The companion of a cat is considered one of the most beloved pets in the world. For those who enjoy having a cat as a pet, the allergic reaction they sometimes get from them is almost unbearable. Even though you may have allergies, it’s still possible to have a cat, you will need to take a few steps to make sure there is less chance of an allergic reaction.
These allergic symptoms can include itchy skin, red and dry eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. It may take you a while to realize that the allergies are coming from your cat. If your allergies didn’t arise until after you’ve had your cat for awhile, it can be very difficult to give your beloved cat away.
Don’t send kitty packing too quickly; there are several things you can do to make your allergy symptoms less severe.
The allergen is the dander that comes from the cat and compiles around your house in the bedding, curtains, and on the furniture. Because we spend at least 6 hours or more per night in our bed, it makes sense to stop letting your cat on your bed.
This will dramatically reduce pet dander while you are sleeping. Another good recommendation is to take a shower before bedtime so that you can remove as much of the pet dander that may be on your skin before prior to going to bed at night.
Another big factor is to reconsider whether you should let your cat into your bedroom at all. By keeping your bedroom pet free, it will provide a safe retreat when your allergy symptoms flare up.
Because of cat allergies, be certain to change your bedding weekly. Take extra time to vacuum your carpets daily, and wash your curtains at least once a month. These simple tasks will greatly help in removing the amount of dander found in your home. Be sure to get a HEPA filter with your vacuum cleaner for best results.
Another good practice is to wash your hands after handling any pet, including your cat. It’s even more important to do this since you have allergies. The simple act of touching your cat, and then your face can leave you with an uncomfortable evening later on.
Consider using a micro fiber cloth to stroke your cat. This will eliminate more dander than a bath, and it’s easier for you since your cat may not be too fond of baths. If you continue to have trouble controlling your symptoms, confine your cats to one area of the house and see if your symptoms lessen.
Last but not least, keeping yourself healthy is very important, but hanging on to your cat is also important.
By following the basic steps mentioned above, as well as speaking with your doctor about allergy shots and medications, the above recommendations should allow you to feel good and keep that beloved feline at the same time.
Archive for the ‘Cat Symptoms’ Category
Cat Symptoms – Cat Health Problems: Controlling Your Allergies
Saturday, October 17th, 2009Cat Symptoms – Dealing With A Cat Allergy
Friday, October 16th, 2009You are suspecting that you just might be allergic to your cat but there is no way that Fluffy is going to be moving out of your house. What to do? Dealing with a cat allergy can be accomplished with a little diligence.
Finding out you are allergic to your cat can be heart breaking. There are a variety of symptoms that can occur such as sneezing, itchy watery eyes, runny nose, sinus infection, headache, and a host of other mild to moderate symptoms that if you are determined enough you can likely find some relief from and still keep Fluffy. But there are also situations that are severe and even life threatening which means you will have to find your cat a new home. Lets assume your cat allergy is one you can live with. So what to do?
Let’s first have a look at some of the other symptoms that can be related to a cat allergy. The list is long – besides the symptoms already mentions other symptoms include eye infections, redness, swelling, itching, post nasal drip, hives, rashes, itchy skin, plugged or poping ears, hoarseness, and coughing. There may also be shortness of breath, wheezing, reoccurring bronchitis which increases during tasks such as grooming or cleaning the litter box.
They may also increase when vacuuming or dusting which stirs up the dander. And often overlooked is that the allergy is actually not with the cat but with the perfumes used in cat products such as the litter. The cat allergy is caused buy allergens commonly the sebum produced by your cat. So it’s not the actual cat hair that causes the allergy but rather a protein that is in the dander and the tiny particles are easily moved around.
So how do you deal with a cat allergy? There are several things you can try. HEPA filters are a great place to start. HEPA filters situated in each room of your home as well as a vacuum with a HEPA filter will certainly help reduce the allergens.
Having your cat neutered or spayed can help your cat allergy because it reduces the sebum level that is produced. Replace carpets with flooring can make a big difference because carpet traps not only cat dander but dust mites, and a host of other allergy causing things.
Bathe your cat regularly and cover your pillows and mattress with tight casings that can help. We spend half of our life sleeping so it makes sense to also keep the cat out of the bedroom. And of course you can also have the allergy shots that are designed to desensitize you.
But wait! There are some natural remedies for dealing with a cat allergy and some are very effective. Seek out the help of a naturopath or do some research online. You can find several products that might be beneficial.
First of all it is a well known fact that allergies including your cat allergy are a result of an immune system that is misfiring, so building your immune system and doing natural things to help bring your body into balance can also be very helpful.
Don’t ignore the simple fixes when you are dealing with a cat allergy. Do it right and Fluffy will spend the rest of her days with you in a life of luxury!
Cat Symptoms – Coping With Cat Allergies
Friday, October 16th, 2009Before making any decision to get a cat, you should look into whether you and your family members are allergic to cats. Many people are allergic to cats, some more so than others. Too often, people bring home a pet only to find out later that they or their children are allergic to cats.
Although pet allergy symptoms can be keep under control, in many cases for some allergy sufferers, the various sneezing, stuffy nasal passages and itchy, watery eyes become too much to bear. Eventually, it becomes virtually impossible for them to stay with the cat.
As a result, many cats are sent to animal shelters each year as their allergic owners can no longer bear the severity of their allergy symptoms.
Even if you do not suffer from cat allergies, consider others close to you who may no longer feel comfortable visiting your home because they are allergic to cats. It would be very unfair to the cat later on if you had to give it away just because your social life declines.
For those who are mildly or sporadically allergic to cats, you can follow these strategies in order to have cats living in the same household. As you know, most allergies occurred due to the presence of danger particles in the air, and to control these danger particles, just follow the strategies below:
1) Apply cat safe, anti-allergy wipes or sprays to the cat’s fur recommended by your vet
2) Use vinyl or leather furniture instead of upholstered
3) Replace carpets with hard floors
4) Prohibit your cat from entering your bedroom
5) Clean your air-con filters, furnace and ductwork regularly
6) Use an air purifier to eliminate the danger particles
7) Use hot water to wash your bed linens regularly
Wrap mattresses and pillows with plastic covers to prevent dander from settling in the bedding
9) Use distilled water to bathe the cat once a month
Allergies should be treated immediately to prevent weakening of your body’s immune system. Prolonging your treatment will lead to other problems, such as bronchitis, asthma, or sinus or ear infections. It may even lead to life threatening cases if allergic responses are severe enough.
If you are experiencing symptoms that would not go away, you should consult a doctor to determine the cause. A test can then be perform on you to determine the exact allergens that are causing your symptoms so that an appropriate treatment can be administer on you.
Cat Symptoms – How To Eliminate Your Cat Allergy Symptoms- No More Wheezing, Sneezing Or Itching
Thursday, October 15th, 2009Allergies to cats are quite common.
The allergic reactions can be immediate, or they can begin to show up gradually over time.
Often someone has owned a cat for some time, sometimes even years, before the allergic reactions begin to show.
Having to give the cat up at that point may be heartbreaking for everyone involved, including the cat.
Most often the first recommendation from medical doctors is to relinquish the cat.
That could have been good advice in the past, however, the past 15 years have seen a whole new “breed” of therapy methods based on the bodies energy system who are extremely effective at resolving allergies at it’s deepest core -your energy system.
The methods are generally referred to as “Energy Therapy” “Meridian Therapy” or “Energy Psychology”.
One of the easiest and most effective method is “Tapas Acupressure Technique” or, TAT. Generally, TAT is recognized to eliminate allergies in
about 85% of cases, and that has been this authors experience as well.
The major distinction between these therapies and traditional aids or therapies, is that instead of attempting to clear the allergen out of the air using all sorts of filters, specialized vacuums, Hepa filters, limiting the exposure to the cat, medications etc. the energy therapies work on your own energy system so that it can be in harmony with the allergen.
Very different concept.
Instead of (unsuccessfully) trying to change the environment so we can live in it without feeling ill, or to manipulate our system by medications, Energy Therapies very effectively balance the part of our energy system not in harmony with, in this case, cats.
Pretty much in the same way that Chinese medicine views illness as a disruption of the flow of vital life force in your system, Energy Therapies view an allergy as a substance your energy system is not in harmony with and is trying to repel.
It is the repelling of the allergen that causes the allergic reactions.
So, here is how you can view it. You feel OK, and then you are in contact with a cat, or breathe air containing the allergen. This causes your system to become disrupted.
The flow of energy is now disrupted, causing a horde of symptoms, as in all your allergy symptoms.
Sounds almost too simple, yes?
The energy therapies, using either acupuncture needles, or simply your fingers, will, by using special acupuncture points, balance the system in regards to the offending substance.
To do that, you first need to cause the same disruption your body, or energy system, would have if in actual contact with a cat.
That can be accomplished in a few different ways. The practitioner may have a vial containing cat dander that you can hold in your hand, or, even more effective, you can simply think about cats.
Thinking about cats when you are allergic to them is enough to cause an imbalance of your energy system.
Now, while your system is in imbalance, the intervention takes place. The intervention can be acupuncture needles inserted into key acupuncture points, or, an even more effective method, as in TAT, is to hold, with your own fingers, certain acupuncture points known for their effect on the brain.
The treatment may have to be repeated a few times. In most cases less than 3, in order to be able to allow your system to be in balance in the presence of cat dander.
Once your system is in harmony with the car dander, (or other allergen), there are no more reactions. Once the intervention is completed, the effects are most often permanent, requiring no re treatment.
The person who used to have a cat allergy can now interact with cats feeling perfectly OK.
Having to relinquish your cat because you have developed allergies is a painful decision no one should have to make.
Today, with modern cutting edge resources available, that decision may be one you never have to make.
Cat Symptoms – Note to Owners to Heed Cat Food Recalls
Thursday, October 15th, 2009It is always prudent for pet owners to be aware of and heed warnings regarding pet food recalls. One recent cat food recall came in response to reports of renal failure in pets. It was publicly noted in March 2007, when increased numbers of cats and other pets were observed dying due to kidney failure.
The reason was traced to wet type pet foods made with wheat gluten produced by a single Chinese company. There have been several cases reported following that, but in spite of extensive government and private testing and forensic research, no definitive cause has been identified as the significant factor in the deaths.
Sources of Cat Food
Pet food is a billion dollar industry in America. As a result of the cat food recall, investigators have determined that the cat food in question was manufactured by a large company that was producing nearly 100 brands of cat food under various labels. In the United States there has been significant media coverage of the cat food recall.
There has been public outrage in many places and people have demanded government regulation and set standards for pet food. Pet foods are self-regulated by pet food manufacturers and the government encouraged to set specific standards.
There are about 40 products manufactured by the company that produces pet foods using a variety of labels under the one primary company umbrella. One of the products they produce labelled “cuts and gravy” has since been removed from the market place due to the cat food recall.
The ingredient that appears to be the source of the problem is a protein product that is used to thicken the pet food gravy. These products sold in cans and pouches are available in most popular supermarkets nation wide. Consumers are advised to stop buying these products immediately.
Anyone who believes that they have purchased and made this product available to their pet, has been advised to seek the aid of a veterinarian in assessing any potential illness or condition.
Symptoms Causing Alarm
There has been a 30 per cent increase in kidney failure in cats. This abnormality is the primary cause for the alarm and discovery of the dangerous product. It is definitely the main reason the company issued the cat food recall.
Pet owners have been asked to take their cats to a veterinary doctor as soon as they show any symptoms such as loss of appetite, lethargy, depression, vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms have been associated with the recent health issues. If the cat is excessively thirsty or urinates more than usual, these are typical symptoms of kidney failure. That kidney failure could be a direct result of exposure to the cat food in question.
New Cat Food
In part, due to that significant cat food recall, the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has recommended that the cats be fed products which contains only U.S. sourced protein supplements until the issues are fully examined and understood. The ASPCA is keeping a close watch on any new developments regarding these investigations. Pet owners can call them or email them regarding with questions and concerns.
More specific data identifying products and companies is available at their website which provides advice and answers all questions regarding the cat food recall. The information will be kept up-to-date and is fully supported by a team of doctors who have been examining cats displaying the typical symptoms of consuming the Potentially lethal cat food.
Cat Symptoms – Pet Care tips for Cat Sneezing
Wednesday, October 14th, 2009We know it is very important for you to keep your cat’s health. Sometimes you worry a lot when you see your cat sneezing several times. Not always the sneeze is a signal of health problem in your cat, but when it is occurring often you should think in the possibility to receive the attention of a professional. The sneezing is just the symptom of something is occurring to your cat, but sometimes it is not a serious problem. Sometimes a cat sneezes because there is pollution in the air or your cat is eating something. The sneezing in your cat is normal and occurs in the same way as humans and you can deduce what is happening with your cat according to some behaviors. I would like to share with you some care tips that will help you to determine what is going on with your cat or at least know what to do when your cat is sneezing. 1. Don’t worry about occasional sneezing, but you should see if it happens again:
Sometimes I have seen people worrying about occasional sneezing in their cats. But when it starts to happen often, you should take your cat to the vet. In other occasions, cats could have a respiratory tract infection that leads them to sneeze. But a specialist is the only person that could make a diagnosis for your cat. Most cats are susceptible to air pollution and that’s why you should keep your house clean to prevent all kind of respiratory infection in your cat as well as humans living at home. On the other hand, by keeping your environment clean you can prevent many types of diseases. 2. Check frequently your cat’s teeth:
Believe it or not in your cat teeth could be the cause of sneezing problems. Abscesses formed in your cat’s teeth may cause severe discomfort to your cat.
3. Be aware of other symptoms beyond sneezing:
In many cases sneezing is only one of the symptoms of many that could have your cat. But there are other symptoms that you should also check. For instance, if you see that your cat has fever or cold when the outside temperature isn’t cold, you should take it to your vet. There are also other symptoms that often come along with sneezing such as loss of appetite, sniffle and others.
Cat Symptoms – Cat Cancer-a Brief Explanation
Wednesday, October 14th, 2009For cat owners, there’s nothing more terrifying and distressing than to find out that your beloved feline companion has developed a malignant tumor or tumors. In order to give your cat the best chance to survive a case of feline cancer, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Also, having a basic understanding of cat cancer and the steps involved in fighting the disease can help make the process of diagnosis and treatment less confusing and overwhelming.What is Cancer?
Cancer involves the unregulated proliferation of cells resulting in the formation malignant tumors. This type of uncontrolled growth occurs when gene mutations are caused by damaged DNA. Typically, any damaged cells would be destroyed by the animal’s immune system; however, cancerous cells are able to avoid destruction by the immune system and, therefore, continue to grow in their unregulated manner. These cells then form a mass known as a tumor, which can either be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors are the cancerous ones, and they can be very aggressive and dangerous.Types of Cat Cancer
There are so many different types of cat cancer that it’s not possible to discuss all of them here. Cancer can originate in and affect almost all parts of the feline body; however, there are certain types of cat cancer that are more common than others. These include bladder cancer as well as various abdominal cancers which can affect the kidneys, intestines, spleen, and liver. Feline leukemia and malignant skin tumors also affect cats quite frequently.Causes
In most cases, it’s impossible to identify one or more particular causes of cancer in a feline patient. The potential causes and triggers of this disease are numerous and encompass both genetic and environmental factors. For example, hereditary defects and toxic chemicals can both play a role in the development of cat cancer. Radiation and viruses such as the Feline Leukemia Virus are also known to increase a cat’s risk of developing cancer. With so many potential triggers and contributing factors, the cause of feline cancer in a particular cat will often remain unknown.Common Symptoms
Since there are so many different forms of cat cancer, the type of the disease that is affecting a particular cat will determine the type of symptoms and warning signs exhibited. For example, excessive drooling and trouble with eating could be signs of mouth cancer while stiffness and difficulty with movement could be symptoms of bone cancer. However, even though the warning signs of cancer will differ with each type of the disease, there are certain symptoms that are common to various forms of cancer. These warning signs include weight loss and loss of appetite, abnormal and firm swelling, a lack of interest in daily activities, trouble with eating, an offensive odor, and unusual stiffness or lameness.Diagnosis
A diagnosis of cat cancer will be reached through an evaluation of symptoms and clinical signs as well as the results of various diagnostic procedures. Since there are so many different types of feline cancer, there are a number of diagnostic tools and tests that may be necessary to confirm and identify a particular case of this disease. Certain tools and tests that may be employed include blood tests, biopsies, x-rays, and CT scans. Once the presence of a particular form of cat cancer has been confirmed, the veterinarian will also need to evaluate the stage of the disease in order to implement an appropriate treatment plan.Treatment
When a cat has been diagnosed as having cancer, the necessary treatment plan will depend on a number of different factors, including the type of cancer present and the stage of the disease. Examples of treatment methods frequently used for various forms of cat cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is part of a holistic health approach to treatment and is often used in conjunction with other treatments. This particular form of therapy involves using a variety of natural supplements to boost the cat’s immune system in order to provide the animal with a greater ability to fight the cancer as well as to withstand other forms of treatment such as chemotherapy. In some cases, treatment for cat cancer will successfully eradicate the disease but, unfortunately, in other cases treatment will only serve to slow the progress of the cancer.Prevention
Since the potential contributing factors with respect to the development of cat cancer are so numerous, it can be difficult and even impossible to predict and prevent cancer in many cases. Yet, there are certain steps that pet owners can take to help lower the chances of their feline friends developing this terrible disease. Often, a holistic health care approach is very beneficial in this regard. By promoting and protecting your cat’s overall health with a good diet, a healthy living environment, and natural supplements, you will be boosting the strength and function of your pet’s immune system. As a result, your feline companion will have a stronger defense against cancer and all other feline medical problems and will be more likely to live a long and healthy life.
Cat Symptoms – Pet Care tips for Cat Sneezing
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009We know it is very important for you to keep your cat’s health. Sometimes you worry a lot when you see your cat sneezing several times. Not always the sneeze is a signal of health problem in your cat, but when it is occurring often you should think in the possibility to receive the attention of a professional. The sneezing is just the symptom of something is occurring to your cat, but sometimes it is not a serious problem. Sometimes a cat sneezes because there is pollution in the air or your cat is eating something. The sneezing in your cat is normal and occurs in the same way as humans and you can deduce what is happening with your cat according to some behaviors. I would like to share with you some care tips that will help you to determine what is going on with your cat or at least know what to do when your cat is sneezing. 1. Don’t worry about occasional sneezing, but you should see if it happens again:
Sometimes I have seen people worrying about occasional sneezing in their cats. But when it starts to happen often, you should take your cat to the vet. In other occasions, cats could have a respiratory tract infection that leads them to sneeze. But a specialist is the only person that could make a diagnosis for your cat. Most cats are susceptible to air pollution and that’s why you should keep your house clean to prevent all kind of respiratory infection in your cat as well as humans living at home. On the other hand, by keeping your environment clean you can prevent many types of diseases. 2. Check frequently your cat’s teeth:
Believe it or not in your cat teeth could be the cause of sneezing problems. Abscesses formed in your cat’s teeth may cause severe discomfort to your cat.
3. Be aware of other symptoms beyond sneezing:
In many cases sneezing is only one of the symptoms of many that could have your cat. But there are other symptoms that you should also check. For instance, if you see that your cat has fever or cold when the outside temperature isn’t cold, you should take it to your vet. There are also other symptoms that often come along with sneezing such as loss of appetite, sniffle and others.
Cat Symptoms – Cat Kidney Disease-a Brief Overview
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009If you’re a cat owner, you want to ensure that your feline friend enjoys the happiest and healthiest life possible. In order to help make this possible, it’s important for you, as the pet owner, to be educated about feline health issues. While cat kidney disease most often affects elderly felines, it has the potential to affect cats at any stage of life. So in order to protect and promote your cat’s health, it’s a good idea to understand the basics of feline kidney function and cat kidney disease.The Feline Urinary Tract
Generally, a healthy cat’s urinary tract will consist of two kidneys, each of which is each connected to the bladder by a ureter. As a physiological system, the feline urinary tract carries out several different functions, including the regulation of the concentration and acid-based balance of the blood. However, the main function of the kidneys and urinary system is the filtration and removal of waste products. Feline Kidney Disease
Feline kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to function properly. This usually occurs because the kidney cells become damaged or worn out. In most cases, feline kidney disease will develop slowly over time and a cat with this medical problem generally won’t display any symptoms of the disease until approximately two thirds of normal kidney function is lost. At this point, the kidneys are no longer able to sufficiently remove waste products from the body and toxins begin to accumulate within the cat’s system, causing significant discomfort for the animal as well as dangerous and potentially fatal disruptions with several other physiological pathways.Symptoms
Once a cat reaches this point, where approximately two thirds of normal kidney function is lost, a variety of signs and symptoms will begin to appear. Two of the most frequently displayed symptoms in cases of feline kidney disease are increased thirst and increased urination. Other common warning signs include bloody urine, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, depression, and poor coat quality. In some cases, feline kidney disease will also cause vomiting and bad breath. Since chronic kidney disease, which develops slowly over time, is more common in cats than acute kidney disease, signs and symptoms will typically occur with a gradual onset and grow increasingly severe with time.Diagnosis
Generally, a case of cat kidney disease will be diagnosed through blood tests and urinalysis. With respect to blood tests, the concentrations of the substances urea and creatinine can be very helpful with diagnosing feline kidney disease. Both of these substances are typically filtered out of the body by healthy kidneys and, therefore, unusually high concentrations of urea and/or creatinine could suggest a lack of proper function on the part of the cat’s kidneys. Also, when a cat is suffering from this disease, the concentration of its urine will often be higher than normal as well. As a result, urinalysis can also be helpful when it comes to diagnosing feline kidney disease.Causes
As alluded to earlier, there are two types of cat kidney disease — acute kidney disease, which develops suddenly, and chronic kidney disease, which develops slowly over time. Acute feline kidney disease is often caused by a traumatic event such as being hit by a car or losing a significant amount of blood. Toxins such as antifreeze can also trigger the sudden onset of cat kidney disease. Chronic feline kidney disease, the most common type of this disease, can be caused simply by the natural wear and tear that occurs with age, a genetic defect, or an infection. While there are numerous potential causes of cat kidney disease, in many cases the exact cause will be unknown.Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for feline kidney disease; however, in many cases this condition is controllable. Two of the most basic and common forms of treatment for cat kidney disease include diet control and prevention of dehydration. In addition to these treatments steps, a holistic approach to dealing with this condition often proves to be very beneficial as well. Natural supplements and remedies can help to increase the feline patient’s comfort by reducing symptoms and can also promote the animal’s overall health and well-being. However, no matter what treatment methods are used for your particular cat, they should always be carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian.Prevention
If your cat does not have feline kidney disease and you’d like to ensure that he or she never does develop this condition, there are several steps that you can take to increase the chances of your feline friend living a long and healthy life free of kidney disease. One of the best ways to do this is to deal with your pet’s health in a holistic manner, ensuring that he or she is as healthy as possible in every respect. By providing your cat with a healthy diet complemented by natural supplements, you will be increasing the strength of your pet’s immune system while improving its overall health and happiness. With a well-rounded health care plan and regular veterinary care, you can decrease your cat’s likelihood of developing kidney disease as well as many other feline health problems.
Cat Symptoms – Maybe Your Cat Has Feline Asthma
Monday, October 12th, 2009Feline asthma, also referred to as chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma and allergic bronchitis is a common feline ailment. It is usually caused by inhaled allergens that lead to the clinical symptoms of feline asthma.
How do you determine what your cat has inhaled to cause the symptoms?
According to most vets, it is virtually impossible to determine exactly which allergens caused your cat to come down with feline asthma symptoms. Some common culprits include:
· Grass
· Tree pollens
· Cigarette smoke
· Fireplace smoke
· Various sprays such as hair sprays, deodorants, flea sprays, deodorizers
· Dust from cat litter
My cat is still a kitten, can kittens have feline asthma?
In fact, feline asthma can occur in cats of all ages and is found in all areas of the world. There is no safe place to hide from the ailment with your kitten or cat. It is estimated about 1% of the general cat population has at some time or another experienced feline asthma.
What are the symptoms? Common symptoms include:
· Wheezing
· Coughing (a dry, hacking cough that might be confused with gagging or retching)
Many cats are diagnosed as having hairballs, when in fact, it is feline asthma.
In very severe cases, cat may:
· Have daily coughing and wheezing
· Many bouts of airway constriction, leading to open-mouth breathing and panting that can be life threatening
In mild cases, cat may:
· Cough and wheeze only occasionally
A few cats with feline asthma are asymptomatic in between acute and severe bouts of airway constriction.
How can a cat owner know whether or not their cat has feline asthma?
A vet can perform chest x-rays, a complete blood count, a feline heartworm test, and a technique to sample cells from the lower airways.
Feline asthma is a chronic progressive disease that cannot be fully cured. Medications will help reduce the symptoms, but may not be able to eliminate coughing completely.
One of the most effective therapies for feline asthma is to use inhalers such as human asthmatics use. There is a mask and spacer system that enables cats to use inhalers or puffers. The system is similar to the mask and spacer system used to treat babies and small children.
Treatments:
If your cat has been diagnosed with feline asthma, ask your vet about the AeroKat system for cats. The most important type of drug is a corticosteroid to reduce the chronic inflammation. Commonly prescribed is corticosteroid inhaler Flovent. Another medication type is called a bronchodilator that helps open the airway at times of severe coughing or wheezing. A common bronchodilator inhaler used for humans and cats is Apo-Salvent. Some cats may even be given oral medication usually a corticosteroid like prednisone. Oral therapy may be less expensive; however, inhaler therapy can probably do a better job. Be sure to notify your vet if there is any change in your cat’s condition while on asthma medication.
Other things you can do to help your cat are:
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not meant to diagnose or treat any kind of health problem in your cat. You should always consult with a trusted veterinarian for all health problems.
Source: The Winn Feline Foundation Online