Q. I have three cats who suffer breathing difficulties. There is a definite “rattle” with the sound of mucous blocking their airways, as well as a deeper sound produced in the lungs. All three have had bloodwork done. Two show exposure to heartworm as well as toxoplasmosis; the third was negative for all the “bad stuff.” However, she developed almost total blindness since kittenhood, and is fairly obese because her activity level is so low and she likes to eat. All cats were taken from feral cat colonies. I have mild asthma symptoms as well, and use two products which are very helpful. These are “broncholair” (freeze-dried nettle, GP butternut, etc.) and NAC+ (an amino acid). I have been tempted to give these products to my cats, but am fearful to try it. None of the vets here know anything about these products for animals and the companies tell me they have not been tested for animal use. I do not wish to use steroids because of all the side issues. Can you help?
A. Much of what I do and use in my practice I have learned from human products that I either tried myself or which I heard or read about and used on patients with their guardians’ permission. For cats, I would typically cut doses to one-fifth or one-quarter of that recommended on the label. I have used all the ingredients you mention and have not noted any problems. For the conditions you describe, we also use both homeopathic Cough and Bronchitis by BHI/Heel. You could add in Seven Forests’ herbal formula Astragalus 16 for chronic respiratory problems, or their Pinellia formula for asthmatic respiratory signs.
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Cat