- Facts

1.     Problem Definition:

Feline asthma, also known as chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and allergic bronchitis is a common feature seen in cats. It is basically inhaled allergens that cause the smooth muscles near the airways to contract which in turn leads to a typical clinical symptom.

2.     Symptoms:

The most common symptom seen in cats is dry coughing and wheezing. They may also constrict the airway leading to breathing with open mouth or panting. This could really be life threatening.

3.     Duration of Problem:

Asthma can be a lifelong problem in cats.

4.     Exposure:

It is difficult to pinpoint any one allergen that causes asthma in cats. It can be due to grass and tree pollens, cigarette or fireplace smoke, various sprays like hair sprays, deodorants, flea sprays, deodorizers used at home and the dust from cat litter.

- Prevention & Treatment

1.     The Treatment:

The drug prescribed for feline asthma is corticosteroid which reduces the chronic inflammation. In recent times, vets give the cats a therapy of using inhalers like the human beings who have asthma. The most common corticosteroid inhaler used nowadays is Flovent. There is also another drug called bronchodilator used which helps a lot to open the airways when the cat is severely coughing. Even oral medications are used.

2.     Precautions:

The precautions that you can possibly take are to avoid cigarettes and smoke from fireplaces. One should also avoid excess use of air fresheners and other house-hold sprays. Also, hair sprays and deodorants should be used away from the cats. You should also use low dust clay to make cat litter. You should avoid taking them out in cold.

3.     Helpful Supplies:

You can use air purifiers. You can also use high filtration vacuum bags.

 - Concerns

1.     Level of Seriousness:

Feline asthma can be life threatening. If your cat is coughing severely and is dealing with an acute attack, its best to take them to a vet.

2.     Lasting Consequences:

Some cats can be on steroids for their entire lives, while some may take steroids only for a couple of weeks. However, it must be noted that if a cat has to take steroids for his entire life, it can damage his immune system.

3.     Genetics:

There are genetic factors discovered in asthma. Among cats, if the parents have asthma, then the whole litter may not have it; but may be responsible in propagating it to the next generation.

4.     Lifestyle Accommodations:

The cat will need to be placed in open surroundings and far from claustrophobic environments such as closed lifts, cars, underground basements, etc.

5.     Expense:

The whole lifetime treatment for feline asthma could go up to $2,500 approximately.