Feline Asthma Awareness
Meet Willow! She was a rescue that was adopted by a Forever Vets employee. Right away, she was having breathing problems and was congested most of the time. She was diagnosed with feline asthma when she was examined by one of our veterinarians, and is now able to live comfortably and enjoy her favorite activity, sleeping, because of asthma treatments and remedies!
What is feline asthma?
Feline asthma is a chronic respiratory disease in cats characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, similar to human asthma. It's often triggered by allergens and can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. While not curable, it can be managed with medication and environmental adjustments. If feline asthma goes untreated, it could lead to severe complications and could even be fatal.
Symptoms of feline asthma:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing,
- Labored breathing
- Body posture (cats may hunch down and breathe with their mouth open during an asthma attack)
- Weakness
- Lethargy
Causes of feline asthma:
- Allergens such as dust, pollen, mold, and pet dander
- Household cleaning products
- Perfumes and other scented products
- Respiratory infections
- Food allergies
Diagnosis of feline asthma:
- Clinic signs (having a veterinarian observe your cat's lungs and breathing)
- Chest X-rays
- Blood tests
- Bronchoscopy
How to treat and manage feline asthma:
- Medications that reduce inflammation and open the airways
- Inhalers
- Nebulizing treatment
- Environmental modifications (reducing your cat's exposure to allergens and irritants)
- Dietary changes
- Regular veterinary visits
If you believe your cat is experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, please schedule an appointment here!
