If the cat is asthmatic it will show very specific symptoms that it is important to know how to recognize: let’s find out together with the causes, cure and treatment for asthma in cats.
Cats can suffer from some diseases that also affect humans: among the most common diseases in the feline world, there is certainly asthma. But how does asthma
manifest in cats? In this article, we will find out what the symptoms and possible causes are, without neglecting the cures and treatments that can help an asthmatic cat.
Cats and asthma: everything you need to know
When the cat has asthma: causes and general information
According to statistics, around 1% of cats have a tendency to suffer from severe respiratory problems, including asthma.
The asthmatic condition presents itself as an oppression of the bronchi, which have the fundamental function of transporting air from the trachea to the lungs.
Due to this malfunction of the bronchi, the cat has difficulty breathing which can be of various degrees: this problem is also known by the name of allergic bronchitis, as it is caused by an excessive reaction of the animal’s immune system to the presence of certain allergens.
The cat with asthma, therefore, will be treated with adequate treatments for life and can have different causes, depending on the allergen from which it derives. Among the most common causes of asthma in cats we find:
– air pollution,
– litter sand,
– cigarette smoke,
– mold or mites,
– chimney smoke,
– deodorants and cleaning products.
Frequent symptoms of asthma in cats
The most common symptoms in cats with asthma or allergic bronchitis are:
– Difficulty breathing,
– Rapid breathing,
– Noisy breathing,
– Persistent cough,
– Wheezing.
If your cat exhibits one or more of these symptoms, it is essential to contact a veterinarian immediately, also because the situation would tend to worsen if not treated properly.
Diagnosis and treatment of asthma in cats
The diagnosis of asthma is made by the veterinarian based primarily on the symptoms that the cat presents. Later, he will proceed to carry out a blood and feces analysis, to avoid the presence of other pathologies.
Finally, the cat will have to undergo a chest X -ray.
To treat the cat’s asthma, we proceed with a personalized treatment on the single specimen, which is usually composed of two types of drugs: corticosteroids and bronchodilators. The combined action of these two substances reduces inflammation of the bronchi and facilitates breathing by dilating them.
While asthma treatment can be done safely at home, it is essential that you regularly take your cat to the vet for regular checkups.
How to prevent asthma in cats?
Prevention is essential for the asthmatic cat, as it will help him to reduce symptoms and consequently to live with greater well-being despite the pathology from which he is suffering.
Among the useful tips to prevent asthma we find:
– Use good quality cat litter, which does not release dust,
– Use ecological cleaning products, to reduce the risk of allergens,
– Avoid offering the cat dairy products, which can trigger allergic reactions,
– Strengthen the immune defenses of the cat with alternative and natural remedies,
– Helping the cat to stay cool in the summer, to make it breathe better,
– If your cat is over 8 years old, be sure to reserve the right care for an older cat.
| Cat Breeds | Cat Food and Nutrition |
| Tips for Cat Owners | Cat Training |
| Cat Behavior | Kittens |
| Cat Health | Cat Grooming |
| Cat Adoption | Travel with Cat |
| Holiday Season- Cat |
