How to Treat Feline Asthma

Keep your cat away from any triggers that can cause complications with its asthma. For instance, the Doctors Foster and Smith website states that exposure to harmful substances, such as cigarettes, can exacerbate the asthma. In addition, allergens, such as pollen, can also cause the asthma to get worse. Avoid using perfumes, hair and insect sprays, deodorizers and feather pillows, as they can complicate the asthma. In addition, keep your home as dust-free as possible. Switch to a sand or newspaper type of cat litter or a "low-dust" variety.

Help your cat lose weight. Excess weight on your cat can make breathing difficult, especially if the cat has asthma. Place the cat on a diet that is designed to safely remove the weight. Consult with your veterinarian about what exercises are safe for your asthmatic cat. Often, playing with your cat more with toys or laser lights can help it get more exercise to lose weight.

Administer any veterinarian-prescribed medications to the cat. Often, medications that are designed to improve the cat’s airflow and reduce secretions are prescribed. Bronchodilators and corticosteroids can help reduce the inflammation and secretions found in the lung tissue that can lead to asthma. These medications are often given in the form of pills or inhalers.

To give a cat a pill, set the cat on your lap and wrap a towel around it, making sure its legs are confined. Place your second finger on one side of its jaw and your thumb on the other side. Gently feel for the jaw hinge and squeeze; the cat should then open its mouth. Take the pill and toss it toward the back of the cat's mouth or use a pill gun to "shoot" the pill into its mouth, aiming for the back of the mouth. Rub its throat to ensure that the pill went down. You can also crush the pill and put it in the cat's food.

To administer medication with an inhaler, introduce the process slowly and gently. An inhaler comes with a mask portion that needs to be placed over the cat’s nose and mouth. The medication is sprayed into the inhaler and is then distributed into the cat’s lungs and airways. This method is often preferred because the inhaled medications often relieve symptoms faster than oral medications. Place the mask portion over its nose for a few seconds and then give the cat a treat. Repeat a few times until the cat gets used to the mask. Then spray the medication into the inhaler.