What can I do to help my cat with asthma?

Question

My 2 yo DSH was diagnosed with feline asthma in November. She has been on a Prednisone regimen, tapered as directed. 
She had been back to her normal, active self until last night, when we ended up at the emergency hosp for the beginnings of an asthma crisis (nostrils flaring, increased respiration). She has been her maintenance dose of pred for 3 weeks. 
This morning, she had the same symptoms, and had to be taken to her reg vet. She is now on the rescue enhaler 3 times daily and back up to her maximum prednisone dose. She seems to be much more comfortable now, but at her age particularly, I would like to make her environment as asthma-friendly as possible.

My apartment is almost all carpet. I have a hepa-vac and use it regularly, but I'm concerned the carpet may still be part of the problem.
We use allergen-trapping dusting spray, and changed the litter to pine from clay. 
I live in New England, so at this time of year, the heat is on all the time.

So to my question... has anyone tried anything particular that seemed to ease asthma symptoms? 

I was thinking about buying an air purifer, but I'm afraid I just might be panicking.

troublesniffer · Accepted Answer

Hi Sarah,

It sounds as if you are doing all the right things for your kitty with Feline Asthma, medically.  As far as the litter you are using is concerned, while some folks suggest using Feline Pine, she may be sensitive to it. 

Keep a daily journal of your cat's activities, to ascertain what may be bringing on flares, or if there is a part of your house that seems to bring on more symptoms. By keeping a journal you can also learn which things keep her more symptom/flare free. The Spring and Fall can be seasons where symptoms become more active.

Many years ago,I had an Oriental Shorthair with Feline Asthma. We switched to Worlds Best Litter ( made of corn husks( which is virtually dust free.  I have been using it for over 10 years now, and our cats love it.  This is another litter that is recommended for cats with this condition.
http://www10.epinions.com/review/World_s_Best_Cat_Litter/content_440878009988

As far as your environment is concerned, of course carpets are dust magnets, but replacing with hard wood floors is extremely costly. I think you are doing as much as you can with carpets from what you describe. 
We also used an air purifier, and I think it helped a great deal to keep symptoms at bay.

There is a support group for folks who have cats with asthma that you might want to investigate. I am sure that you will be able to get a lot of helpful information and support. It looks very resource filled.
http://www.felineasthma.org/

You might also check out this website for further assistance. http://www.fritzthebrave.com/treatment/hints.html

http://www.fritzthebrave.com/treatment/ongoing.html

Good luck with your kitty, and keeping her free from flares.

Troublesniffer
Owned by cats for over 40 years
Freelance writer/blogger for http://www.petside.com/

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nonaandratz · Answer

The only thing I would add is a humidifier in case the air is too dry. I use a cool mist one.  Air purifiers seem to be trickier to choose than they should be.  Some only act as dust filters and some claim they do more things to your air than seems possible.  I use a purifier with a washable permanent filter - sort of like that Oreck thing they advertise on TV.  It certainly catches dust and cat hair but whether it does more - who knows?  My Siamese had asthma but not as severe as your cat has.  We did the prednisone bit but were never really satisfied with it either.  Good luck.

huxley · Answer

an air purifer and/or humidifier would definately help

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What can I do to help my cat with asthma?

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