oh bum - looks like asthma

[basildonbond]

off to the vet this morning for Shuri's booster (and additional FIV jab - it's a different immunisation schedule in the ME as he needed rabies but not FIV)

the vet was doing his usual physical exam and spent a long time listening to his lungs then asked if we'd noticed him coughing or wheezing - funnily enough I'd noticed him yesterday breathing out sharply a few times but it didn't seem to be bothering him so it didn't really register

the vet says he can't be 100% sure but the most likely cause is asthma poss caused by an allergy to something over here that he didn't encounter in the UAE

it's not a problem at the moment but will need to keep an eye on it

does anyone have experience of an asthmatic cat? the thought of trying to get him to use an inhaler is making me feel quite faint (and he's pretty co-operative generally!)

They are usually very good with the inhaler, though make sure you are sitting down when they tell you the cost of the cartridge for the inhaler! Once the have been taking the inhaler for a while the asthma does improve and I have often seen it go completely when owners move house again.

Thanks - fingers crossed he won't need it (at least for a while)

Just out of interest what are the most common allergens which trigger asthma in cats?

Are you in a city/urban environment, basildon?

Lone - are we talking cough and splutter or second mortgage?

City but not too gritty!

\link{http://www.felineasthma.org/\Here's} a link for you basildon. It's not a UK site so might be a bit approximate on some things such as meds and other organisations but might be a useful read nonetheless.

Is Shuri cheerful and doing OK apart from this?

thanks cozie

he's absolutely fine otherwise - he's lost a little bit of weight but looks beautifully fit and toned and is in fine voice

he scared me last night though as I was off to visit a friend who lives a couple of roads away - he quite often accompanies me to the corner of the street but this time he just kept on loping along beside me - eventually it all got a bit too strange for him and he took refuge under a van (which was just about to set off) and I had to entice him out and take him home under protest!

Cozie let's just say that I coughed and spluttered at the wholesale price. Though previous client just said oh that's fine me I would have had a sharp intake of breath through pursed lips.

It's going to be interesting to see how Shuri copes with winter and maybe snow. Has his coat changed at all? You might have to invest in a heated pad/electric blanket or resign yourself to a gas fir on a lot.

There's been no change to his coat at all so far - still sleek and v v short - the vet said the other maus registered with them tend to stay indoors A LOT during the winter!

Like Siamese - who also have a short and sleek coat. You'll (in accordance with the old adage) find out the warmest place in your house soon, I think.