Feline asthma is an inflammatory airway disease in cats and has symptoms like coughing, sneezing, breathing difficulty, and a runny nose. It can happen suddenly after being away for a few days or weeks or spending time outdoors in cold weather. It can be triggered by allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mite allergen), irritants, or stress. Your cat may also have a history of this disease.
Have you ever heard of Feline asthma? No, me neither. Until I started reading blogs about cats, then I discovered Feline asthma was a real thing, a common problem. Most cat owners don’t realize that their feline companion suffers from this common respiratory disease. The good news is that treatments are available, including medications and supplements. If you own a cat, you should know about feline asthma treatment.
But even with the proper treatment, feline asthma can still be a severe issue. So how can you tell if your cat is suffering from this condition? What symptoms should you look out for? As a feline asthma vet, I see and hear things on the street that would make your ears perk up. I share one such piece of information: if you’re ever wondering what to do about your cat’s asthma, they don’t need an inhaler! A simple little pill is all they need! (Oh yes, and you should also know that if your cat has asthma, she may or may not love you right now. That’s okay. If she does, it’s just her way of telling you that she loves you, but it’s your job to make sure she always feels loved.
What is feline asthma?
Feline asthma is a common respiratory disease affecting cats. It can cause coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. As with other types of asthma, feline asthma can be caused by allergens, environmental factors, and genetic predisposition. Some cats are more susceptible than others.
Feline asthma symptoms
Feline asthma is a severe condition that can impact your cat’s life. It’s the leading cause of death among cats under one, and many cats suffer from this disease. Cats who develop feline asthma are prone to chronic coughing, sneezing, and eye irritation. Many contributing factors to feline asthma include diet, genetics, and environment.
How to prevent feline asthma?
The most effective way to prevent feline asthma is to start with a well-balanced diet. You may have heard that cats are carnivores, but that’s not entirely true. Cats are omnivores, meaning they can eat both meat and plant-based foods. If you feed your cat a diet high in fish, it can lead to feline asthma. On the other hand, providing your cat with a diet high in meat can lead to food allergies. It’s crucial to balance your cat’s diet to be low in fat, high in protein, and low in carbohydrates. You can do this by feeding your cat a diet high in fish and then switching it to a diet high in meat. The same goes for dry foods, generally high in protein and lower in carbs. These two diets will help keep your cat healthy and give you the best results for feline asthma.
How to treat feline asthma?
Feline asthma is a fairly common condition that affects almost every cat. It’s characterized by the rapid development of an allergic reaction to allergens such as dust mites, mold, pollen, and other things. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, excessive mucus production, and even vomiting. Your cat may even have a low-grade fever. It’s important to note that cats with feline asthma often have multiple allergies and, therefore, multiple causes for the condition. While many owners are familiar with the situation, most are unaware of the medications and supplements available for treatment.
What are the most common feline asthma triggers?
Feline asthma is a chronic condition in which your cat’s airways become inflamed. This inflammation is usually triggered by several factors, including allergens, environmental irritants, and viral infections. The most common cause of feline asthma is exposure to pollen and mold spores, which trigger an immune response. Feline asthma can be treated with a combination of medications and supplements.
What causes feline asthma?
It’s true. Feline asthma is a genuine condition. It is caused by allergies and infections, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Most cats will only get it once in their lives, but some may call it repeatedly. The symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, increased breathing rate, and excessive watery eyes. These symptoms are the same as those of a human with asthma, so you can use this knowledge to treat your cat. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your vet immediately. You can help your feline friend feel better by giving them a good dose of feline asthma treatment.
How to cure feline asthma
Feline asthma is not an uncommon condition. Many veterinarians estimate that cats suffer from this illness between 20% and 60%. If you own a cat, you’re probably familiar with the symptoms. These include sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose. As the airways become inflamed, cats may lose their appetite, lose weight, or experience diarrhea. These symptoms are similar to human asthma, so many owners may be surprised to see their cat suffering from this ailment. In many cases, the symptoms are caused by allergies. However, other conditions can trigger feline asthma, including infectious diseases such as giardia and feline herpes virus. Other possible causes include obesity, stress, and poor nutrition. Fortunately, most cats can recover from feline asthma on their own. With the proper diagnosis and treatment, most cats will recover within a few weeks to a few months.
How to manage feline asthma
Cats are prone to asthma. It’s the most common respiratory disease affecting domestic felines. If you have a cat, you likely know about the symptoms of feline asthma. For example, your cat may suffer from coughing fits, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. The signs of feline asthma can vary greatly, and it can be hard to diagnose. However, the most crucial step is to take your cat to the vet. The vet will run tests to determine if your cat has feline asthma. The most common treatment is inhaled steroids. However, other therapies, including medications and supplements, are available to help cats suffering from feline asthma.
Frequently asked questions about feline asthma.
Q: Do you think that cats are allergic to certain foods or are allergic to things?
A: Cats have a unique allergy to some types of protein, which is why they can’t eat some of the proteins found in meat. I also believe that most cat allergies are caused by their unique lifestyle and the amount of stress they feel.
Q: Do you think cats can get allergies?
A: They definitely can. They can get food allergies, which may require medication, and also they may get allergies from pollen.
Q: Have you ever had a cat who got sick?
A: When my first cat, Tiger, was around two years old, she developed an itchy rash on her back, and then she developed a cough. She eventually developed a sinus infection and had to be taken to the vet, where they diagnosed her with feline asthma.
Q: Can you describe the symptoms of feline asthma?
A: Feline asthma is a respiratory condition in which the lungs inflate due to exposure to allergens, like pollen or animal dander. As a result, the cat feels irritated, becomes short of breath, and may cough.
Q: Is it true that a cat with feline asthma can’t have anything other than tuna?
A: No. Cats can still have treats and toys that are not high in protein. However, when feeding your cat, make sure that you use only fresh food.
Q: Do you think a cat can get allergies from drinking water?
A: Yes, if your water has a lot of chemicals in it, there could be an increased risk. You should get a home testing kit to determine what you have in your water and if your water contains ammonia or chlorine.
Myths about feline asthma
1. Feline asthma is common and usually fatal.
2. The only treatment for feline asthma is steroids.
3. Steroids cause more problems than they solve.
4. Cats are allergic to dust mites.
5. Cats can never be sensitive to something they can’t see.
Conclusion
Feline asthma is a common problem faced by many cat owners. It can cause discomfort and distress in the cat, but it’s usually mild and short-term. The good news is that cats are generally well to treatment and can lead an everyday healthy life.
