My cat has labored breathing from smoke. How can I help her at home?

She could definitely start having asthma at her age. I would recommend having a vet listen to her heart and lungs, and take a chest x-ray. They can send the x-rays to a be read by a radiologist if you'd like a second opinion. The treatment for asthma is usually steroids and inhaled broncodilators. You would need a prescription for those things. So unfortunately, there isn't much you can do totally alone, but it does sound like she needs some help.

Hello, sorry to hear about Jezzie. If she is having a hard time breathing then I would definitely take her to your veterinarian immediately. You should be monitoring for a rapid respiratory rate, open mouth breathing, increased respiratory effort (using her belly to breathe), and collapse. These are all signs that Jezzie may not be obtaining enough oxygen and may need emergency medical attention. One big concern in cats that have respiratory disease such as feline asthma is that they can develop respiratory crisis which could be life threatening. Therefore, any sings of respiratory disease warrants prompt veterinary evaluation. Please have Jezzie evaluated by your veterinarian if she continues to sneeze or an emergency veterinarian if she is having a hard time breathing or is showing any of the signs listed above. Best wishes for Jezzie and hope this helps.

Even though you have a vet appointment in 12 hours I would encourage you to see an emergency vet if at all possible. Trouble breathing in a cat is very concerning, and can become life threatening quickly. There is nothing to do at home other than trying to minimize stress as much as possible - keep your cat somewhere quiet with little stimulation.

It is impossible to answer this accurately without an indication as to what is causing her breathing problems - heart/lung disease, pain, infection, inflammation and swellings in the nose or throat could all be contributing and options for treatment would depend on exactly what is causing her issues. Please seek a full health check for her as soon as possible in order to identify the source of her problem and discuss management options

If Kiki seems to be suffering from shortness of breath you will not be able to help him at home, he will need special medications by injection to help him breath. make sure he is indeed in respiratory distress, try to offer him some treats or food he likes, if he isn't interested then you should take him to the vet ASAP.

Wheezing in cats can be caused by chronic allergies, asthma, infections, and polyps. However, if you believe that Ashes is having trouble breathing, she should be seen by a vet immediately as she may need oxygen supplementation and stabilization. I hope this helps and that all is well!

Unfortunately there is no over the counter product to help with this issue. We don't know the cause of her respiratory distress and it could include anything ranging from infection, spread of cancer to lungs, or heart disease. If she is in respiratory distress I would recommend taking her the the emergency vet closest to your area. It looks like there is one near you according to your zip code http://www.wvrc.com/about/locations/racine-wi-pet-hospital/