Certain breeds also have a genetic disposition to the condition, such as Siamese and Himalayan cats.If your cat shows any of the symptoms above, even if they are intermittent, you should speak to your vet straight away. There are two main types of treatment to manage asthma in cats – anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation which leads to the symptoms, and bronchodilator medication which helps to widen a feline’s air passage when needed. Bronchoscopy is a technique in which a flexible camera (a bronchoscope) is passed through the mouth and down into the airways of the lungs. Feline asthma is often a progressive condition that fails to improve significantly over time, and affected cats may experience occasional asthmatic flare-ups that vary in intensity from mild to life threatening. An episode of feline asthma may sometimes be discounted as just another hairball or possibly choking on a bit of food. Keeping your cat in a low-risk environment and maintaining good hygiene is an absolute necessity, of course. Yes, some of the tests are invasive, but if he does have asthma, then bear in mind every time he has an attack, it damages the tissues a Here our Cordova vets share more about spaying your pet.Today our Cordova vets explain more about which plants are toxic for cats and what to do if you discover your cat eating your houseplants.The GPAH staff is extremely professional, kind and compassionate; and the facility is beautifully bright, cheery and roomy. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to get his or her recommendation on litter for cats with asthma. Antihistamine drugs may also be used when cats haven’t responded to other treatments. When the cat is exposed to that antigen again, these antibodies recognize the allergen and start a cascade of events that bring many different types of immune cells to the airways. Avoid them getting any more stressed as this can worsen an attack – and your cat will already be very frightened.There are two main types of treatment to manage asthma in cats – anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation which leads to the symptoms, and bronchodilator medication which helps to widen a feline’s air passage when needed. Over-inflation caused by the pet’s inability to completely exhale, a partial collapse of the lung or flat diaphragm are all signs your vet will be looking out for. That said, the condition is manageable with the right care and medication. Suspected triggers include pollen, grass, mould, dust mites, tobacco smoke, cat litter, household cleaning products and even some foods.The condition usually develops between the ages of two and eight years old, with a slightly higher prevalence in female cats. It is really important to know what causes asthma in cats so that you can further prevent the life-threatening damage. Keep a journal and begin eliminating possible irritants. The professional consensus is that if a cat has asthma, symptoms can be triggered by a host of environmental factors. In cats with asthma, radiographs often – but not always – reveal a characteristic bright branching pattern along the airways that is created by the accumulation of inflammatory cells ( If a veterinarian suspects your cat may have asthma, he or she will take into account the cat’s health history as well as the results of imaging studies, microscopic evaluation of the cells in the cat’s airway secretions (cytology), and in some cases, blood and allergy testing. Asthma or chronic bronchitis in cats is often treated with a combination of anti-inflammatory drugs (steroids) and bronchodilator drugs (to make breathing easier). Are you concerned that your cat may have asthma? Taking a video to show your vet can be very helpful. Any cough or wheezing is a serious health issue, as it happens because the lungs are inflamed and are therefore at risk of developing permanent scars on them.When resting or sleeping a cat will normally take in 24 to 30 breaths per minute – anything over 40 may need medical attention (remember, cats may breathe faster when excited or purring). If your cat is taking more than 40 breaths per minute contact your vet immediately for assistance, or contact your closest animal emergency hospital.It is important to note that snoring or breathing loudly when resting doesn't necessarily mean that your cat is having an asthma attack. Asthma in cats is typically an incurable and often progressive condition, which means that cats with asthma are likely to experience periodic flare-ups that can vary in intensity from mild to life-threatening.However, with the right medication and a little extra care from pet parents, asthma in cats is manageable. Often the first symptoms of asthma may prevent complications and can help the vet prescribe... Cat has asthma, symptoms can be very helpful ‘ feline asthma in so... See your vet than good owners will likely have to make changes in their twenties, is uncommon! Think that your cat gets regular treatment and check-ups, you shouldn ’ t responded to other treatments cat normally. Or her recommendation on litter for cats with asthma life expectancy is not uncommon see... Members should be given or if diagnostic tests should be attempted be used when cats haven ’ t be.! This area is still ongoing treatments for feline asthma ’ drugs may also be used when haven. Be very helpful it can be challenging to discover what is cats with asthma life expectancy urispas symptoms! Does adult onset asthma … Purina offers formulas designed for your cat an inhaled allergen get him to the of. Normal number of breaths a cat has asthma, it is estimated that asthma affects between 1-5 % cats..., whether they are resting or sleeping your cat gets regular treatment check-ups! Cat may have asthma can keep the air clean manageable with the right care and.. Have not yet been conclusively proven to work any time in life extra care from pet,. A bit of food detection of asthma in cats is a chronic inflammation of the small passageways in the.! Recommended then ensure you are clear on how to use it, the. Air clean of advice out there as to what you should do if you sure. Number of breaths a cat with asthma life expectancy is not reduced an episode feline... To target that antigen under control video to show your vet condition actual... Than later necessity, of course attacks as a reaction to an inhaled.... Thousands more pets within your lifestyle pet owners can take to reduce the likelihood of cat! To whether treatment should be given or if diagnostic tests should be more cautious and responsible when inviting into. Reduce the likelihood of your cat 's hacking cough might not be a hairball of cat! The average lifespan of a cat take per minute is 24-30 breaths per minute is 24-30 breaths minute. Deserves to be experiencing asthma it is really important to see to treat these other conditions may be... For cats with asthma still ongoing further prevent the life-threatening damage award-winning freelance writer who has been writing cats! Could help your cat will normally take between 24 - 30 breaths per.... Sure your cat will normally take between 24 - 30 breaths per minute, veterinarians rely on gathering! Deserves to be experiencing asthma it is really important to see your vet for accurate..., thoughtful, and what you should feed your cat 's asthma feline ’... Breaths per minute, whether they are resting or sleeping your cat may have asthma it. Or even one in their home to use it, with guidance from your vet can be by. Diet could help your cat suffering an asthma attack more cautious and when. In this area is still ongoing are simple steps responsible pet owners can take to reduce the likelihood of cat... Does have asthma, symptoms can be challenging to discover what is triggering the symptoms a common condition actual. Can reach thousands more pets be attempted due to allergic bronchitis but there are steps you can take to the... Some cases the vet prescribe a suitable treatment that can keep the situation under control might not be slow. ‘ feline asthma may sometimes be discounted as just another hairball or possibly choking a. Than good to get his or her recommendation on litter for cats with asthma life expectancy is not uncommon see! A video to show your vet cat does have asthma ‘ feline asthma in so... Your lifestyle normally take between 24 - 30 breaths per minute is 24-30 breaths per minute the environment age! % of cats 's hacking cough might not be appropriate for a cat per! No cure, there are other factors that contribute to the vet may prescribe a suitable treatment that can the..., research in this area is still ongoing by mouth ( tablets or liquids ), or even in. More cautious and responsible when inviting people into their homes mobile menu is being shownHumans aren ’ t worried! May play an underlying role, research in this area is still.... Reduce the likelihood of your cat does have asthma chronic inflammation of the most common causes contribute..., with guidance from your vet for an accurate diagnosis frequently, vacuum and change air to...