Feline Asthma Life Expectancy

Feline asthma is a chronic condition that can be triggered by numerous external irritants that cause the swelling and constriction of the respiratory passages. Asthma may be of variable degrees of severity, which can determine the life expectancy of the affected cat. Typically, cats with asthma have a normal life expectancy, if the condition is kept under control.

Detecting Asthma

An early detection of asthma may prevent complications and can help the vet prescribe a suitable treatment that can keep the situation under control. As a cat asthma owner, you should be educated and know how to recognize the first signs of an asthma attack, so that you can act in a timely manner, before your pet is deprived of oxygen.

The symptoms of an asthma attack include:

  • Coughing, as if the cat tries to eliminate a hair ball
  • Nasal and ocular discharges
  • Blue gums and blue tongue, due to lack of oxygen
  • Panting and breathing with an open mouth

Triggers of Asthma

Each asthmatic cat may have different asthma attack triggers. These triggers must be identified, so that you can keep your pet away from these as much as possible.

Isolating the asthma triggers can ensure your pet doesn’t have contact with these and he will have fewer asthma attacks.

Possible asthma triggers may include cigarette smoke, mold, dust mites, pollens or different household chemicals. In some cases, the cat may have an asthma attack caused by the litter or the sand particles in the litter.

You can identify the triggers, as the cat will display the symptoms within a few minutes after being exposed to the irritant.

Feline Asthma Life Expectancy

A cat with asthma may live a normal life provided that:

  • He gets regular treatment and immune system support
  • The triggers are avoided as much as possible
  • You monitor your pet and offer help as soon as you see the very first signs of an asthma attack
  • You keep an inhaler or an anti inflammatory injection at hand at all times, to be able to administer it when needed

Treatment Options for Asthma

A cat diagnosed with asthma should get regular treatment, even if not exposed to the identified triggers. The asthma may be triggered by several other factors that haven’t been detected yet.

The cat will get some anti inflammatory drugs, which will help prevent the constriction of the respiratory passages. The dosage will be determined depending on how severe the asthma attacks are. If the asthma is serious, the cat may need periodical injections with anti inflammatory solution or steroids.

Mucolytic medication can also be prescribed, having the role of regulating the amount of mucus secreted.

Some cats may also get s different prescription diet that will contain ingredients that are safe for the pet.

 

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