If your cat suffers from asthma, it’s important for you to choose the best cat asthma remedy that’s suited to your pet’s unique needs. Cats develop asthma when they inhale allergens that are known to cause asthma attacks in humans.
Common Allergens
- Dust
- Cigarette smoke
- Pollen
- Mold
- Cat Litter
Symptoms of Asthma
The symptoms of asthma mimic the symptoms of hairballs in cats. Pet owners need to distinguish these two conditions in order to initiate prompt treatment. Cats suffering from an asthma attack generally show signs of wheezing, coughing and labored breathing. Since some serious attacks prove fatal, it’s important to conduct a vet check promptly if the cat exhibits any symptoms.
Diagnosis of Asthma
Since treatment depends on the severity of the asthma present, the vet will have to conduct a series of tests to establish an accurate diagnosis. Some of the tests that are commonly performed include blood tests and chest x-rays. Another test that’s performed in most pets is known as BAL or the Bronchoalveolar Lavage test.
Treatment of Asthma in Cats
If asthma is associated with carcinomas in the lungs, the vet will prescribe a course of medication to treat the carcinoma and control the asthma. However, if the cause of asthma is associated with common allergens, the vet will prescribe certain steroids and bronchodilators to bring relief from the wheezing, coughing and labored breathing. Although this treatment is very effective, pet owners have to work with the vet to identify allergens that trigger asthma attacks and take measures to eliminate these allergens from the cat’s environment.
Alternative Treatments
Even though most pet owners use bronchodilators to treat cats suffering from bouts of asthma, these products can’t be used on a daily basis. Since periodic usage of such bronchodilators gives rise to bronchial spasms, it’s necessary to find alternative remedies to treat asthmatic pets.
Other Remedies
Oxygen therapy is one such remedy that helps cats that develop asthma. Since pets develop severe attacks by night, it’s beneficial to keep portable oxygen cylinders handy. If your cat develops an asthma attack, you have to simply hold the oxygen tube near the cat’s nose and adjust the valve on the oxygen cylinder to allow slow release of oxygen into the tube. If your cat allows you to insert the tube into his mouth, he will get back to normal after receiving nearly 10 minutes of oxygen therapy.
Precaution
If the pet doesn’t respond to oxygen therapy, you will have to use a bronchodilator or a nebulizer to stabilize his condition. You may also have to seek medical care if the cat appears blue or listless. Remember to stay calm when your pet suffers from an asthma attack. If the oxygen therapy doesn’t work, your next option is to use the nebulizer. Since it’s important to administer the right amount of medication when using a nebulizer, make sure you obtain the dosage instructions from your vet.
Cats that suffer from respiratory disorders require additional care and attention. As a pet owner, keep your home free from dust and debris and also protect your cat from harmful allergens that give risk to serious asthma attacks.