Asthma cat

Hello, I'm looking for suggestions on how to treat asthma in my female cat age 12. She was diagnosed a little over 6 months ago where they gave her a steriod shot and prescribed a pill and a half of theodur a day. Immediately my cat became lethargic and would not eat or drink. She seemed like she was on her death bed. I pleaded with the vet that I thought the theodur was causing this and they insisted no. Finally I took her off the Theodur and she sprang back to life in a few days. The doctor said maybe it was causing her ill behavior but they didn't know for sure. They gave her another steriod shot (usually last 3 months) and my cat has been wheeze free since May. But again it has started. I gave her half of the Theodur and she seemed fine, but she's starting to wheeze every few days. I was planning on taking her back for another shot but not sure if it's safe to continue with just the steriod method (i think i heard it's not good for long term health).
ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT TO GIVE MY FOR ASTHMA? THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

I don't know about meds, but can I ask if you have removed all asthma-causing agents in your house, such as all carpet; and if you are using hepa filters and doing everything possible to eliminate dust?

It is a shame she has asthma since she is so close to the ground where all the bad stuff is that will make her wheeze.

Also no smoking, no fireplace, and you would want to make sure your cat's bedding is washed every week and also you should encase it in allergy-free covers. If you have a cat tree for her, you will need to really vacuum it well, and even clean it for dust and dust mites which can cause problems. The more she is off the floor and the more she is sleeping on freshly washed bedding that has the allergy covers underneath, the better she will be.

Here are some allergy free covers for people (and other products) but you could probably adapt them for your kitties, especially the pillow case covers: http://www.allergyasthmatech.com/Cat...Bedding/97_195

Also, remove any purfumes, plug-ins, air sprays, scented litter. Is your kitty eating a high quality food? Usually higher quality food gives the cat more vitamins and nutrients for better health.

http://www.naturapet.com/tools/comparison.asp

So sorry for your cat, hope she feels better soon.

As BarbB suggests, the first thing is to see if there is anything that triggers the attacks - some cats have definite allergies, others can be prone in summer or winter, foods can cause it etc. Do try and keep dust out of hte environment if you can. Watch her carefully and thren see if you can eliminate or isolate the cause. This may of course not be possible. Then you need to find the lowest dosage of whatever medicine will control it, often a steroid. My Wellington has asthma and I control it with a very low dose of prednisone - in his case we have worked down to a quarter tablet every other day, and in summer I can lower it still further to every three days unless he starts to wheeze. It is a distressing illness and sometimes one has to balance quality of life against a longer life - several people here have had to make the decision to keep up high dosages of drugs knowing they may cause earlier death.

Mullein tea (one tablespoon Mullein leaves per 6 ounces water) mixed into cats food or water will help. DS has asthma, years and expensive drugs later, he (in winter) will take Mullein tea or pipe and his hungs clear INSTANTLY.

This link is for information only, I know for a FACT that MULLEIN WORKS.

http://64.233.169.104/search?q=cache...lnk&cd=1&gl=us

Please sit down and consult with your vet... I have asthma myself or so the dr s say... I often use a cup of coffee strait black to help me BUT DO NOT give your cat coffee.... My dog is on a mirco amount of pred to control her breathing along with antihistmines ( both natural and synthetic...

Originally Posted by sharky

Please sit down and consult with your vet... I have asthma myself or so the dr s say... I often use a cup of coffee strait black to help me BUT DO NOT give your cat coffee.... My dog is on a mirco amount of pred to control her breathing along with antihistmines ( both natural and synthetic...

Click to expand...

Sharky, you really should try the Mullein! You have GOT to try the Mullein.

Yep that is a good point made by the others, even perfumed laundry detergents and fabric softeners like Bounce, that leave a residue, can be major allergens - they are for me!!

Holly Golightly suffers from asthma. I vaccuum pretty much everyday and that seems to keep the wheezing under control. She's ok when she spends her days on my bed. But sometimes the symptoms get worse when she hangs out under the desk or chair.

Yes I have removed any and all asthma causing agents and bought a air purifier for my small bedroom that my cat spends most of her time in. Not sure if she would eat her food soaked in tea? Thank you for the suggestions