Cats are susceptible to multiple diseases, although it is also true that felines are resistant and have an independent character, however, on many occasions they need special attention.
Some pathologies that can affect cats are also commonly observed in humans and it is important to know them in order to know when something is wrong with our pet's body.
In this AnimalWised article we talk about the symptoms and treatment of asthma in cats.
Asthma in cats
It is estimated that 1% of cats suffer from severe respiratory problems, including asthma, which is characterized by oppression of the bronchi, which are breathing tubes responsible for carrying air from the trachea to the lungs.
The oppression of the bronchi causes respiratory difficulty, which can have different degrees of severity until it compromises the animal's breathing.
Asthma in cats is also known as allergic bronchitis, since it is the feline's immune system that overreacts to an allergen.
We could say that asthma is an example of an allergy in cats that affects the respiratory system, since the reaction to the allergen manifests itself by inflaming the tissue that lines the bronchial tubes and by narrowing the airways, it causes respiratory distress or dyspnea.
This allergic reaction that affects the cat's respiratory system can have different causes, such as the following:
- Environmental contamination of the environment
- Exposure to tobacco smoke
- Feline sand
- Mold and mites
- Smoke from the chimney
- Cleaning products, sprays and air fresheners
Asthma symptoms in cats
A cat affected by asthma or allergic bronchitis will present the following symptoms:
- Respiratory distress
- Fast breathing
- Noisy Breathing
- Persistent cough
- Whistles when breathing out
If we observe any of these symptoms in our cat, it is essential to go to the vet as soon as possible, since If asthma is not treated, the symptoms tend to worsen.
Diagnosis and treatment of asthma in cats
To diagnose feline asthma, the veterinarian will mainly rely on clinical signs or symptoms, however, an analysis should also be performed of blood and stool to rule out that these symptoms are due to any other disease.
Finally A chest X-ray will be performed, although in asthmatic cats this may be normal, generally the most visible bronchi are observed due to their pathological alteration.
The treatment of asthma in cats will vary depending on each specific case and the severity, however, the following drugs are usually used, either alone or in combination:
- Corticoids: Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory that is used to quickly reduce the inflammation produced in the bronchi and facilitate the entry and outflow of air to the lungs. It is a drug that can cause multiple side effects.
- Bronchodilators: Bronchodilators are drugs that act on the bronchi and allow them to dilate, making breathing easier.
This type of treatment can be done at home and it is important that the owner agrees to administer it properly, yes, regular visits to the vet will be necessaryto evaluate our cat's response to different drugs.
Hygienic-dietary measures for the treatment of asthma in cats
In addition to following the pharmacological treatment prescribed by the veterinarian, we recommend that you follow the advice that we show you below, in this way you can improve the quality of lifeof your cat:
- Use a good quality feline litter, which does not easily give off dust.
- If your cat, in addition to asthma, is over 8 years old, you should pay attention to the care of an elderly cat to provide it with a good quality of life.
- Be very careful with the cleaning products you use, you can find out about ecological products.
- Help him stay cool in summer so he can breathe easy.
- Do not give your cat dairy products, they contain many antigens that interact with the immune system and can aggravate the allergic reaction.
- Use a natural complementary treatment that helps strengthen your pet's defenses, homeopathy for cats is an excellent option.
