Asthma in Cats

Cats are important pets at home due to their playful nature. Therefore, it is crucial that they are taken care of well. Many diseases have emerged that affects cats. Among these diseases is asthma. A deeper study on asthma in cats is important since it will help one gather more knowledge on how to prevent it.

What is Asthma in Cats?

Asthma is a condition where a cat's airway becomes inflamed. This inflammation makes the airway to swell thus becoming narrow. In addition to swelling, the airway will produce a lot of mucus. All these factors combined brings about breathing difficulties in a cat. The condition becomes even worse when this asthma matures and becomes a life threatening attack.

What Causes Asthma in Cats?

Asthma is often caused in two ways. First is by having cat parents that had asthma or the cat having an airway infection since it was young. Secondly, asthma can be caused by chronic allergies. Chronic allergies are the main causes of asthma in cats compared to all other causes. In cats, asthma may infest without warning, or immediately after exposure to agents that triggers asthma allergens.

Allergens that Trigger Asthma in Cats.

There are various allergens that when triggered, bring about asthma. Among these allergens are:

Urine. Cat urine has a protein called Fel d1, which can trigger allergic responses that lead to asthma in cats. The protein gets into the cat's airway when it inhales its urine. Immediately the protein gets into the cat's system; it starts to attack the airway, leading to asthma symptoms.

Saliva. Cat's saliva has protein by the name albumin. When the cat grooms itself, there are a number of protein particles that remain on the skin. When these particles dry, they can easily be inhaled by the cat. After the cat inhales these saliva particles that have albumins, they may result in asthma symptoms.

General Symptoms of Asthma in Cats.

When a cat gets infested with Asthma, it shows the following symptoms:

• Persistent coughing.

• Breathing through its mouth.

• Blue lips and gums.

• The cat experiences labored breath after exertion.

• The cat experiences foamy mucus.

• There are overall weakness and lethargy on the cat.

• The cat squats with hunched shoulders, which shows that it experiences pains when breathing.

Diagnosis of Asthma in Cats

There are no apparent signs that can be used to diagnose asthma. When a cat is being diagnosed for asthma, the relevant allergens are the main point of focus. Therefore the following procedure is followed:

1. The veterinarian asks for the medical history of the cat in matters of breathing difficulties. These include conditions such as bronchodilators and oxygen uptake in the lungs.
2. After the inquiry of the medical history, then the cat is examined for allergens using radiographic techniques, analysis of the sputum produced by the cat, and other clinical fluids from the cat.
3. Lastly, the doctor concludes the diagnosis carried out, by the help of the obtained results.

Conclusion

It is important that our cats stay safe and sound. Disturbance of the cat will lead to disturbance of the cat owner and the people who live with the cat at home. If any abnormality of the respiratory system is observed on a cat, it is crucial to visit a veterinarian for a consultation.