Feline Asthma, Diet and Environment

My cat is 11 years old and has asthma. He developed it seven years ago when we moved to Florida, and the condition seems to be getting worse. Could his diet or the weather have anything to do with it? I feed him dry food from Costco and chicken, beef and turkey. He loves apple, cucumber and cantaloupe, but he only receives a piece of each one to three times a week.

Thanks for your help~~ Dolores

Expert Reply

Hello Dolores,

I think the increase in your cat's asthma is probably due more to his advancing age than anything else. As cats get older, their systems become more fragile and less able to deal with illness.

The Florida climate may also not be the best for a cat with asthma. The humidity seems to add to the congestion asthma sufferers experience, and all of that fabulous flora may actually trigger allergic reactions as well.

As for the food you feed your cat, the recent food recall has taught us that commercial feeds probably aren't as heathy for our pets as we once believed. I personally think your cat is getting safer nutrition from the real meat and fruits you are serving.

In addition to the beef, chicken and turkey, add some fresh salmon to your pet's diet. It contains the essential fatty acids and taurine he needs. Brown rice adds necessary carbohydrates. Fruits like apples and blueberries are good sources of antioxidants, and veggies like carrots and green beans round out the vitamin content.

You can boil a meat and some rice together, and then add in a vegetable and a fruit near the end to create a nutritious recipe. If you give your cat a good multi vitamin a couple of times a week he should be getting everything he needs. At this point you could eliminate the commercial diet completely.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you find these suggestions helpful.

~~ Kelly