May is Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month

 Allergies

Many of us are affected by allergies especially in the Spring. We should remember that our feline companions can also be affected by or become allergic too.

These allergies occur when their immune systems become sensitive to substances in their surroundings. Cat’s allergies are usually divided into 3 categories:

• Flea allergies – this can cause allergic dermatitis (itchy skin)

• Environmental allergies- which can cause itchy runny eyes, coughing

• Food allergies – which can cause vomiting and GI (gastrointestinal) upset.

If you think your cat is developing allergies, you should discuss this with your veterinarian at your cat’s next visit or sooner if in distress.

Feline Asthma

Did you know that Asthma is a disease of the lower airways ( of the lungs) that affect between 1 & 5%of cats and that the average age of cats diagnosed with asthma is between 4-5 years of age.(1)

How many times have we heard our cats coughing or hacking, and thought it was only a “hairball”. If coughing is occurring it may be more than just a “hairball” it may be signs of serious respiratory issues like feline asthma or heartworm disease.

Here are some signs to help you determine if feline asthma may be the cause.

Does your cat have difficulty breathing, wheezing,rapid breathing, coughing or hacking,open-mouthed breathing. These signs can vary ranging from acute respiratory crisis to chronic ,low grade coughing, or elevated respiratory rate.

During an asthma attack, many cats will hunch their body close to the ground and extend their neck forward.

If your veterinarian suspects feline asthma, they will advise that your cat have lung radiographs (x-rays) so they can evaluate your cat’s lungs and will suggest performing baseline blood work before starting medications .

References : (1)Stats from the Cornell Feline Health Center newsletter.(July 2014)