Nasal congestion is a common problem for most people. It can be uncomfortable or even painful when it occurs. Nasal congestion can be due to many things, including:
overly ripe nasal cells that stick together and cannot break down air
that stick together and cannot break down air nasal polyps or mucus
congested joints , such as the ones in the nose and around the mouth where air comes in and out
, such aas, such as the ones in the nose and around the where air comes in and out deep breath holdup issues, such as when staying at a hotel for an overnight visit is problematic.
When these conditions occur in people with certain conditions, they are more pronounced. For example, people with Crouzon syndrome are more likely to have blocked nostrils, increased mucus production, and respiratory distress caused by overcompensated airflow. Or people with asthma who travel are at risk for nasal congestion because of changes in humidity and temperature.
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Keep your cat warm
In the winter, your cat may be unable to cover itself with a capilump-ic blanket due to its reduced mobility. To keep your cat warm, you can use large blankets or sheets as tuckables and spread out over the top of your cat.
If you use heavy blankets or sheets, they may help hold the water in the blanket or sheet. If your cat is cold enough to require warmth clothes, maybe buy them from an online seller or from a store if you are very careful about letting it out of them.
To prevent your cat from getting lost, try having one side of the clothing laid out first before putting any more on.
Use a humidifier
Congestion is caused by a dry winter or cold winter, and your cat was likely treated for it. Warmer climates allow for more dust to accumulate in the air, making it more difficult for your cat to breathe.
If your cat was diagnosed with asthma, then immediately running a humidifier around the house is a great way to start. Or if your cat does not have an asthma diagnosis, then definitely!
As mentioned earlier, British American Mountain (BAM)dust is present in many products. BAM dust can contain nickel and selenium which can trigger respiratory problems. By running a humidifier around the house, you will likely be able use some of these up!
Knowing what kinds of products your cat may be sensitive or allergic to can save them from certain products. If you know of something that may cause yours harm, do not purchase it! Instead, run the risk of treating your cat with something else but lessened by the cost of doing so.
Use a neti pot
Rather than taking a cold water shower, you can use a neti pot onto a faucet. A neti pot is a teapot-like device that you place over your nose and mouth to rinse your nose and throat.
When closed, it resembles a teapot with a spout. You place water in the teapot, then swirls the liquid to move the water around.
Try natural remedies
There are several ways to stop your cat from breathing hard. These include avoiding walking on poor footing, avoiding jumping high, and avoiding exercising in a comfortable position. All of these can be observed by your vet if needed.
None of these tips should be attempted without the advice of a board-certified veterinary professional. Although these suggestions may help your cats health overall, the primary goal is to help it maintain its healthy breath rate.
Breathing at a rate of 20 breaths per minute is considered normal. A cats average breath rate is about 12–15 inches per minute, so this may seem like a long time to take in air. However, this includes taking long breathing sessions during non-work times, and would be even more normal during office breaks than during work!
If you feel your cat needs more help maintaining breath rate, offer the above methods natural therapy alone or in combination with other treatments.
Use over-the-counter medications
If you cannot or do not want to use medical treatments such as saline nasal spray or nebulization, then over-the-counter medication can be a helpful home treatment.
Most common over-the-counter medications for congestion include decongestants, cold and flu remedies, and sleeping pills. Decongestants generally reduce the surface tension of the air around you, reducing the pressure inside your nose and mouth.
This may allow moisture to stay longer, which helps fight congestion. Plus, some medications such as cough syrup containes antihistamines which can reduce sleep quality and intensity. Because sleeping is such a personal process, only using the medications if you feel they are needed.
Talk to your vet about medications
There are a few common medications used to treat nasal congestion, and your vet can determine if they work by you!
The most common medication seen in cats is phenylpropanolamine (phenergan). This medication works by reducing swelling in the airway.
Unfortunately, this medication is only available through a prescription. Many pharmacies will not offer it unless the cat has another medical condition that causes airway difficulty, or requires extra dosage.
Surprisingly, phenergan works great- many cats report having no side effects at all and a dramatic improvement in their mucous membrane function within a few days!
Another medication frequently used is diphenhydenethorpid (Depomedetomid), which works by inhibitingoggeddeleter (ohd elt) in the production of mucus. As with phenergan, this medication does not require a prescription but may require extra dosage for some cats.
Make sure your cat has adequate ventilation
Most cats require daily or nightly ventilation through a open window or door. This is due to poor air quality and breathing difficulties.
If your cat does not have a normal nose or respiratory system, he may need help getting enough air. A pet shop discount code is a great way to buy air for your cat!
To help ensure adequate airflow, cover your cats bed and make sure they are able to breathe easily. You can also make use of a sisal-lined mat or something similar to prevent them from self-inoculating dust mites or other critters that might be inhaving it.
To keep your cat comfortable while using the above tips, use warm water and mild soap to wash their noses and mouths, cover their bed with an up-flume cover to prevent them freezing or sleeping on the ground due to insufficient airflow, and keep an eye out for signs of pneumonia (respirations/appetite/facility for defecation).
Keep cats away from smokers
Smoking is a big no-no for cats, too. Most high-smoking cats would be out of luck when it comes to keeping them away from a smoker household.
However, many indoor cats do keep track of the outside world through windows and doors. You can teach your cat to use the kitchen and other rooms by keeping him or her safe from the kitchen and other rooms when the door is closed.
By using a smoke alarm in the kitchen, you are helping your cat stay healthy by not allowing any smoke into their home. You can also put an exit alert if someone tries to enter your home. These precautions are necessary to prevent any health issues, like lung cancer, from happening.
Keep an eye out for any changes in your cat’s behavior, like applying more pressure with their paw or having trouble getting out of the house. If you notice any of these things, take them to a local veterinarian for treatment.