Asthma symptoms in cats are usually caused by an allergic reaction. Feline Bronchial Disease occurs when the bronchi muscle becomes inflamed, causing the smooth muscle to constrict, bronchial edema, and thickening of the airway mucus glands. These conditions combine to cause an airflow obstruction and respiratory distress. Feline bronchial disease results in a secondary pneumonia infection in up to 42% of reported cases.
Symptoms of Feline Bronchial Disease
Asthmatic attacks in cats generally mimic human attacks. Symptoms may include wheezing, coughing sneezing, and extreme difficulty breathing.
Natural Treatment of Feline Asthma
Note: Before treatment, a positive diagnosis should be made by a qualified professional to avoid confusing the symptoms with heart worms or other conditions. Your cat may require medication in addition to natural treatment and dietary support. Make certain your Vet is aware of any natural treatments being administered to avoid negative drug interactions.
The natural treatment of Asthma in cats commonly tackles inflammation and provides immune system support. Treatment often closely resembles allergy remedies, since allergies are most often the cause of asthmatic attacks in cats.
The primary treatment of Feline Bronchial Disease in cats usually focuses on Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) in an effort to control inflammation. When the diet is enhanced by Omega 3 fatty acids, it increases the production of non-inflammatory eicosanoids to regulate the production of inflammatory eicosanoids at the cellular level.
Natural Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Cats
- Oily fish (such as sockeye salmon, sardines, trout or anchovies for Omega 3)
- Freeze-dried Krill (Omega 3 and a host of other benefits that promote healing, along with support for every system in the body)
- Sea Cucumber (Omega 3)
- Green-Lipped Mussel (Omega 3 and other anti-inflammatory properties)
- Seaweed boasts immune support and anti-inflammatory properties, plus it serves as a natural supplement of anti-inflammatory nutrients such as vitamins A, E and Selenium. Both red and brown seaweeds are frequently recommended by holistic doctors for Asthma. Seaweed is low in carbohydrates and does not present cellulose issues, making it much more digestible for cats than terrestrial vegetables.
Herbal Treatment of Feline Asthma Symptoms
Dr. Shawn Messonnier recommends Boswellia, Cat’s Claw, Coltsfoot, Ephedra, Feverfew, German Chamomile and Lobelia, among other herbs. Other experts add Grindelia, Mullein leaf, Astragalus, Echinacea, Yarrow and Marshmallow to that list. It’s important to use high quality herbs for the best results. We rely on Starwest Botanicals for therapeutic-quality herbs and essential oils.
If you prefer a liquid that combines several herbs, a holistic vet favorite is Lung Gold to help cats with their breathing and prevent infections.
Please exercise caution as cats can be over-sensitive to herbs and essential oils and they can easily reach toxic levels. We recommend that you only administer these herbs with the guidance of a holistic Veterinarian.
??? Have you ever had a cat with asthma? Do you have any advice?
Sources:
Halpern, G. Anti-inflammatory effects of a stabilized lipid extract of perna canaliculus (Lyprinol). 2000.
Emerlyanov, A. Treatment of asthma with lipid extract of New Zealand green-lipped mussel: a randomised clinical trial. 2002.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Cooksley, Valerie Gennari. Seaweed: Nature’s Secret to Balancing Your Metabolism, Fighting Disease, and Revitalizing Body and Soul. 2007.
Tilford, Gregory. Wulff, Mary. Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet’s Life
Messonnier, Shawn DVM. Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats: Your A-Z Guide to Over 200 Conditions, Herbs, Vitamins, and Supplements
✔ You may also be interested in reading:
Foods in Homemade Pet Diets That Cause Inflammation
Safe Alternatives to Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen or Acetaminophen for Dogs and Cats?
Pet Arthritis: Holistic Prevention and Natural Treatment
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I’m willing to try anything and everything I do is natural so my family benefits from it too. We love our pets so much!!
Such a great collection of tips and tricks for hard breathing kitty cats, I’m sure some will help my little darling Jessie.
I put my cat down when her asthma got so bad it frightened her. She looked at me with pleading eyes and so much fear I made the appointment right then and there. 🙁
Our late cat had asthma too but she didn’t suffer from it too much. The spring of the year was the worst even though we kept her inside.
Thanks for working so hard on these pet posts, they’re very informative.
Oh the poor kitties!! I hope I never have to see my cat having an asthma attack……it must be so scary. Just picturing it has my heart in a flutter.
Thanks so much for the comments and tips!
I agree. Even when we need medication it’s important to support the entire system naturally for better recovery and maintenance of a condition.
I didn;t know cats could get asthma but now I wonder if it’s what is wrong with my cat lately. I’ll get her to a vet. Thank you!
I appreciate all the suggestions and I’m excited to try a few on my asthmatic cat. Her attacks come more often now that she’s older and I don’t want to lose her!
The first time my cat had an asthma attack I thought I’d have a heart attack! I thought for sure she was dying. We’re still managing it four years later and it isn’t so bad as long as we try to keep her away from dust, smoke and other allergy triggers.
I diffuse peppermint in a diffuser for my asthma and I have noticed that it helps to clear up my senior cat’s asthma too!