Can My Cat Have Asthma in Crown Point, IN?

Do you notice your cat showing signs of asthma? Have you ever stopped to wonder whether or not your cat could potentially have asthma? Is this even possible?

It is possible for cats to have asthma, and as a cat owner, it is important to learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of this condition. In this article, we will walk you through the basics you need to know about when it comes to cat asthma. Read through this information so you know what to look for and what to ask your vet in Crown Point, IN about, too.

cat asthma in crown point, in

Signs and Symptoms of Cat Asthma

  • Trouble breathing: One of the most common signs of asthma in cats is difficulty breathing. This can range from slightly rapid breathing to extremely rapid breathing. If your cat is unable to breathe much at all, bring them to Coyne Veterinary Center for emergency vet care, as it could be something worse than asthma—or it could be a very severe asthma attack.
  • Wheezing: Wheezing is another common symptom which often goes along with trouble breathing. You can hear your cat wheezing even if you can’t visibly see signs of them wheezing.
  • Coughing: Cats with asthma may have coughing spells often. This may happen after they’ve been exposed to allergens or after high activity, such as playtime.
  • Sneezing and reverse sneezing: Sneezing is less common in cats with asthma than some other symptoms, but it does still occur. Reverse sneezing sounds somewhat like honking or snorting. Although it sounds very dangerous and scary, it isn’t really any more concerning than sneezing. However, it is still a sign that your cat may have asthma and may need to see your vet.
  • Panting: Panting or open-mouthed breathing may be a sign that your cat is having trouble getting a good breath. If this occurs without any notable reason, it can be related to asthma. It may have other underlying causes too, however.
  • Vomiting: Cats with asthma may be prone to vomiting more often than other cats. However, many cats vomit easily due to hairballs or food intolerance, so this alone isn’t necessarily a sign of asthma. Look for vomiting along with any of the other items on this list instead.
  • Breed, possibly: Some specialists believe there is a connection between a cat’s breed and her potential to have asthma. Although this is not completely proven, there is some evidence to back up the claim. Cats with flat faces may be more prone to asthma than other cats, and Siamese cats may also have this disease more often.

Testing and Diagnosis of Cat Asthma

  • Bloodwork: Your vet will do full bloodwork on your cat to see if asthma could be the potential cause of their condition.
  • Allergy testing: Your vet may also test your cat for allergies to see which allergens, if any, could be causing their issues.
  • Lung X-rays and CT scans: In order to fully determine the cause of your cat’s health problems, your vet will likely want to perform X-rays, CT scans, or both on your cat’s lungs. This will help figure out if asthma is the cause or if something else is going on to affect your cat’s breathing instead.
  • Rule-outs: Other rule-outs may be required to determine the cause of your cat’s condition.

Treatment and Management of Cat Asthma

  • Steroids: Vets usually prescribe steroids for cats who are having more severe asthma flare-ups. These cannot be given long-term, but they can help a cat who is in distress and needs to start healing quickly. Your vet will be able to give you more information about steroids for your cat.
  • Omega-3s: Some cats respond well to treatment with omega-3 fatty acid supplements in their diets. This may be true of your cat, or it might not; however, if you want to try this, speak to your vet to find out more about the right way to go about it.
  • Air purifiers: Finally, just like humans with asthma, cats with asthma may find some relief from the use of air purifiers around the home. Keeping an air purifier can make your cat’s breathing easier throughout the day and especially while they sleep, which can ease her asthma.

Armed with this information, you can easily approach your vet about your cat’s condition. You may also find some useful suggestions for how to handle your cat’s condition and how to determine whether or not cat asthma might be the potential issue, too.

Remember, however, that only your vet can tell you for sure whether or not your cat has asthma. They will also be the best source for treatment and maintenance options so you can help take care of your cat in the best possible way, too. Work with your trusted vet in Crown Point, IN and you will have a much better chance of managing your cat’s asthma efficiently! If you have questions or concerns, please call our animal hospital at (219) 267-1700 or stop in today!

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