Severe Feline Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory condition that affects cats just as it does humans. Feline asthma can be acute or severe, requiring serious treatment. A veterinarian can best advise you about treating your cat's asthma.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of feline asthma include coughing, wheezing, coughing while extending the neck, or appearing to be coughing something up. Coughing may or may not produce a slightly foamy, mucous-like substance. Severe asthma presents the previous symptoms along with open-mouthed breathing and vomiting.

    Causes

    • Severe feline asthma is caused by inflamed bronchial tissue. Attacks may be triggered by allergies, viral or bacterial infections and increased mucous production.

    Diagnosis

    • Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination and take a medical history of your cat as the first step in diagnosing feline asthma and its severity. Other diagnostic procedure include X-rays and testing for or ruling out other respiratory problems.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for severe feline asthma may include oral steroids, hospitalization and prescription inhaler medication.

    Considerations

    • Cats that suffer from severe asthma may require daily administration of asthma medication to prevent and lessen the symptoms of severe attacks.