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Feline Asthma and Respiratory ProblemsHow You Can Help Your Cat Breathe Easy
If your cat is experiencing breathing difficulties, he or she may be suffering from asthma.
If your cat is panting, wheezing and coughing it means that he or she is having difficulty breathing. Another feature of diminished respiratory function in cats is a change in the color of their tongues, from healthy pink to blue due to a lack of oxygen. If you observe any of these symptoms in your cat, you should take your kitty to a vet immediately. Causes of Breathing DifficultiesOne of the main causes of breathing difficulties in cats is asthma. Asthma is a respiratory disease that makes the immune system overreact to stress and allergies. The most marked characteristic of an asthma attack is severe difficulty breathing which can be life-threatening for your cat if it is not promptly and properly treated. Cats may be genetically predisposed to allergies. Many cats are allergic to pollen and experience asthma seasonally. However indoor cats are no exception as they are also exposed to a variety of substances that can trigger allergic reactions. Examples of substances that cause allergies for indoor cats include cleaning agents, mites, mold and dust. As with humans a high level of stress can also contribute to breathing difficulties and asthma attacks. Lung worms can also cause breathing difficulties in cats. They are usually contracted when outdoor cats devour prey carrying the parasite. This condition is less common in certain regions than others. Veterinary TreatmentIt's probable that your veterinarian will diagnose your cat with a series of blood tests. It's also likely that your vet will take an x-ray of your cat's lungs to help determine the cause and extent of your kitty's breathing difficulties. In cases where cats have serious difficulty breathing, veterinarians may give your cat oxygen, cortisone or prescribe a medication that will expand his or her respiratory passages so that your cat's breathing will not be labored. How You Can Help Your CatBegin by removing any materials or substances which are causing your cat's allergies from his or her environment. Your asthmatic cat will also benefit from a humidifier in your home. Adding a small amount of eucalyptus oil or menthol to the water in the humidifier will help your cat breathe easier. Increasing your cat's intake of liquids is also helpful. While breathing difficulties and asthma pose serious danger to your cat's health, they are conditions that can be managed. With the guidance of your veterinarian and a little elbow grease on your part your asthmatic cat can enjoy a good quality of life. Further Reading
The copyright of the article Feline Asthma and Respiratory Problems in Cat Care is owned by Manya Seisay. Permission to republish Feline Asthma and Respiratory Problems in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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