Another Furball? It Might Be Feline Asthma

Another Furball? It Might Be Feline Asthma Photo © aceshot – Fotolia.com

If you notice that your cat often seems like it’s coughing up a furball, don’t ignore it – it could mean that it’s suffering from feline asthma. Some people aren’t aware of this and their pets end up in the animal hospital. We found a great tutorial about feline asthma and the link is after our commentary.

Signs and symptoms of feline asthma include: wheezing (common symptom among cats and humans), gagging cough, squatting with shoulders hunched and neck extended, rapid open mouth breathing or gasping for air and overall weakness.

Treatment of feline asthma is somewhat similar to that given to humans. Corticosteriods (anti-inflammatory medications) and Bronchodilators (To relax the bronchi and open up the airways) are used to control the symptoms. It’s a disease that is common among Siamese and Persian breeds, so if you have one of these breeds as pets, you have to make sure that you keep them away from things that may trigger an asthmatic attack. These too are similar to those in humans – allergens and air pollutants of many kinds.

There are a lot of factors that can cause feline asthma. Cats could be allergic to cigarette smoke, house dust, mite allergens, molds and certain plants or food. If you’re cleaning your house, take your cat in another room while you’re dusting. Regularly change his litter box because it can also easily collect dust. Also, try observing your pet’s condition and take note of any probable causes and connections. Like for example, try to see if he gets an asthma attack during the spring when pollen grains are everywhere.

There are also certain studies that show pets having an increase in asthmatic attacks whenever they eat cat food that contains fractionated grain (see link below for more on this). This theory still needs further study, but to play it safe, feed your pet with something that’s made of pure meat. They are natural carnivores so their bodies are made to devour it. Don’t try to turn them into vegetarians because they aren’t made that way.

Above all, never take these symptoms for granted, because it can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Please seek veterinary advice when appropriate.

Here’s the link to the full article: http://feline-nutrition.org/health/another-furball-it-might-be-feline-asthma

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