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My cat's bronchitis treatment isn't working. What are my options?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 10 years and 10 months old

My cat was diagnosed with bronchitis last year. He was given a treatment plan by what is considered to be the best vet in town - kesium 62.5 mg - 1 tb per day for 4 days and prednicortone 5 mg - 1/2 tb per day for 4 days then 1/2 tb every 2 days (2 doses) then 1/2 tb 2 times per week for one week. This treatment i have to repeat anytime he is feeling bad. The cat is not doing well and i don't know if it's the treatment or just the way the disease works. I want a opinion on the treatment plan.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 7th, 2020

I think the diagnosis is probably feline asthma. I don't know if it is available in your country but we do inhaled steroids/bronchodilators using a special cat mask called Aerokat. Seems to work better than the systemic treatment. The antibiotic treatment is probably not necessary (kesium).

( https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/caring-cat-asthma )

( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yyIsWjvt2I )

Maybe see if there is a way your vet can get you an AeroKat inhaler.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Catherine Stecyk
Veterinarian
Published on March 2nd, 2019
Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that your cat is suffering from asthma. Generally, oral steroids such as prednisolone are used in the treatment of asthma. However, there are also inhaled steroids, such as fluticasone, that can be used to treat asthma. These are administered via an inhaler for cats, such as an AeroKat, which can be purchased online from something like amazon.com. I recommend asking if your veterinarian can prescribe a fluticasone inhaler for your cat. This helps deliver steroids directly to the lungs, and reduces the risk of the side effects we see with systemic (oral) steroids. Fluticasone inhalers can be very expensive in the US, but may be available for purchase from an international pharmacy like a Canadian pharmacy, with a prescription from your veterinarian. I hope this is helpful, and best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on January 14th, 2017
Hydroxyzine has mild bronchodilation effects. There are more effective medications that can be given orally or even inhaled. If Sahsa's asthma is severe enough, he may need stronger anti inflammatory medications. Discuss alternative treatments and options with your veterinarian. Consider also an inhaler such as this : https://www.trudellmed.com/animal-health/aerokat
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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