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Cats/Cat Choking

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Expert: - 6/24/2007


Question
Karen, my cat chokes everytime he eats to the point where he almost throws up.  He also has respiratory problems.  They give him an antibiotic and that doesn't work well.  A year ago I had him at the emergency clinic and they vet that night felt something in his throat.  But the our vet said just keep giving him medicine.  Are you familiar with polyps in the throat.  Could he have a nasal or throat polyp.  I have never put under anestic and I am afraid he will not come out of the procedure so I hesitate to ask the vet to look.  But he is getting worse.  

Also we have a smaller cat and beats up on Blackie all time and he is always so scared.  We bought a home up north and we take them up there on weekends and Blackie just hides under the bed all weekend.  We will be moving there in two months and I"m afraid with the throat problem, the mean little cat and move that he will not survive.  Do you have any advice.  Thanks.

Karen

Answer
Hi Karen,

You have your hands full there. The choking sounds more like the cat is coughing. If he has respiratory problems this sounds more reasonable. He can also have throat polyps. This would cause coughing. I know this sounds simple but have you changed his food? He could have an allergy to what he is eating. Try switching him to a high quality grain free wet cat food. Something like Wellness, EVO, or Nature's Variety. See what happens.

Coughing can also be asthma in cats. It could be IBD. Putting your cat under anesthetic to check for polyps shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure you are comfortable with your vet. Get a second opinion if you have any doubts.

I have two cats here who are scaredy cats like Blackie. You need to give him extra attention. When you are doing this keep the other cat in a different section of the house.  Part of why he hides is he is confused by the trips up and back. Give Blackie his own area where he can feel safe. Make sure you spend extra time with him.  Once you get settled in he should be okay.

Good luck and let me know what happens.

Ciao, Karen  

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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