Feline Asthma

Source: sickhousedoctor.com

Feline Asthma used to be a rare problem until recently when the amount of pollutants started rising in the environment. The increase in feline asthma was seen in cross breeds as compared to pure bred cats.

The symptoms need to be identified quick since this condition could become serious and severe within minutes. Some conditions like chronic heart disease, obesity, parasite or extreme levels of fear could cause feline asthma. Objects like perfume, aerosol sprays, dust and pollens could also trigger an allergic reaction which could lead to feline asthma.

If you think your cat is coughing a lot or feels breathless often, you should consult your vet for an asthma diagnosis right away. The vet will carry out an examination and some tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Symptoms of asthma to look out for :

Constant coughing

Wheezing heard while breathing

Lethargy and difficulty in breathing

Lips turning pale/ blue

Frothing near the mouth

Most people could confuse an asthmatic attack with gagging or hair ball vomiting which is a very common condition occurring in cats.

Once your cat is diagnosed with asthma, care needs to be taken. You need to know the things your cat could be allergic to, make sure the area is clean and free of any allergens that could trigger a reaction.

You also need to take your cat for regular checkups so that other conditions associated with asthma could be found out. When it comes to asthma prevention is the best form of cure available so one needs to find efficient ways of preventing a feline asthma attack. Like humans cats also need inhalers to prevent an asthmatic attack.

The inhaler will keep the cat’s airways open allowing the lungs to have sufficient oxygen.

If your cat suffers from obesity then try engaging it in enough activity to help the cat reduce it’s weight. Contact your vet for the normal weight range and ask for diet suggestions that could help your cat in weight reduction.

Losing weight will help your cat be more active and reduce the chances for it to develop asthmatic attacks. Make sure your cat is free from parasites that could cause asthma like conditions.

Any cough longer than 5 minutes should alert you and you should be able take the appropriate action to reduce it down. Humidifying the air will also help in prevention especially during winter months when the air tends to be colder and dry.

Feline Asthma attacks could easily be prevented if necessary steps are taken.