Vets say coughing and wheezing are signs of asthma in cats. It is usually caused by dust or pollen in the air, asthma happens when airways in the lungs become inflamed and constricted making it harder for air to get through. (Dogs are less commonly afffected.) Vets writing in the book The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats by the editors of Prevention Magazine Health books say "While most cats may require medication, there are things you can do at home to keep him breathing easy."

Here are some natural ways to help your pet breathe easier as suggested by the vets from The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats:

Lose some weight - The signs of asthma can made worse by obesity. Gradually decreasing the amount he eats will help him lose weight. Talk to the vet about a weight loss plan.

Use a humidifier - In many homes the humdity can drop as low as 10% because of air conditioning or heater. Use a vaporizer of humidifier to get humidity levels to between 30 and 40 percent. If you go higher you may encourage the growth of mold and dust mites which also cause asthma attacks.

No smoking - Pets are much more vulnerable to the effects of smoke than people. If you smoke, quit for your pet's sake or do it outside.

Stay indoors - If you think hay fever is fueling your cat's asthma attacks, keep him indoors in the heavy pollen season. Especially in the early morning and late afternoon, when pollen counts in the air rise to their highest level.

Get the non-dusty litter - Most catbox litter puffs up dust whenever your cat starts digging. Look for dust-free litter or use sand-box sand.

Check your products that release into the air - Hair spray, perfume or household cleaners can be bad for your pet's airways.Use mild cleaning products like vinegar and baking soda. When cleaning area where mold grows use a mild bleach solution and rinse well. Keep your pet out of the room until the air clears.

Clean more - Dust and vaccum more frequently to rid rooms of floating dirt and dust. Make sure your pet stays in another room while you clean.

Protect against dust mites - Enclose mattresses and pillows in vinyl cases and wash all bedding in hot water once a week.

Check your air filter - Consider installing an electrostatic filter in your central heating/cooling system. They are bit more expensive than the regular filters but are helpful in filtering some types of particles.

Look for causes - If asthma is a recent thing, maybe you got something new that is affecting your cat. Check to see if you changed detergent or shampoos you use on yourself. Sometimes cats are sensitive to these. Think if you recently purchased new furniture.

Try natural supplements - Some vets believe giving pets antioxidant vitamins, which help "neutralize" harmful oxygen molecules in the body, can help relieve a number of health problems. One vet recommends giving your pet an infant or child's dose of vitamin C or E once a week. Just crumble or sprinkle on food.

Don't do things to upset your pet - Asthma has long been associated with stress in pets as well as people. Stress producing activities like going to the groomer should be avoided and the cat should probably stay indoors so he doesn't get too excited.