There are a lot of factors that can cause asthma in cats, just the same as in a human; cold, damp, mouldy enviroment, ciggarette smoke, city smog, even certain types of cat litter etc.
Diagnosing your cat can be very hard as symptoms can range from raspy deep breathing to full on asthma attacks. Your veternarian will be able to determine feline asthma by a few simple tests and x-rays.
If you beloved kitty does get diagnosed with feline asthma, don't worry! It's just as easy to control and look after exactly how humans would. Definately keeping an eye on kitty's breathing and reacting in time could help prevent a violent ashtma attack!
Your veternarian will provide you with all the details and help you may need. You will need to purchase a purpose made cat face mask to go around the nose and mouth, a spacer and medicine, the same humans would use (Flixotide). Remember this is Perscription only medicine, and if you, yourself does not have asthma, it is not recommeded that you take any dosage.
To administer a dosage to your kitty, coax your kitty onto your lap and make sure he is comfortable and relaxed, as you want to make the situation as stress free as possible. place the medication and mask on the spacer and with the mask gently cover around kitty's nose and mouth. This does not have to be tight. Administer the correct dosage as prescribed by your veternarian into the spacer. Make sure you have a firm but caring grip on kitty as he may be frightened by the noise. Hold the mask on lightly until you are satisfied kitty has inhaled the medication.
To prevent asthma attacks occuring in your cat in future, change kitty to indoors if you live in a smoggy city, don't smoke in the house or around kitty, change his litter to a non dusty type and any other environmental changes that you should see fit.
Kitty will adore you for it!
