Can My Cat Have Asthma? What You Should Know About Feline Asthma

The Signs Of Feline Asthma

Cats with asthma are more common than you might think. Feline Asthma is a chronic lung disease involving the cat's lower airway, including bronchi and bronchi-oles. It is commonly mistaken that the disease is hairballs. Cats with feline asthma may have an acute episode of difficulty breathing, which can be life-threatening for your cat. Your cat could also have a nonproductive chronic cough, which is left untreated can shorten your cat's life significantly.

The most common name is known to be asthma, the scientific name goes by Feline Bronchial Disease Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Cats of all ages are susceptible to feline asthma. rarely does your cat show signs of feline asthma. They will exhibit a normal temperature and will continue to eat normally. However the most significant sign is that the cat has fits of deep, moist-sounding coughing.

A physical exam and x-rays will further diagnose if your cat has been affected by feline asthma. Blood tests are the quickest and easiest, and will detect infection, which often accompanies asthmatic bronchitis. They will detect macrophages, eosinophils, neutrophils, and mast cells, which are types of blood cells that help constitute the immune system. And blood work is also useful in eliminating other diseases with the same symptoms.

Asthma is thought to be an allergic or immune-mediated reaction in the airways caused by inhaled irritants. The airways become thickened, and there is an increase in mucus production, which makes it more difficult for your cat to breathe. Although a specific cause cannot always be found, many asthmatic cats live in a household with people who smoke.

About one percent of cats develop feline asthma, but the condition is quickly becoming more common because of an increase of exposure to environmental pollutants. Sadly, the Siamese cat population ranges up to about 5 percent.

Some Side Effects

Chronic coughing, acute onset of difficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing, exercise intolerance. Some causes are inhaled irritants and allergens such as cigarette smoke, dust, perfume, mold, mildew, dust, dust mites, food,stress, candles and many household products. Areas most affected are lungs, and lower airways. It is extremely important to reduce inhaled irritants in your cats home. Severely asthmatic cats should not be in a household with smokers.

A through physical exam and x-rays will further diagnose if your cat has been affected by feline asthma. Blood tests are the quickest and easiest way to detect feline asthma. The blood test will also be able to find infection if it is present. Infection usually means your cat may have asthmatic bronchitis.

Your veterinarian can also detect macrophages, esoinophils, neutrophils, and mast cells, which are types of blood cells that help constitute the immune system. And blood work is also useful in eliminating other diseases with the same symptoms.

Asthma is thought to be an allergic or immune-mediated reaction in the airways caused by inhaled irritants. The airways become extremely thickened, and there is an increase in mucus production, which makes it more difficult for your cat to breathe. Unfortunately, a specific cause for feline asthma cannot always be found. It is not uncommon for many asthmatic cats live in a household with people who smoke.

 If you suspect your cat may have feline asthma It's a good idea to use plain, natural, unscented kitty litter and to stay away from deodorizers you add to the litter box. Some people use  recycled newspaper or organic litter in the the cat box instead. There are several organic brands out on the market to use in place of  your regular top brand kitty litters.

If you are using cleaning products, dusting, or sweeping in the presence of your cat, it might be a good idea to put your cat in a separate room until your done,  to avoid the cat from inhaling the chemicals and particles.

Your cat should be removed from any home with construction or painting until the project is completed. Incense, scented candles and perfumes should be kept to a minimum, as this could trigger an episode for your cat.

If your cat has been diagnosed with feline asthma by a veterinarian, a treatment plan should be discussed. If your cat is healthy, treatment may start with oral corticosteroids, which will help decrease the inflammation in the airway, making it easier for your cat to breath.  If your cat is responding well to the oral steroids, an inhaled steroid, such as fluticasone can be started for long-term management. Inhaled steroids help prevent long-term inflammation and chronic airway changes without the systemic side effects of oral steroids.

Your Cat Is Gasping For Life

If your cat is gasping, falling to its side with its mouth open and its tongue appearing bluish, contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. It needs oxygen and rapid-acting broncho dilator medications to stay alive. Veterinarians suggest owners keep special medications at home in case of emergency.