[*Beth*]

My cat London has been hacking for at least a week. There has been a day here and there when he didn't do it, but most days he hacks and stretches his neck as though he's trying to get rid of a hairball. I've been giving him different kinds of hairball stuff twice/day for 4 days. It doesn't seem to be helping. For the most part, London's had short episodes of hacking. One night he had what seemed like an attack of hacking that lasted for about 15 minutes.

Thankfully, London is eating, drinking, using the litter box normally.

I know that I need to take London to the vet. I don't have any money to do so until the beginning of August. My bank account at this moment is $90 in the red and I don't have any other resource.

I'm worried out of my mind and am hoping someone here has experience with this type of thing?
@BeyondtheRainbow How did you know your cat has asthma?

[MuseumGhost]

Oh, that is distressing! That would have me frantic and sleepless, no doubt.

I hope it turns out to be nothing much---a hairball that you can shift at home.

May I stay in touch with you about this?

Worried for you both.

[divine1966]

My daughters cat did that. Hacking a lot and then being out of breath. The only way to know was take him to a vet. He was on meds for few years after vet diagnosed him. And then all of a sudden his asthma just disappeared. The vet guessed his asthma was environmental, they lived in a basement apartment which was damp and possibly moldy. He is perfectly fine now. No asthma and no coughing

You might have to take him to a vet in august to test him

I’ll PM you re vet visit

[lizardlady]

If he is not hacking up any hairballs my guess would be asthma. My Mikey has asthma. Thankfully a round of prednisone will clear up an attack.

You mentioned not having the money to take him to the vet. Have you heard of Care Credit? It is a no/low interest credit care for low income folks to use for medical/vet care.

[*Beth*]

Thank you, each of you, for sharing your support and information/experience. I am very grateful.

liz, yes, I know about CareCredit. It is essentially applying for a credit card, just with low (or no?) interest when it has to be repaid. I don't have "bad" credit, but I have "zero" credit because I've never had a credit card or anything to establish a credit rating. So CareCredit turns me down.

[lizardlady]

Well, that sucks about CareCredit.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

Originally Posted by *Beth*

I'm worried out of my mind and am hoping someone here has experience with this type of thing?
@BeyondtheRainbow How did you know your cat has asthma?

I thought at first it was hairballs but none came up. Then she started wheezing very heavily and making a honking noise at which time I made the vet appointment. I was very worried when it changed from "hairball" to "gasp for breath". I had to wait about 2 weeks to get in and she just got worse in that time. By then I was pretty sure because I had another cat several years ago who was asthmatic.

The only time she's had issues since has been when she was around a cleaner. I'm going to have to use unscented cleaners from now on. Event lemon juice is a problem. I need to stock up on vinegar and baking soda.

I hope this helps a little. Let me know if I can answer anything else. Poor London. It's no fun to be a sick kitty.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by BeyondtheRainbow

I thought at first it was hairballs but none came up. Then she started wheezing very heavily and making a honking noise at which time I made the vet appointment. I was very worried when it changed from "hairball" to "gasp for breath". I had to wait about 2 weeks to get in and she just got worse in that time. By then I was pretty sure because I had another cat several years ago who was asthmatic.

The only time she's had issues since has been when she was around a cleaner. I'm going to have to use unscented cleaners from now on. Event lemon juice is a problem. I need to stock up on vinegar and baking soda.

I hope this helps a little. Let me know if I can answer anything else. Poor London. It's no fun to be a sick kitty.

Thank you, Rainbow! Your experience is extremely helpful.

[RollercoasterLover]

I don't have a cat, but I live near a college the has a free pet clinic at their veterinary medicine school. The clinic also provides basic pet meds such as antibiotics for free or at cost. My little dog just had a tick removed from his ear, along with a test for Lyme disease and a month of antibiotics. I paid nothing.

If you live near a college/university. It may be worth checking to see if they have a clinic.

Hope your cat is feeling better soon.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by RollercoasterLover

I don't have a cat, but I live near a college the has a free pet clinic at their veterinary medicine school. The clinic also provides basic pet meds such as antibiotics for free or at cost. My little dog just had a tick removed from his ear, along with a test for Lyme disease and a month of antibiotics. I paid nothing.

If you live near a college/university. It may be worth checking to see if they have a clinic.

Hope your cat is feeling better soon.

Thank you. I love roller coasters, too

I actually live near the largest Veterinary Medicine university in the world. You would think they'd offer some free or low-cost animal care. Nope. They charge an absolutely outrageous amount. It's sickening, really.

Kudos to the college near you that is so generous.

[*Beth*]

I literally feel sick with worry. This morning London ate really well, then was playing and running. He suddenly stopped and did the "honking" thing. That happened several times. He does stretch his neck out while it's happening, but I don't think his mouth is open and it doesn't sound like he's wheezing. And it's not a cough. The sound is honking and somewhat snorting. Afterwards, he got quiet. He doesn't hide, but he does fall asleep. London is very sensitive to anxiety. He gets worried when people walk past our apartment, he worries when there's a strange object on the floor that he hasn't seen before...even if a shoe is in an unusual place. I'm wondering if his tendency to be anxious is stressing him and causing asthma.

[Fuzzybear]

Beth

gentle scritches to London

[divine1966]

Do you use nextdoor app? Ask if anyone in the neighborhood knows cheap vet clinic. We used to have a vet by us who saw pets for more than half off normal price. He was very old and clinic was not particularly fancy but the care was fine. You could see him and get all you need and meds all less than $100. He was always packed solid because everyone would drive far to see him due to low price. You might have someone cheap by you? It’s not usually advertised, I found it out by accident when I had a cat. Nextdoor usually knows everyone and everything

[BeyondtheRainbow]

Originally Posted by *Beth*

I literally feel sick with worry. This morning London ate really well, then was playing and running. He suddenly stopped and did the "honking" thing. That happened several times. He does stretch his neck out while it's happening, but I don't think his mouth is open and it doesn't sound like he's wheezing. And it's not a cough. The sound is honking and somewhat snorting. Afterwards, he got quiet. He doesn't hide, but he does fall asleep. London is very sensitive to anxiety. He gets worried when people walk past our apartment, he worries when there's a strange object on the floor that he hasn't seen before...even if a shoe is in an unusual place. I'm wondering if his tendency to be anxious is stressing him and causing asthma.

This sounds a lot like Abby did. Not that I can diagnose, but it just sounds familiar. And it was very stressful waiting for the vet so I understand that too. If it helps I don't think she is in pain when she has an episode, she just is tight when she tries to breathe.

[lizardlady]

Excellent suggestion Divine!

Beth it is worrisome when one of the furbabies is sick. For what it's worth Mikey does what you describe. Heck, so do I! (I have asthma too) He usually has a nap after an episode. Sending you and London good thoughts.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Fuzzybear

Beth

gentle scritches to London

You're precious, Fuzzy Dear. I will give London gentle scritches from our most favorite bear in the world.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by divine1966

Do you use nextdoor app? Ask if anyone in the neighborhood knows cheap vet clinic. We used to have a vet by us who saw pets for more than half off normal price. He was very old and clinic was not particularly fancy but the care was fine. You could see him and get all you need and meds all less than $100. He was always packed solid because everyone would drive far to see him due to low price. You might have someone cheap by you? It’s not usually advertised, I found it out by accident when I had a cat. Nextdoor usually knows everyone and everything

Thank you, divine. I do know just what you mean. In my hometown (actually, home city) there was an elderly vet, he ran a very plain, old-fashioned clinic. He saw pets for next to nothing. He was generous about such things as selling a great, big bottle of an antibiotic to me when 3 of my cats had respiratory infections...the man would need to see only one cat, rather than making me drag all 3 cats in and charging me accordingly. I have fond memories of him. Wonderful sense of humor and so gifted with animals.

Anyway, I drifted off onto memory lane, there.

I am on Nextdoor, yes, and belong to several cat groups. It's unfortunate that there are no low-cost vets in my town. What there are are three clinics; two are standard veterinary offices with kindly vets and the usual costs. The third is an upscale affair where the staff does such things as serve clients (the people) little water bottles. Not my style and certainly not in my budget. I'm fine with bringing my own water bottle, thanks.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by BeyondtheRainbow

This sounds a lot like Abby did. Not that I can diagnose, but it just sounds familiar. And it was very stressful waiting for the vet so I understand that too. If it helps I don't think she is in pain when she has an episode, she just is tight when she tries to breathe.

London seems disturbed by the episodes but not in major discomfort or pain, thank God. He doesn't wheeze, but "honks" and does some gulping. "Tight" is a good description. Afterwards is when he seems fatigued and falls asleep.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by lizardlady

Excellent suggestion Divine!

Beth it is worrisome when one of the furbabies is sick. For what it's worth Mikey does what you describe. Heck, so do I! (I have asthma too) He usually has a nap after an episode. Sending you and London good thoughts.

Thank you so much, liz

[Victoria'smom]

Do you have a clinic nearby. ASPCA usually has them and depending on your income they provide financial assistance. If they don't have one call your local shelter and ask about vets that provide financial assistance. They should have a list. Vet iq/ pet iq charges $30 for a vet visit unless you get there health plan which is $80 plus $28 a month for unlimited vet visits, shots, routine tests.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Miguel'smom

Do you have a clinic nearby. ASPCA usually has them and depending on your income they provide financial assistance. If they don't have one call your local shelter and ask about vets that provide financial assistance. They should have a list. Vet iq/ pet iq charges $30 for a vet visit unless you get there health plan which is $80 plus $28 a month for unlimited vet visits, shots, routine tests.

Thank you, Mm! I will call the ASPCA and ask them. There are only 3 vets in town, but one of those may provide financial assistance that I haven't known about.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

@*Beth*, how is London doing?

My angel cat Ebony had asthma, hers could get really bad to the point she could collapse, as well as being on medication, if she had a attack, sometimes (for a mild attack) running the shower to make loads of steam would help for short-term relief for her

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by BeyondtheRainbow

@*Beth*, how is London doing?

Behavior-wise, London is the same - normal, as far as eating, litter box, socializing. I'm "clocking" his honking episodes. He has not had one (that I've been aware of, and God knows I'm constantly listening, even in my sleep) for about 36 hours. That, after over a week of repeated episodes daily/nightly. Since his appointment is still 6 days away (unless they have a cancellation) I'm going to keep a close eye (and ear) on him over the week-end.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by willowtigger

My angel cat Ebony had asthma, hers could get really bad to the point she could collapse, as well as being on medication, if she had a attack, sometimes (for a mild attack) running the shower to make loads of steam would help for short-term relief for her

Thank you, willowtigger The shower-steam idea is a terrific one.

Something I've considered is that I've been running the a/c a lot during this heat wave. The a/c dries out the air too much. That can't be helpful for London (or any of the cats, or for me). I just came home, but right away I'm going to boil a big pot of water on the stove to bring some humidity into the apartment.