Feline asthma-very similar to human asthma-is a chronic inflammation of the small passageways of a cat’s lungs.When an asthma attack occurs, these passageways thicken and constrict, making it very difficult for a cat to breathe.This often leads to respiratory distress, which can become grave in a matter of minutes.The lungs may also begin to discharge mucus into the airways, leading to fits of coughing and wheezing.Some cats with milder cases only experience a slight, chronic cough.Because asthma can quickly become a life-threatening health problem, any coughing cat needs a veterinary evaluation.What Are the General Symptoms of Asthma in Cats?Coughing and wheezing Persistent cough Squatting with shoulders hunched, neck extended and rapid breathing or gasping for breath Gagging up foamy mucus Open mouth breathing Blue lips and gums Labored breath after exertion Overall weakness and lethargy What Causes Asthma in Cats?While there are a number of factors that contribute to asthma in cats, it is thought to develop as a result of allergic bronchitis.

Allergic bronchitis occurs when the airways in a cat's lungs become inflamed due to an inhaled allergen or other substance that stimulates the immune system.yolo m3 vaporizerCommon factors that can contribute to the severity of an asthma attack include: Allergens, including pollens, molds, dust from cat litter, cigarette smoke, perfume and certain foods Pre-existing heart conditions or illnesses Parasites Extreme stress Obesity Asthma-like symptoms in cats can also be associated with other disease, including heartworm, respiratory parasites, tumors, heart failure and pneumonia.vaporizer mmjAre Asthma and Allergies Related?vaporizer mampangSensitivity to environmental pollutants and pollen can contribute to asthma in some cats.szseego vaporizer

Are Certain Cats More Prone to Asthma?Asthma in cats usually develops between the ages of two and eight years old, with a higher occurrence in female cats than males.vm3 vaporizerSiamese and Himalayan breeds and breed mixes seem to get asthma more frequently than other breeds.rh200 vaporizerWhat Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has Asthma?Visit your veterinarian immediately if you think your cat has asthma.He or she will perform a physical examination and most likely recommend diagnostic tests to find out what's causing the problem.Continued How Is Asthma in Cats Diagnosed?Since symptoms of asthma can be similar to those seen with other diseases-heartworm, pneumonia and congestive heart failure, for example-it is important for your veterinarian to determine the cause of the attacks.There are no specific tests that prove asthma, but typically radiographs, blood work, evaluation of bronchial secretions and parasite tests will be performed to rule out other causes.

How Can My Cat's Asthma Be Treated?While there is no true cure for asthma, there are various methods for successfully managing it.Effective therapy may include medications that will open up breathing passages and reduce airway inflammation or modify the body’s immune response.Like in human asthma, medication is sometimes administered through a specially adapted inhaler.How Can I Prevent My Cat From Having an Asthma Attack?Have your cat tested routinely for internal parasites.Reduce stress in your pet’s environment, as it tends to worsen allergy and asthma symptoms.Do not use perfumes, room fresheners, carpet deodorizers, hairspray, aerosol cleaners, etc., around your cat.Avoid using cat litters that create a lot of dust, scented litters or litter additives.Dry air encourages asthma attacks, so keep a good humidifier going-especially during the winter months.Keep your kitty’s weight down and her body active!And please remember, no cat should be exposed to cigarette smoke-but if your cat has asthma, cigarette smoke is an absolute no-no.

How Do I Know if My Pet Needs a Nebulizer?Choosing a Nebulizer for Your Pet How Do I Use a Nebulizer How Do I Give a Nebulizer Treatment to My Pet?How Can I Get My Pet to Go Along with Treatments?What Should I Do if My Pet is Having an Asthma Attack?Pet Asthma Resources & Links How Do I Know if My Pet Needs a Nebulizer?Unlike humans, animals cannot speak up to tell you when they need help.And since the onset of canine and feline asthma typically comes later in life, it can be difficult to determine the difference between a harmless hairball and a greater issue.If your dog or cat exhibits any of the following symptoms, call your vet immediately – your pet may have a more serious respiratory problem that can be treated with a nebulizer.Coughing and wheezing Persistent cough Pale, bluish lips and gums Labored breathing Weakness and lethargy Lack of appetite Weight loss Choosing a Nebulizer for Your Pet Just like humans, cats, dogs, and other pets can develop respiratory illnesses that require inhaled medication.

To provide relief for conditions like asthma and pneumonia, your veterinarian may prescribe the use of a nebulizer – a device that changes medication from a liquid to a mist so that it can readily be inhaled into the lungs.Because they administer the medication slowly and directly into the lungs (unlike oral medications, which need to be digested before they can enter the bloodstream) nebulizer treatments are typically the most effective way to provide relief for respiratory ailments.Most nebulizers fall into one of two categories – home (tabletop) or portable.Home nebulizers, like the Omron CompAir Elite, must be plugged into an electrical outlet, and are generally larger and bulkier; they are also less expensive than portable nebulizers.Portable nebulizers run on disposable or rechargeable batteries, and many fit in the palm of your hand.You might be paying a little bit more, but in return, you can easily slip your nebulizer in your bag or purse – great in case of emergencies during walks!

How Do I Use a Nebulizer?Despite their elaborate appearance, nebulizers are simple to use.Just follow these steps: Insert one end of the tubing into the compressor and the other end into the medicine cup.Fill the medicine cup with the correct dose of medicine.Turn on the compressor.After 5 to 10 minutes, the medicine will run out.You will be able to tell because the flow of aerosolized medication will slow down, and eventually stop.Shake the medicine cup a few times to make sure there’s no more medication in it.Take apart the nebulizer and wash its parts.How Do I Give a Nebulizer Treatment to My Pet?Treating an animal with a nebulizer can be a somewhat involved process, and should not be attempted without the recommendation and support of your veterinarian.Depending on your pet’s personality and the severity of their condition, your vet may recommend one of several methods of administering the nebulized medication: Place a towel or cover over a cage (for larger pets) or aquarium (for smaller pets such as rats or guinea pigs), and place the nebulizer inside the cage to create an aerosol chamber.

This method is good for skittish or hyperactive pets that may otherwise be unable to sit still through their nebulizer treatment.Shut your pet in a small room, such as a bathroom or closet, and turn on the nebulizer.Your pet can then breathe in the soothing, medicated air passively, calming them down and assuring a hassle-free treatment.Pet owners who wish to get the most for their money may not find this option ideal, since some of the medication is inevitably lost to the surrounding air.Hold the nebulizer mouthpiece close to your pet’s nose and mouth.While some of the medication is bound to be lost to the surrounding air, your pet will be able to inhale some of the medication in this manner.Place a soft pediatric mask over your pet’s face before administering the nebulizer treatment.This is by far the most effective option, as it minimizes wasted medication and directs the nebulized particles straight into the lungs.However, if your pet has difficulty staying still for the duration of the treatment, this may not be your best bet.

Unless you speak dog or cat, you won’t be able to verbally communicate with your pet to explain why you’re treating them with this strange-looking machine.The trick to reducing resistance during nebulizer treatments is to establish a routine, and reward good behavior.Here are some tips for making the process go smoother: Be positive about nebulizer treatments.Speak in a soothing voice, and offer a few reassuring pats on the head (not too many, though – you don’t want to over-stimulate them).Try to stick to a regular schedule so your pet gets used to treatments.Scheduling your pet’s treatments for the same time (like after a meal or walk) will help them become accustomed to nebulization as just another part of their daily routine.Put a little canned dog/cat food, cream cheese, or peanut butter on the inside portion of the mask and allow your pet to lick it.This will help to distract them until their treatment is complete.Reward good behavior with a treat or a special toy.This helps to reinforce the positivity of the experience, and encourage compliance.

If you suspect that your pet is having an asthma attack, it’s essential that you get them to the vet as soon as possible.However, if the vet’s office is closed, or if you live in secluded area, you may need to take action on your own: Examine your surroundings.Is there smoke in the air, or have the walls recently been painted?Are there high levels of dust or household chemicals present?In order to treat an asthma attack, you must get the pet away from what may be triggering his/her attack, to an area that is cool, quiet, and free from distractions (which may speed up breathing and prolong his/her attack).Make sure the room is well ventilated with moist air, as dry air will only make symptoms worse.If you have a humidifier or vaporizer, increase the humidity levels in the room to 30 or 40 percent.Turn on a fan or open windows.If your pet’s symptoms do not improve, you’ll need to transport them to the nearest veterinary emergency room as soon as possible.If your cat or dog stops breathing, you’ll need to administer artificial respiration: Lay the animal on his/her right side.