If your cat experiences coughing and wheezing spells without a visible cause, he may be suffering from cat asthma. A formerly healthy cat may develop asthma later in life. Once diagnosed, you can reduce the likelihood of future attacks by making some changes at home. In addition to your veterinarian's care, take steps to rid your home of asthma-inducing triggers.
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Function
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Cat asthma may be misdiagnosed as chronic bronchitis, as both conditions result in wheezing and respiratory distress. Asthma, however, results from spasms in your cat's lower bronchial tubes, triggered by an allergen, an infection or a parasite. If asthma, caused by an infection, goes untreated, it may result in permanent scaring to your cat's airways. If you have any doubts, see a veterinarian for a diagnosis.
Types
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Home care can reduce future cat asthma attacks. Most feline asthma attacks are the result of allergens, dust mites, pollen and other airborne irritants. Keep your cat indoors when outdoor hay fever alerts are high. Consider using a humidifier; air conditioners and central heating units remove moisture from the air and dry out your cat's airways, making an asthma attack more likely.
Effects
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Breathing secondhand smoke affects cats as well as people. Take the cigarettes to the front porch where your cat won't breathe in your smoke. Your cat may develop a sensitivity to secondhand smoke at any time, even if it did not bother him before. Clean your house with renewed vigor to remove dust mites that enjoy living in your carpet, upholstery, curtains and fabric. Even a small cloud of dust mites can trigger an asthma attack in your cat. Vacuum daily and make a spray of diluted tea by steeping a black teabag in a cup of water for 5 minutes, before adding 4 cups of cold water and filling a spray bottle. Lightly mist the air and other items in your home, taking care to avoid light-colored fabrics. The tannic acid in black tea kills dust mites.
Considerations
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If asthma is a relatively new development in your cat's life, there may be a hidden trigger. Think of recent changes that may be the culprit. New cat litter, a change in laundry detergent, a different household cleaner or dusting product may be triggering your cat's asthma. A new couch, chair, blanket or pillows are suspect if your cat developed asthma symptoms as soon as you brought the new item home. Anything you spray in the air could be a trigger.
Misconceptions
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In addition to chronic bronchitis, heartworms, fungal infections and bacterial infections can produce symptoms that mimic asthma. A fur ball or another airway obstruction will make your cat cough and wheeze. Overweight cats are more likely to develop asthma symptoms, so keep your feline slim and trim by feeding him a quality high-protein food.
Potential
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Take your cat to the veterinarian immediately if he experiences a full-blown asthma attack. In severe cases, his lower respiratory airways may become so inflamed that breathing ceases. Every attack is potentially life threatening. Home treatment centers on the prevention of future attacks.
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