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Asthma in cats in not a common occurrence but because of the rise of pollutants in the air they breathe, it is more common than it was just a decade ago. Approximately only one percent of all cats develop severe feline asthma which may be referred to by several other names including feline bronchial disease, allergic bronchitis, bronchitis, allergic airway disease or allergic asthma. A life threatening disease, feline asthma can cause a cat to go into respiratory distress.

CAUSES

The cause of feline asthma is not fully known however minimizing exposure to allergens can reduce reactions. Owners of cats who have asthma should try to identify what is causing the reactions and remove it from the cat's environment. Pollen, mold, smoke, certain cat litters, dust, foods, household cleaners and plants can all cause a respiratory reaction to some cats. Stress levels and some vaccinations are also believed to contribute to feline asthma.

Certain cat litters that produce a great deal of dust or are heavily scented should be considered an irritant to any cat and are a common cause of respiratory problems. Natural litters that contain pine and cedar can lead to feline asthma.

Household products that we deem safe can be a danger to our pets. Carpet powders can be highly irritable to a cat's respiratory tract. Not only is your cat closer to the floor to breathe in the odor of the powders but the powder can attach the cat's feet and get into their system when the cat grooms. Cigarette and fireplace smoke and candles should be avoided when a cat has respiratory disease.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of feline asthma are similar to those that humans suffer from. Difficulty breathing and wheezing are the first and most common signs of respiratory distress. Some cats may experience a cough that has a gagging sound. This symptom is often overlooked as it appears the cat is just trying to cough up a hairball.

During an asthmatic attack, a cat may inhale and exhale rapidly with the mouth open. The eyes of a cat with feline asthma may experience a build-up of eye mucus. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and may disappear for a period of time, only to return. Some felines may experience all of these symptoms and others may only have one or a few of the symptoms.

TREATMENTS

Prescriptio n treatments are available for feline asthma. First and foremost, cat owners need to remove the allergen from the cat's environment. Home oxygen therapy and nebulizers are available for severe cases of feline asthma. A nebulizer can be used to administer Albuterol, a drug used in treating asthma.

Asthma is only one of several diseases that can cause breathing difficulties, do not assume that feline asthma is the cause of breathing problems. Owners of asthmatic cats should learn pet first aid which are offered by the American Red Cross or can be learned from your veterinarian and have a plan in place in the event of an emergency. At the first sign of respiratory distress, cat owners should seek veterinarian care.

References:

CATS FOR DUMMIES by Gina Spadofori, Paul D. Pion, DVM, DACVIM, copyright 2000.

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