Albuterol is a drug that is used to help people breathe more easily. It is a bronchodilator that has the ability to relax your muscles, and this in turn assists with the airflow. Generally speaking, people with asthma use Albuterol most commonly, as it prevents bronchospasm. However, it is also very important to know that people with certain medical conditions and problems should not use Albuterol without first consulting their doctor. These conditions include the following: heart disease, blood pressure irregularities, arrhythmia, epilepsy, problems with the thyroid, or diabetes. Therefore, people who have any of the problems mentioned above must contact a doctor before using Albuterol.
Just like people, cats can suffer from asthma. What this means is that your feline pet can be allergic to something, and this allergy can develop asthmatic problems in your cat. Some of the most common allergens when it comes to asthma in cats are dirt and grime, chemicals found around the house, mold, cigarette smoke, pollens, and even their own litter.
Aside from these, there are more things that can worsen asthma in cats, and these include high levels of stress, as well as intense exercising. If you notice that your cat is behaving as if it wanted to get rid of a hairball from the throat or as if it was choking on something and in reality there are no hairballs or choking hazards, then it is very possible your cat is having an asthma attack.
Can I Give My Cat Albuterol? Answer: No!
Owing to the fact that many cats have problems with asthma, it is very important to know what you can do in case your cat has an asthma attack. It is crucial to know that cats suffer from stress, and stress can cause asthma attacks in cats. Namely, cats often find it hard to adapt to human life, and this can cause their stress levels to be higher. So, if your cat has problems with asthma attacks, you should make sure it has a secluded place to go to, make sure that the air in your house is fresh and clean, and make sure you are cleaning the cat litter regularly.
Albuterol is a drug that is registered for human use only. This is something you should always keep in mind when looking for a drug to give to your pets. In spite of the fact that many people give their pets drugs that have been developed for humans, it is simply not a good idea to do this. Veterinarians are the only people who can prescribe drugs like these to pets, and the best thing to do if your cat has asthma is to simply contact a vet and let them decide what you should do.
Albuterol Side Effects
As it has been mentioned above, Albuterol is sometimes used for treating feline asthma, but you should never do this without checking with your vet first. One of the reasons for this is the fact that there are many different side effects that are related to taking Albuterol, and some of the most common ones include the following: heart problems or arrhythmia, problems with nervousness, as well as depression and hyperactivity, dizziness, stomachaches, diarrhea, and constipation.
Acupuncture for Treating Asthma in Cats
We all know what acupuncture is, but few people are aware of the fact that it can be used for treating asthma in cats. Namely, there are professional acupuncture specialists who can give your cat acupuncture treatments, and these treatments have been proven to help with reliving asthma-induced problems in cats. Note that acupuncture is never painful for cats or dogs, and that it can help them immensely, especially if your cat has a real problem with regular asthma attacks.
Being There for Your Cat
Many people have pets, but few people manage to create a schedule that lets them devote enough time to their pets. If you have a cat, you should do everything you can in order to give them enough attention. This will not only be good for the bond you have with your pet, but it will also give you a chance to notice any changes in their behavior. Therefore, if you notice that they are having an asthma attack, do not give them Albuterol, but rather take them to your vet.
Yeah so the inhaler prescribed to cats with asthma is the exact same medication (albuterol sulfate) at the exact same dosage (90 micrograms per puff) as is prescribed to humans. So yeah it is safe, the only risk is that the cat doesn’t get enough in a puff which isn’t a concern really.
This is the first time I’m reading that Albuterol is not safe for feline asthma. My vet just recently prescribed this med for my cat Leo who was recently diagnosed. So now am I to be concerned? It’s stressful enough that I have to get him use to putting the inhaler over his face which freaks him out. Now I’ve got to worry about side effects?
My cat was prescribed and has used Albuterol before via a nebulizer. You just have to use the dosage given by the vet. It’s safe, as long as you follow the dosage and suggested usage frequency, as in humans.
I’ve been using the Albuterol for several months, but my cat doesn’t seem to be improving. Sometimes he has good days, but he seems worse in the winter.
Maybe this is due to indoor closure and no fresh air. I do have a air purifier, but it doesn’t seem to do anything either. It’s very frustrating.
I’m thinking of letting my cat use my nebulizer because he won’t stop sneezing. It’s an odd coincidence, the same thing you’ve described!
I have to do the same for my cat.
Asthma always gets worse in the winter. The cold air can trigger an Asthma attack so fast.
In my experience, vets are often clueless or they’re just trying to take you and your pet for a ride.
I would say that most vets are often clueless about anything and everything. That said, I have met some good ones who know their stuff.
I just hold my cat and put my nebulizer in front of his nose and let him breathe it in. I think the mask would freak him out. Also benadryl several times a day.