Feline Asthma
Summer in South Florida means bountiful blooms - and abundant allergens. It's a time when many of my patients present with problems that stem from exposure to environmental allergens. While these flare-ups usually resolve after treatment, feline patients may find themselves suffering from full blown asthma. Feline asthma is caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled allergens that trigger the cat's immune system.
Asthmatic cats may show clinical signs that include wheezing, coughing, labored breathing, and vomiting. They may exhibit a crouched posture while going through an episode. If your veterinarian suspects your cat has asthma, he or she may run a series of tests to rule out other problems. Treatment for asthma may include allergy testing, diet change or hyposensitization. By keeping asthmatic cats indoors at all times and treating clinical signs when necessary, cats with this condition can expect to live long and active lives.