My cat, Socks, and I are inseparable. He will be 7 years old this fall. He was diagnosed with feline athsma about 2 ago. The vet put him on prednisone to help him breathe, but it apparently takes a year of his life away with every shot. When he breathes it sounds like he has a stuffy nose, and he has occasional athsma attacks.
Today I noticed him acting differently. It started this morning when he didn't jump on my bed to wake me up. His brother did, which is abnormal. I didn't even see him all morning. Finally, around noon, I kept calling him and he came trotting down the stairs from some unknown place. He wouldn't eat any treats and he keeps coughing. His breath smells 10x worse than usual, and he is breathing out of his mouth. He also feels weaker when I hold him. I will definitely take him to the vet asap, but do you know anything from personal experience that could help me? Is he okay?
2008-07-25T21:17:34Z
...one of you mentioned the steriods. I chose to give them to him because I would rather him have a short happy life than a long life of suffering. BUT u said that it weakens his immune system...so technically that would just make him have worse attacks and have a harder time overcoming them? Should I stop giving them to him? What is your opinion?
Patty O2008-07-28T05:59:51Z
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Do you know what causes Socks' asthma attacks? Feline asthma, or feline allergic bronchitis, is triggered by pollens or other airborne allergens. I don't know what tests your vet did to determine the cause of his attacks or what precautions he/she suggested around the home. I have found through the years that some vets are happy to answer any/all questions you have about your pet's diagnosis and treatment, and some only tell you what they want you to know and send you home confused and bewildered. My attitude is my cats and dog are my babies and I want to understand everything possible about their illnesses. The vet hospital I go to now knows I will have a barrage of questions!
I have done some quick reading in my cat care library and I hope this is not information you already know. One of the biggest culprits is the dust from clay kitty litter and 'The Cat Bible' by Tracie Hotchner, suggested Feline Pine (compressed wood) or The World's Best Kitty Litter (ground corn). I will add to that Swheat, which is what I use (ground wheat). I have a kitty that was prone to urinary tract infections aggravated by the dust from clay litter and she hasn't had a flare up since I changed litters.
The other allergens listed include cigarette smoke, vapors and fumes from household cleaning products, and household dust. Let me add to this list the fragrance and smoke from burning candles, the perfume or cologne you or family members wear, scented air fresheners (sprayed or plug-ins), scented carpet fresheners and scented laundry products. I have a dog that has allergies and I cannot use any scented products in our home.
Now to your question, if Socks is breathing though his mouth, he is congested and he has constriction in his lungs. From what I read, this is an emergency and you should seek the advice of his vet. I have not treated a kitty with asthma, so I don't know any at home tricks and I am not going to make any guessed suggestions.
Prednisone, which is a steroid, is what many vets give for many allergic type reactions. Again, I don't know what information your vet has given you, but one of the side effects of prolonged steroid use is the chance of diabetes developing. I know this from volunteering with my vet. The vet can do a simple blood glucose test in the office to make sure it is not elevated. There may be other side effects, too, that affect the other functions of the body, such as liver and kidneys.
As for the bad breath, it could be from the inflammation in his lungs from the asthma or other causes such as dental problems, diabetes or kidney problems.
I see you plan to take Socks to his vet. I am so glad and I hope he gets relief so he can breathe.
I have attached some websites with more information about feline asthma. One of the things I read about were inhalers like asthmatic people use and there is a company called Aerokat that has developed a cone shaped mask to use inhalers with kitties. If Socks was my kitty, I would ask the vet about this.
I have also attached the link to a Yahoo Group for Feline Asthma caretakers. Support groups can be a wealth of information and moral support when dealing with a chronic illness. I belonged to the feline diabetes and the CRF groups for my kitties when I was treating them. It can be a relief to 'talk' to someone who is dealing with the same issues you are with your kitty.
Do not stop giving him the steroids before talking it over with your vet. Yes, they do have side effects and it will shorten his life, but the alternative is worse (or at least this is what your vet decided, and really, trust he/she and what they tell you). I don't know if you take your cat to a feline only vet, but I can tell you from having owned many cats and worked for vets, I think feline-only doctors are the way to go. They see much more and seem to be much more up on things. The change in his behavior is worrisome--he is isolating himself, which cats tend to do when not feeling well. They also don't eat as well-they try to conserve their energy and there could be many, many causes for what he's experiencing, but something is certainly up and get him in to see your vet (I know you are) ASAP. It's wonderful that you are so in tune with his behavior and moods----I'll keep you in my prayers. He might have a tooth going bad (bad breath can also indicate stomach ailments, and your vet can also smell certain scents on your cat's breath caused by certain illnesses). But a tooth going bad causes bad breath, weakness and pain, and they will isolate due to their pain. I know of a wonderful cat dental specialist who has worked on my diabetic cat who has many dental problems). Good luck!
By the time you become aware of a change in your cat's behavior the cat has been in distress for quite some time. No way to tell what's wrong of course, vomiting is a symptom of many things, possible poisoning. The diagnosis needs to made by the veterinarian. To do? Go outside and get the cat into the house. Take the cat in to the veterinarian ASAP.
The vet, did they give you any other options like the pill form of prednisone? Or other treatments that are available?
The breath usually means bad teeth rotting away or kidney failure. You can call a different vet and get a second opinion at a different clinic--just arrange for a checkup with them and ask questions. You can also bring a copy of his records with you (ask your vet, you should have a copy of them at home anyway just in case).
A cat breathing out of his mouth is in trouble, so someone needs to see him soon. It doesn't need to be your regular vet though, just a vet with cat training.
The longer a cat is on steroids, the weaker their immune system gets. The vet should be letting you know about that.
He doesn't sound ok. Generally really bad breath is a bad sign that something is very wrong. It could be that his liver is failing. Take him to the vet immediately. Until you take him, keep him warm and give him a nice, comfi spot to sleep and rest. And keep him hydrated. Good luck and I hope he's ok.