I have a MC, but no papers to certify his breed. His name is Oreo and he definitely has all the traits of a MC. He is two and 1/2 years old. Around the time he turned one, he started having wheezing attacks. The vets kept telling me that he had hair balls. He also started having accidents on the carpet; which was so out of character for him. After about nine months, Oreo got severely ill and I had to rush him to the animal hospital. Oreo was diagnosed with asthma and food allergies. After many trials with the food, we now have that under control (he only eats Hill's prescription diet Feline d/d). We live in Nebraska and the vet hoped and expected that with the winter freeze, his asthma would go into remission. That has not been the case. Oreo takes 5 mg of Prednisone tablets every morning. Occasionally, the attacks occur and he gets an additional 5 mg tablet for a few days. Oreo is such a wonderful, loving cat; it has been frustrating to see him have these attacks. I am looking for additional information/experiences anyone might have on asthma for cats.

-- Anonymous, March 14, 1999

Answers

My maine coon was having very similiar wheezing attacks. My vet diagnosed him as having allergies or asthma. He said it is almost impossible to guess what he is allergic to. He was giving him cortisone shots every two months. I had some problems with my vet and have since switched. I didn't like the idea of regular cortisone shots so I tried changing some things. The first thing I changed was the litter. I was using a clumping litter. It worked! Wheezing gone! I was using feline pine but one of my other cats rejected that. Now I'm using litter pearls. It's more exspensive, but it's definitely worth it. Good luck!

-- Anonymous, August 28, 1999

If by wheezing you mean fast breathing (like he can't get enough air) I would suggest a heart xray. We lost one to an enlarged heart with similar symptoms. Good Luck

-- Anonymous, April 26, 2000