How To Spot and Treat Feline Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammation of a feline's airway.The condition can be fatal and should be treated as soon as possible.To spot asthma in cats, you need to assess the cat's general health and look for signs that it is having trouble breathing.If you suspect that your cat has asthma, you should have it looked at by a vet.With the help of your vet, you can spot asthma in your cat and treat it.

Step 1: Take care of your cat.

When a cat has an asthma attack, its airway will swell.This can make it hard for the cat to breathe.It may be difficult to spot this problem because cats tend to hide their illnesses.If your cat shows any of the following symptoms, it may have asthma.

Step 2: There are symptoms to watch for in adult cats.

Cats are not typically born with asthma, as it is thought to be caused by an immune response to allergens the cat inhales.Between the ages of 4 and 5 is when most cats are diagnosed with asthma.If you feel that your cat is at risk for asthma, pay more attention to it.If you own a Siamese cat, you will want to keep an eye out for any symptoms when it's between the ages of 4 and 5 because they can be serious.Siamese cats are more likely to have asthma.

Step 3: Take your cat to the doctor.

If you suspect your cat has asthma, you should take it to the vet.The vet will look at your cat's respiratory system and do a thorough exam.If you don't have the right credentials, you should not try to diagnose your cat.It's possible that you end up misdiagnosing and treating your cat.

Step 4: Approve veterinary testing.

There are a variety of tests that your vet can use to come up with a diagnosis for asthma.Your vet will be able to evaluate your cat's lungs and extent of its condition using a combination of tests.A bronchoscopy is a procedure used to view the inside of a cat's airway.It will allow the vet to take a look at the cat's respiratory system.CT scans can be used to give a detailed image of your cat's airway.

Step 5: Follow your doctor's advice.

Treatment will vary depending on your cat's condition.Corticosteroids can be prescribed by your vet to make it easier for your cat to breathe.These aren't typically used for long-term treatment.bronchodilators, which open up the airway, are commonly used to control asthma.Your vet will give your cat a dose of the medication.It is your responsibility after the first dose to continue treatment at home.There are different forms of bronchodilators.It is possible for your cat to be prescribed medication.

Step 6: It's a good idea to keep your cat indoors as much as possible.

Humans and cats can become allergic to the same things.If your cat is prone to asthma, try to keep it indoors where you can better control the environment.

Step 7: It's a good idea to clean your home regularly.

Cats with asthma can suffer from indoor allergies.If you want to remove indoor allergens, you need to vacuum and dust as much as possible.It's important to vacuum if you have carpet.

Step 8: Purchase cat litter that is free of dust.

The dust from cat litter can be a problem for asthmatic cats.Dust-free litter can be found at your pet supplies store or online.It's a good idea to keep your cat away from all natural litters made out of things like wood chips.

Step 9: Don't smoke around your cat.

Smoking around a cat with asthma can make their condition worse, and it could even be fatal to them.Smoking around your cat could cause it to have asthma, which is believed to be caused by environmental allergens.Even if your cat doesn't have asthma, it's a bad idea to smoke around it.

Step 10: Untested products can be used.

Cats with asthma should not be exposed to scented litter.If you have a cat with asthma, you should not use scented home products.If you need to clean the air in your home, consider using a non- scented air purifier.The added benefit of this is that it will help clear the pollen out of your home.

Step 11: Control your cat's weight with diet and exercise.

Excess weight can make your cat's asthma worse.It can cause stress on your cat's respiratory system.Make sure that your cat gets daily exercise in order to avoid this.Give your cat consistent exercise by playing with it.It doesn't need to be strenuous, but it should get your cat's blood flowing.It will strengthen its lungs and improve its breathing if it exercises in this way.Don't overexert your cat.If you see signs of trouble breathing, stop your activity.