet hospital, it is important to crack open the window for ventilation.

· Administer the treatment if you already have one but it is always better to consult the vet first.

There is nothing better than a happy little cat joyfully playing around you and making you stress-free as you’re constantly out there conquering your way through life. But there are little efforts that are needed to keep that bundle of joy healthy and happy. Make yourself as accountable for these as you make yourself towards your other duties.