Feline asthma affects an estimated one percent of the world’s adult cat population. This condition has been referred to chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma and allergic bronchitis.
Symptoms of Feline Asthma
A cat with feline asthma may exhibit a number of symptoms. Many cats will have a dry, hacking cough. Often the owners will think the cat has a hairball but nothing comes up. The coughing episodes may vary in frequency depending on the severity of the feline asthma. Cats least affected by asthma will usually have a low occurrence of coughing compared to cats with more severe cases of the condition.
The asthmatic cat may breathe heavily after physical exertion and may exhibit open mouth breathing. They may sit with their shoulders hunched, necks extended and chins close to the floor. The cat may expel thick mucus and in more severe cases, the cat’s lips and mouth may change from pink to blue.
Untreated asthma may lead to more severe symptoms such as scarring of the lungs or lung collapse.
Treatment of Feline Asthma
A veterinarian may examine cells from the respiratory system and order chest x-rays to make a diagnosis of feline asthma. The doctor should also have blood work done to check for parasites and obtain a chemistry profile.
There are a number of methods to treat asthma in cats. In recent years, veterinarians have prescribed inhalers similar to what a human may use. A device called the AeroKat was invented to enable cats to use an inhaler. The AeroKat is designed with a mask and spacer similar to that used for babies and small children. Drugs used for inhalers include corticosteroids and bronchodilators. The corticosteroids are designed to reduce inflammation in the cat’s airways while the bronchodilators help open their airways while the cat is in the midst of a severe coughing or wheezing episode.
There are patients who do not respond to inhalation therapy alone and may be placed on a program of oral medications such as corticosteroids. Treating asthmatic cats with oral medications can be less expensive then inhalation therapy but it is believed the use of an inhaler is more effective and has fewer side effects.
Helping the Asthmatic Cat at Home
Pet owners can take measures to help make the asthmatic cat more comfortable. They should stop the use of aerosol sprays near the cat. Smoke from cigarettes and a fireplaces tends to settle near the floor which is the cat’s primary breathing space. The asthmatic cat should not be in rooms where these activities take place. Owners are also advised to switch to a low-dust clay litter or litter that is composed of alternate materials. The use of an air purifier may help the cat be more comfortable and lessen severity of symptoms.
If the owner can identify any actions or activities that precede the onset of asthmatic symptoms, these activities should be avoided. They should also try to create a relaxed atmosphere in the home as stress has been shown to contribute to asthma attacks.
Sources:
Vet Info, Indicators of Feline Asthma
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