Asthma in cats can be caused by inflammation of the lungs.An allergic reaction that tightens the airways and leads to mucus build up occurs when a cat inhales an allergen.Asthma symptoms can range from a mild cough to a full-blown asthma attack.There is no cure for feline asthma, but it can be effectively managed with various medications and avoidance strategies.The treatment plan for your cat can be created with the help of your vet.
Step 1: Take your cat to the vet.
Take your cat to the vet if you notice signs of asthma.They will perform chest x-rays to diagnose asthma.The various treatment options will be discussed with you after your vet makes a diagnosis.Steroids and bronchodilators are the main asthma treatment options for cats.
Step 2: Determine how to give your cat steroids.
Steroids are used for feline asthma.If your cat doesn't like taking pills, long-acting steroids, which can be administered by your vet, would be good.Fluticasone is a popular treatment for feline asthma.Your vet can help you decide which form of steroid is best for your cat.You may have to wait for the effects of the steroid to wear off if you want to reduce the dose.You can hide a steroid pill in a pill pocket.You can find pill pockets at your local pet store.
Step 3: You can learn how to give a steroid.
You will need a face mask and a metered dose inhaler.Hold the face mask on your cat's face for a short period of time, then attach the spacer.Attach the MDI to the spacer with the help of your vet.To deliver the prescribed dose, press down on the MDI.Wait for your cat to take about 10 to 15 breaths after placing the unit on his face.
Step 4: Follow instructions.
Make sure you follow your vet's instructions with any steroid you give your cat.This will help your cat get the most benefit from this type of treatment.
Step 5: Side effects can be monitored for your cat.
Increased appetite, increased water intake, and increased urination are examples of steroid side effects.Side effects of inhaling steroids include throat irritation and voice loss.Inhaled steroids have less side effects than other steroids.The risk of side effects when taking steroids is higher for cats that are overweight or have certain medical conditions.
Step 6: Wait for improvements.
Steroids reduce inflammation and mucus in feline asthma.It may take two weeks for your cat's asthma to improve if you give him steroids.You can see the effects of steroids sooner.
Step 7: Determine how often a bronchodilator is given.
bronchodilators are usually reserved for asthma emergencies.They can be given to cats that take steroids.Your vet will determine if your cat needs a bronchodilator on an as needed basis.Cats that need more daily control of their asthma can be given long-acting bronchodilators.Emergency bronchodilators can be used for up to four hours.
Step 8: The bronchodilator should be given.
bronchodilators can be given in a variety of ways.Emergency asthma flare-ups can be mitigated by the use of the bronchodilator albuterol.Terbutaline can be injected.A cat can act a little spacey when given terbutaline as a syrup.Inhaled steroids and bronchodilators are given in the same way.The only asthma treatment that works is bronchodilators, because they don't reduce airway inflammation.
Step 9: Wait for something to happen.
bronchodilators quickly open the airway.In about 10 minutes, albuterol can open up a cat's airway.The bronchodilators take about 30 minutes to work.
Step 10: Your cat should be given a bronchodilator.
If your cat has an asthma attack, you need to know what to do.Under the supervision of your vet, give your cat albuterol, which is a very effective emergency bronchodilator.A cat with an asthma attack hunches its body toward the ground and extends its neck forward.This is a general sign of respiratory distress, not specific to asthma.Even if you give your cat a long-acting bronchodilator, your vet may prescribe albuterol so you can have it on hand for emergencies.
Step 11: Take your cat to the vet.
A cat is in need of veterinary care.If you give your cat the albuterol, it will open the airway and make it easier to breathe.If your cat is having an asthma attack, contact your vet or emergency vet hospital and let them know.
Step 12: Take your cat to the hospital.
A cat with a serious asthma attack may need to be hospitalized until it is stable and strong enough to return to its home.If your cat needs to be hospitalized, your vet will give it a bronchodilator and oxygen therapy.They will keep an eye on your cat's health.
Step 13: Pay attention to what causes asthma attacks.
Cats develop asthma when they breathe in something that irritates their lungs.It is not practical to identify every substance your cat is allergic to.There are a few substances that could cause your cat to have asthma.There is a scent of laundry detergent.There is cigarette smoke.A carpet cleaner.There is a show called Hairspray.There is dust.
Step 14: Dust-free litter can be used.
You can take steps to reduce your cat's exposure to allergens if you know what causes asthma.Dust-free litter should be put in your cat's litter box.Cat litters are not dust-free.Some brands of litter have minimal dust.Changing litter types too quickly can make cats dislike change.Slowly increase the amount of litter until there is only one litter in the box.
Step 15: The air filters in your home need to be replaced.
There are air filters that trap particles in the air.Replacing them regularly will help lower the amount of asthma-inducing particles in the air.
Step 16: It's a good idea to vacuum frequently.
Dust and mold can be kept out of the air with a vacuum.It's a good idea to vacuum your home about once a week.
Step 17: Don't smoke inside.
Smoke from cigarettes can cause an asthma attack in a cat.Outside of your home, if you smoke, do it.