Feline asthma is a condition with various triggers, some of which include dust or pollen. A feline asthma attack is characterized by coughing, wheezing and the cat visibly struggling for air. A cat suffering from an asthma attack should receive prompt veterinary care. Your veterinarian can prescribe medications to manage feline asthma, however, management of feline asthma can also be done by implementing a few preventative strategies at home.
Environmental
Improve air quality in the home. Hair spray, perfume, deodorant, carpet cleaner and cigarette smoke can all trigger feline asthma attacks. This can be prevented by using all natural products for your home and body and refraining from smoking in the house. Both of these strategies are beneficial for your cat's and your health. Use of a medicated humidifier to increase moisture in the air can improve your cat's ability to breathe. Unscented and dust-free cat litter also aid in cleaning up the air your cat breathes.
Physical Condition
Obesity is a contributor to feline asthma. Your veterinarian can recommend a healthy weight loss strategy for your cat. A feline weight management plan may include change in diet and increase in physical activity. Commercial foods are available that are lower in fat and calories and are formulated specifically for feline weight management. Reduce the amount of treats you feed your cat and stop feeding table scraps.
Lifestyle
Bring your cat indoors during peak allergy seasons and refrain from opening windows. Better yet, leave him inside all the time, as this can alleviate allergy-related asthma as well as keeping your cat safe from other threats such as predators or motor vehicles. Reduce stress in your cat's life, as stress is a very common feline asthma trigger. Stress can be caused by moving of furniture, loud noises and strangers in the home. Travel may also cause stress reactions in your pet. Pay attention and make a mental note of the things that seem to stress your cat out the most, and be careful to avoid these things. Keep the cat's environment as quiet and calm as possible.
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