Can cats have asthma?

Just like people, cats can have asthma. This condition affects about one percent of the felines. Asthma is a respiratory condition caused by a hypersensitivity to allergens.

Siamese cats have a higher risk to have asthma. This respiratory distress can be a real medical emergency. In some cases, there are seasonal triggers that make the asthmatic attacks worse. Some of other triggers include smoke, deodorants, detergents and dust. To relieve the symptoms, provide emergency veterinary care. Some of the treatments are bronchi dilators, antihistamines, epinephrine, oral corticosteroid and cough suppressants. For acute attacks, a cat might have to stay in an oxygen cage.