Nebulizer Treatment for Cats

If your kitty's vet prescribes nebulizer treatment for her, you'll quickly become acquainted with this helpful aerosol machine that you'll use to administer medication to your cat's airways. The pre-measured doses of medication are fed into the machine, which emits a humid vapor. Your cat will breathe in the medication along with the moist air.

Nebulizer treatment will be prescribed to your cat if her condition is severe enough that she doesn't respond to other forms of medication or to oxygen treatment. Conditions that are known to reach this critical stage include asthma, pneumonia and upper respiratory tract infections. These conditions all involve difficulty breathing. Immediately contact your vet if you notice your cat is congested, has a fever, watery eyes and nasal discharge and is wheezing or coughing.

If you've ever seen a human being treated with a nebulizer, you might wonder how you'll manage to treat your cat with the machine. VetInfo doctor Mike Richards explains that it is much easier than you'd think, and way easier than getting medication in pill form down your cat's throat. The two options Dr. Richards offers are either to put your cat in a crate and then place the nebulizer directly in front of it or to shut your cat in a small room, like a bathroom, with the nebulizer. Either option puts your kitty in the position of breathing in the soothing, moist medicated air with no trauma involved.

If your cat experiences respiratory problems, she will need serious care and attention at home. You can do your part by administering her medication as directed by her vet, and by making her as comfortable as possible. Doing this includes providing a nutritious diet and plenty of water in addition to keeping your home free from harmful allergens like dust, cigarette smoke, pollen and mold.