my cat has asthma. only 1yr but now acting like he 16 with heart disease. is it fair to keep him alive or not

Question

on meds prednisolene and frusemide but just about has the energy to eat and drink. every time i give him pills his breathing worsens as he gets stressed out

Answer 1

Hi, I'm the Teresa that one of the other writers was referring to. The website reference is wrong, that's why you probably have not been able to find me. healthypetnet.com/theyloveit

New Hope Animal Hospital (Online -- see the link below) has an excellent article on asthma in cats. I am not a vet so I won't expound on it except to say that you want to rule out diseases like lungworm and heartworm and you want to do everything that you can to identify what triggers the asthma attacks. Just like in humans, there's usually a stress or environmental trigger.

For example, if you put the kitty in an entirely clean room with no carpets, no curtains, no beds or pillows or couches or anything at all with fabric, and you clean with just basic vinegar and water, I wonder if your cat's symptoms would be alleviated?

I would recommend completely holistic food but that would only be a supportive measure, right now, you need to help the poor thing breathe.

I did submit the question to our holistic vet, Dr. Jane Bicks, to see what she says on her call-in conference call tomorrow night. Will let you know what she says.

As for your question, "Is it fair to keep him alive or not" -- My dear, I believe every creature wants to live and be happy. If you cannot do anything to improve his quality of life, then look to see if he enjoys eating and playing or even if he purrs and enjoys being petted. I, personally, am in a position to try many things before I give up, but you may not be in that position. Ask the kitty, ask God, ask the vet, and I know you will make the right choice.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

I would talk to the vet and ask him if there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Also, like others have recommended, maybe there is a different drug that the vet can put the cat on. If it stresses your cat out to pill him, you might want to take a look at something called Pill Pockets. You put the pill in these little Pill Pockets and the cat eats the whole thing - I know - I was skeptical at first but it actually works for a few of the cats that I have fostered and it might be worth a try for you to keep from stressing the cat out.

Answer 4

Asthma in cats is a difficult condition. It sounds like he is getting the correct medicines. Some asthmatic cats also get some benefit from a nebulizer, but the machine is expensive and some cats are so stressed by it that there is no net benefit.

It's sad to say, in such a young cat, but is quality of life sounds very poor. His asthma will only grow worse as he gets older, despite all medication, and it sounds like he already has little pleasure in his life.

I would discuss his case with your vet and see what guidance he can give you. If there is no hope for improvement, I think I would consider a merciful end the best thing for the cat.

Answer 5

Try changing his meds first. It could be the meds he is on making him have less energy. If this doesn't help and he cannot function like a normal cat, using the litter box, playing, snooping into things, wanting attention, eating and drinking, I would consider having him put down. You know your cat better than us, if he is miserable, then go ahead and help him out. If he shows signs of happiness, keep him going. Make sure that it warrants death, if not, and you are not positive, you will beat yourself up over it for years to come wondering if you made the right decision. Talk it over with your vet to determine what steps you can take to help him.

Answer 6

You should discuss this with the vet. If the cat's breathing worsens after he gets the pills he might be having a reaction to the meds. My neighbor had a cat who was asthmatic and managed on his meds. Take him to the vet, maybe he has something else he can give the cat.

Answer 7

I think that you are good to think about your cats quality of life.

I hope that I don't have to make this decision for years to come,
but if your cat eats, drinks, and is playing just find, I think he has a good quality of life.

Try giving his pills differently. There is a product called "pill pockets" that you put the pill into, and the cat eats it like a treat. Also, there are places that will compound the pills (put all the medicine in one pill) that might make it less stressful for the cat- I know that Smith and Fosters does this, and I'm sure that there are others.

Answer 8

Thats a tuff topic. I think that it depends. But if you feel like he's not going to survive, or what not, then best thing you could do is put him down. However, before you jump to any conclusions or decisions, speak with your vet, and find out how you can help your cat with the meds. Its more than obvious. I personally don't like cats, but in this case, there's an exception, I feel sorry. I hope the best for your cat and to you as well. I hope he gets better.

Answer 9

That is a hard decision. Part wants to keep the kitty alive cause does not want to miss kitty. Yet another part knows it is pry best to let kitty go.

Weigh the pros and cons.

Honestly if I were in your state, I would pry put him down. I love cats, but I would rather give them the gift of ultimate healing (death) than to have them suffer.

That, however, is what I would do.

Do what you feel is best for your cat and what is right.

Now thereto you can always see if there is another medication that won't cause breathing problems.

He pry needs to see the vet.

Answer 10

I will say that feeding your cat properly can minimize your cat's asthma. Click on to www.healthypetnet.com and watch the video. There is also a veterinarian dealing with questions like yours and holistic whole natural food as an alternative and usually in most causes close to a cure. You can talk to her live on Thursday nights. If you want to talk to her email me and I will send the link to do it. You can also email Teresa she is on the healthypetnet site she too can you connected with this vet. I am not saying that your vet is not good...but most vets are like most doctors and they aren't trained to recognize cures, just support symptoms. There is so much about good food that cures people and animals....Give it a shot....your decision for putting your cat down can be put on hold until you give this a try. All you have to gain would be your cat....back to normal. Email me anytime.