Feline Asthma

If your cat is constantly coughing and hacking, then it may not be a simple case of a hairball, it may in fact be feline asthma. This condition effects cats each year, and is commonly mistaken by pet owners. If the condition in your feline persists, seek out the help of a veterinarian to determine whether your cat is suffering from asthma or something else.

Causes and Symptoms of Feline Asthma
Although no one can really figure out exactly what causes asthma in our furry friends, there are several things that are believed to cause the condition. These include:

Smoke from various locations including a fireplace or cigarette,
Grass and pollen from outside plants,
Dust from their litter or around the home,
Aerosol sprays for fleas, hair, deodorant and other sources,

Your cat can be affected by this condition regardless of their age, and that means that even your new kitten can come done with a case of feline asthma. Although not a large number of kitties are affected, it is estimates that one percent of the population suffers from it each year. Symptoms can be quite similar to other common cat problems such as hairballs, and so are generally ignored until they get progressively worse.

In severe cases of feline asthma, your cat will have constant daily coughing and wheezing that is persistent and may get worse when they are exposed to irritants. You may also notice them breathing with their mouths open because their throats are constricted. Less severe cases of asthma may have your kitty only exhibiting symptoms of wheezing or coughing only occasionally from day to day. If you believe that your cat may have asthma, you should take them to the vet right away.

Treatment Methods for Feline Asthma
Once your pet has been diagnosed with feline asthma, a veterinarian will more than likely prescribe a corticosteroid inhaler that can be used to lessen inflammation in the airway. They may also give you a bronchodilator which can help if your cat is experiencing severe symptoms. There are also steroids that are cheaper which can be delivered orally to the cat, but they do not tend to work as well as the inhalers.

There are also some things that you can do to decrease the risk that your cat with asthma will have an attack. These things include:

Switching to a litter that is make of wood chips or pellets and is dust free,
Keep your cat away from all forms of smoke,
Maintain a lower weight in your kitty as obese animals have a harder time catching breath,
Keep your furry friend indoors as much as possible when it is cold,
Avoid stress and anxiety in your cat as it can trigger an attack.

Cats who suffer from feline asthma may not openly look like they are sick with anything other than a hairball. However, once your cat has been diagnosed with this condition it is important to ensure that they get the treatment that they need, and that you continue to do all that you can to keep them healthy. Animal Friends Insurance can provide you with all the information you need to buy pet insurance at a level to suit your particular needs. Call our friendly team today on 0844 55 70 300 or get an online pet insurance quote.

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