Cat Asthma

ClumsyBear

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My cat is 8 months old now. We were suspecting he had asthma, and the vet confirmed today we were right.
He's getting an inhaler. However, I was curious if there's anything else I can do to help him and make sure he's comfortable? If you have experience with cat asthma, do you do anything else other than his inhaler when he has an attack?
He doesn't have attacks very frequently but he does often breath loudly. I'm worried he might be uncomfortable.
 

LTS3

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If the vet prescribes Flovent or other similar medicine, that won't help during an asthma emergency. You need to have a separate inhaled medicine for that. There's lots of good info here:


Typical suggestions for Human asthmatics would also help cats: keep dust low, use an air filter / purifier, don't use heavily scented things, vacuum often, etc.

My cat's asthma is managed with prednisolone which also helps with his IBD.
 
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ClumsyBear

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If the vet prescribes Flovent or other similar medicine, that won't help during an asthma emergency. You need to have a separate inhaled medicine for that.
Thank you! That link is very useful. He was given both Flovent and Ventolin. I still have to research more but from the vet's notes, it seems like the ventolin would be used for emergencies?
 

Robyn5678

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I had 2 cats with asthma. Ones was way more severe than the other. Unfortunately I did end up having to put her to sleep. Neither of my cats would let me use the inhaler on them. I had the aerokat attachment and forget it. One of them I was able to give oral medication too. The other one, after about the 2nd day would just run from me anytime I walked towards her. Right now I take her to the vet about 3-4 times a year and she gets a prednisone injection. They do make a liquid medication too but they didn’t like that.

I have tried every food and litter under the sun. I had carpets, I had hardwoods. I lived in Texas, I lived in CT, I was in Florida. Nothing ever made a difference.

I pray your cat only had the few attacks and no more. Could be the change in season.
 

FeebysOwner

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Thank you! That link is very useful. He was given both Flovent and Ventolin. I still have to research more but from the vet's notes, it seems like the ventolin would be used for emergencies?
As I understand, Ventolin would be considered a 'rescue inhaler' to be used as/when needed. Flovent is the most commonly used inhaled corticosteroid, and Ventolin is the most commonly used inhaled bronchodilator. But - yes - to be sure, clarify the vet's intent by asking them. I have known with humans, there are situations that both are administered at various points in time.

Keep your research going and keep us posted!
 
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ClumsyBear

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I had 2 cats with asthma. Ones was way more severe than the other. Unfortunately I did end up having to put her to sleep. Neither of my cats would let me use the inhaler on them. I had the aerokat attachment and forget it. One of them I was able to give oral medication too. The other one, after about the 2nd day would just run from me anytime I walked towards her. Right now I take her to the vet about 3-4 times a year and she gets a prednisone injection. They do make a liquid medication too but they didn’t like that.

I have tried every food and litter under the sun. I had carpets, I had hardwoods. I lived in Texas, I lived in CT, I was in Florida. Nothing ever made a difference.

I pray your cat only had a few attacks and no more. Could be the change in season.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Thankfully, his asthma seems to be mild. His attacks are not too frequent, but they have been happening for a few months so it doesn't seem to be fully season-related. However, the pollen does seem to be affecting him. We're keeping an eye out on triggers, and really hoping the inhalers go well.
 

Robyn5678

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I'm so sorry for your loss. Thankfully, his asthma seems to be mild. His attacks are not too frequent, but they have been happening for a few months so it doesn't seem to be fully season-related. However, the pollen does seem to be affecting him. We're keeping an eye out on triggers, and really hoping the inhalers go well.
Thanks! She lived a great 12 years! My other asthmatic just turned 17 so they can have a long wonderful life ❤
If pollen affects him you may want to consider an air filter to see if that helps. Keep windows closed etc.
 
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