Feline Asthma & Increased Respiration

Symptoms

• Increased respiration in a cat does not always indicate asthma. It can also be a symptom of other serious conditions, such as poisoning and hyperthyroidism. The most common symptoms of asthma in cats is wheezing or coughing, according to Felineasthma.org. Cats having an attack often stand with their heads stretched forward as they wheeze or cough, according to Peteducation.com. In severe cases, the cat can experience acute respiratory distress and display open mouth breathing. In such cases, the cat might also vomit after coughing.

Causes

• The primary cause of feline asthma isn't known, but there appear to be several factors involved in its development over time. Most veterinarians believe cats with asthma suffer from a chronic inflammation in the tissues that line the bronchial walls in their lungs, according to Felineasthma.org. When the cat comes into an environment with certain allergens, viruses or infections, it triggers the inflammation. This causes increased mucus secretion that in return causes a decrease in the size of the cat's airways. According to Peteducation.com, allergens that have been linked to symptoms of asthmatic cats include perfumes, smoke, dust (flea powders, litter, carpet fresheners), insect and hair sprays and Christmas trees. Some studies have shown that pollen causes attacks. Certain foods can also trigger an attack if the cat is allergic.

Risk

• Younger cats between the ages of 2 and 8 years old are the most likely to develop asthma. Female cats are also twice as likely to get it than male cats, according to Felinaasthma.org. When it comes to breeds, Siamese and Himalayan cats seem to develop asthma more frequently than other breeds.

Diagnosis

• A veterinarian can diagnose asthma through a combination of chest X-rays, profiling a cat's symptoms, and by the cat's response to treatment. Radiographs, or X-rays, can show inflammation in the lungs, according to veterinarians at the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center in Los Angeles. Radiographs will show the treating veterinarian what is called "air-trapping." This is a sign that small airways have been so constricted that air cannot be exhaled. The lungs usually appear larger than normal and over-inflated. However, some cats cannot hold still or remain comfortable during this procedure, so a veterinarian might rely solely on other factors, such as symptoms. Because there are other diseases that can cause such similar symptoms, a complete diagnostic workup is typical. Workups usually include blood tests and a heartworm check.

Treatment

• Owners are typically advised to reduce the cat's exposure to allergens and substances that may cause asthma to flare up. Cats with mild asthma and who only have occasional symptoms are often put on a diet to reduce weight. Affected cats can also be treated with medications delivered through an inhaler, according to Felineasthma.org. Similar to treatments in humans, an inhaler delivers high concentrations of drugs directly to the lungs and decreases the likelihood of symptoms. Aerokat is an inhaler specifically designed for cats. This inhaler can combine steroids such as fluticasone with bronchodilators such as albuterol. Cats with more severe cases are also treated with oral steroids, such as prednisone, for 10 to 14 days until symptoms are improved, according to veterinarians at the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. A cat experiencing a severe attack should be treated by a veterinarian and may require hospitalization.