To investigate or not to investigate?

[JellycatParent]

My lovely cat has been suffering with occasional wheezing bouts and panting after playing since he was about 2. He’s 4 now. We’ve had him seen by a vet multiple times who has always just said his lungs and heart are clear and to keep his environment clean. We also give him a paste to help with hairballs and digestion. We’ve always suspected it was asthma however, but probably mild as it happens so infrequently.

Recently we mentioned it again at his vet check up, and the new vet recommended a probnp test to rule out heart issues. This came back 67 (anything under 100 is indicative of no heart issues), so that was a relief. Sunday night we ended up at the emergency vet with him as his breathing became scary. It was about 45 breaths per minute. He didn’t seem distressed at all and was still eating and purring away, but I know it’s not good for it to regularly exceed 40.

The emergency vet did a scan of his heart, lungs and abdomen and all came back fine with no evidence of fluid or masses. They said what we initially thought, likely asthma and gave us a week of steroids to reduce any inflammation.

Our regular vet has said they aren’t happy to diagnose asthma until he has a lung X-ray to confirm. I feel very nervous about having him heavily sedated and potentially put under GA for the X-ray.

I’m so nervous about something happening to him and I keep trying to weigh up the pros and cons. I so want to do right by him. What would you do?

If it were my cat, I would have him fully checked so that he can be correctly treated. At 4 he is still a relatively young cat with many years ahead of him. Until he's been properly diagnosed (and receiving the appropriate treatment) you are likely to have further trips to the emergency vets.

One of our cats does have a heart condition so it's good news that has been ruled out for your boy. Mine didn't need a GA for the various x-rays and scans, just enough sedation to keep him calm and still.

Edited to add: him purring isn't necessarily a sign he isn't distressed. Cats can use purring to self-sooth. First came across this when another one of our cats was having a check up - he hates the vet, loathes the car journey and was hyperventilating through stress. Then started purring part way through the exam. The vet explained why.

Please do the right thing and get him checked.

Uncontrolled asthma can go downhill very quickly in cats and he's so young - it's far better that he's medicated and safe, than you having to spend the rest of his life rushing him to the emergency vets every few months.

I'd also echo what PP said about purring not necessarily being a good sign - it can mean a cat is happy but it can also be a good indicator of distress and pain.