Asthma is very common with cats. Asthma is cats can come and go and, while not curable, it is very treatable. Asthma in cats occurs in about 1% of the cat population world wide and is also called chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and allergic bronchitis.
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Symptoms
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Coughing and wheezing are the most prominent symptoms and can be just occasional or chronic. The cat may also breathe with its mouth open and develop acute respiratory distress.
Causes
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Asthma in cats can be caused by some of the same things that affect humans such as dust, insecticides, pollen, and foods. It can also be caused by bacterial and viral infections.
Diagnosis
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X-rays are used to rule out any other possible cause of coughing. The vet will also do a blood count and check for parasites.
Treatment
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The vet may put the cat on a special diet or prescribe an inhaler such as Albuterol or theophylline. In sever cases, the cat may need a steroid such as prednisone or spend time in a hospital.
Home Care
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Use environmentally friendly pesticides and cleaners. Do not change the brand of cat litter. Different types can cause a reaction. The same goes with food. Stick to one type that the cat can tolerate.
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