Comparing Hairball vs. Asthma: Symptoms & Treatments fo

Section 1: Symptoms of Hairball Disease in Cats

Cats suffering from hairball disease often exhibit discomfort, characterized by frequent dry heaving. Sometimes, they may vomit up hairballs, which can be stubborn and difficult to expel, leading to constipation that can last for several days. These hairballs tend to be dry, hard, and greasy. Other symptoms include disorientation, lack of vitality, rough and dull coat, and a bloated abdomen.

Section 2: Symptoms of Feline Asthma

Upon developing asthma, cats may display symptoms such as a stretched neck, wideopen eyes, and in some cases, a wheezing sound followed by a loud, honkinglike cough. This may last for a few seconds to several minutes, during which the cat may not respond to calls, touches, or attempts to call its name. Coughing and symptoms similar to vomiting may also occur. As the condition worsens, you might notice shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and even openmouth breathing. If these symptoms arise, immediate medical treatment is necessary.

Section 3: Treating Feline Asthma

Treatment primarily focuses on symptom relief. For severe acute cases with severe difficulty breathing, oxygen therapy is required, along with bronchodilators and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and allergies. For milder cases that occur frequently, longterm management is essential, which may include the use of corticosteroids, bronchodilators, antibiotics, and even inhaled medications produced abroad. Additionally, overweight cats may need to lose weight to alleviate respiratory distress caused by obesity and to control allergens.

Pet Doctor's Tip: For more information on hairball disease in cats, click on "What to Do When a Cat Throws Up Hairballs" to read more.