Do Cats Get Asthma? Is It the Same as Humans?

While some may think of asthma as a uniquely human condition, felines actually experience asthma as well.

Cat Asthma

Asthma in cats refers to chronic lung airway inflammation, similar to how asthma affects humans. Feline asthma is also typically triggered by stress or allergens. When these felines inhale allergens, an inflammation-causing immune response could be triggered. This could result in the airway's irritation, swelling, or muscular constriction.

Such a response could lead to the accumulation of mucus and the narrowing of the airways. Because of this, it may be difficult for oxygen to arrive in the lungs, making it hard for felines to breathe.

Cat asthma is quite common. In fact, around 1% to 5% of cats have asthma. Cats with asthma are typically diagnosed at 4 to 5 years of age. No particular sex has been observed to be more vulnerable to getting asthma, though it has been previously suggested that Siamese cats could be predisposed to the condition. However, this has not been conclusively confirmed.

Signs of Feline Asthma

Cats suffering from asthma could exhibit breathing difficulty signs, rapid breathing, wheezing, hacking, vomiting, or open-mouthed breathing. The signs could be different in terms of intensity. This could range from acute crises in the respiratory tract to long-standing and low-grade coughing, increased respiratory effort, and an elevated respiratory rate.

When an asthma attack hits, cats could hunch their bodies near the ground and stretch their necks facing front.

Feline asthma cannot be diagnosed by a particular test. To come up with a diagnosis, veterinarians typically rely on testing and information gathering. If cat asthma is suspected, the health history of the feline as well as the results of imaging studies and other tests will be taken into account.

Treating Cat Asthma

While the condition does not have a cure, it can still be treated successfully. Veterinarians may prescribe medications, like corticosteroids, to minimize inflammation. Other medications, known as bronchodilators, may also be prescribed to open or dilate the airways.

There are also other ways to alleviate the symptoms of cat asthma or prevent the condition. This includes removing allergens, letting them have an obesity-reducing healthy diet, and reducing stress. Other alternative and natural treatments may include omega-3 fatty acids, allergy desensitization, and certain medications to reduce inflammation likelihoods.

Some home care methods can also aid in preventing asthma symptoms from surfacing. This includes using kitty litters low in dust, avoiding household cleaners with heavy scents, avoiding deodorizers and aerosol cleaning, avoiding smoking around felines, or decreasing candle or fireplace use.

When the cat experiences an asthma attack, emergency medication can be administered.

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