The Cat Bible Q&A
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
Allergies/Asthma
I am a loyal listener; thanks for the show. I have an eleven-year-old tabby that has always had one runny eye. About six months ago, it seems he developed what I believe are allergies. Several things happened at this time. First, we re-carpeted our home with a commercial-type carpet that has nylon in it. Second, that's when I began changing the three cats to canned food. I am still using Evo dry in the mornings when I'm racing out the door, but they generally get Evo canned, Natural Balance, and Wellness.
Could he be allergic to something in the food? The reason for all the brands is to see if changing it would eliminate the sneezing and wheezing. It has not. What can you suggest? Should he just go to the vet?
From: Julie, in Houston, TX
Dear Julie,
It sounds like your cat has asthma. I'd be shocked if that's not the case. He has all the classic symptoms. It may be asthma as a reaction to the carpeting, but food wouldn't cause these symptoms. Stick with canned, that's for sure. And definitely visit the vet, ASAP.
The official vet of DOG TALK, my other radio show, is Dr. Phil Padrid, from Chicago, and he happens to be the world's leading authority on feline asthma. If you'd like your vet to consult with him, or you want to talk to him directly because you're unsure or unclear about the diagnosis, and/or the treatment -- inhaled medications are the way to go, which I hope your own vet will tell you -- get in touch with Dr. Phil. His contact information is on the website, under "Our Experts."
Dr. Phil does not charge for phone consultations, but to discuss medical issues, he needs to be in touch with your vet. He's happy to do it. He's extremely generous with his time, and views himself as a public ambassador for feline asthma, in particular. Several Cat Chatters have consulted with him, with terrific results -- and several, in fact, have made contributions to the ASPCA in his name, as a thank you!
Tracie Hotchner
The information contained in the answers posted on this board comes from THE CAT BIBLE: Everything Your Cat Expects You To Know, and from CAT CHAT™ The Radio Show, broadcasting live on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Channel 112 on Sirius Satellite Radio, every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. EST.
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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the advice I give on the air or in emails – or those you see posted here – are not intended to take the place of a veterinarian's advice or expertise. I say this to protect myself from being misunderstood or from your over-reliance on my advice in situations where your pet may be seriously ill and you would mistakenly delay seeking medical intervention. While I am confident in the research-based facts and common-sense advice I can offer, it is never meant to be used at the exclusion of trained, accredited and board certified professionals. But I also have this disclaimer to protect your dog – because what you learn from me is not intended to take the place of medical care or professional evaluation – on the contrary, my desire is to equip you with information that will allow you to enjoy your pets to the fullest, and also to encourage you to seek professional medical attention whenever there are physical symptoms or an overall change in your pet's attitude.
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
