Southern Cross Vets in Port Elizabeth
FELINE ASTHMA

Feline Asthma or Feline Allergic Bronchitis is a lung condition associated with narrowing of the airways, increased airway secretions and so airway obstruction. The cause is often not found but can be triggered by stress or environmental change such as moving house, new smoker in the house or using a new type of cat litter. Asthma is recurring in some cats and seasonal in others. Obese cats and the Siamese breed have an increased risk of asthma. Asthma can be very serious and some cats may die from respiratory failure.

Signs of asthma include: coughing, lethargy, weight loss, difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, rapid breathing and poor condition.

Our vets may take a chest x-ray. This may show signs of airway inflammation as well as ruling out other causes of breathing problems such as heart failure, chest injury and tumours.

Try to maintain a stress-free environment and remove irritants from the environment. Minimise dusts, powders, aerosol sprays and try to eliminate smoking indoors. Changing to a low "dust" cat litter may be beneficial. Feeding a restricted calorie diet if your cat is overweight is also advisable. Our vets may also prescribe certain medications.

back to Pet Info
back to Home
Cat