Administering Flovent from a sitter’s perspective

Call me naive, but I never knew you could use an inhaler on a cat. This is coming from

someone who has almost 10 years of experience as a professional pet sitter. Just like

people, our feline friends have all sorts of ailments from diabetes to UTIs, and even

asthma! They can experience wheezing, coughing, gagging and heavy panting. Signs of

feline asthma tend to be chronic and can be life threatening. As always, check with your

vet if you think your kitty may be suffering from something more serious than your

average hairball.

Recently, I started working for two clients whose kitties require Flovent. Luckily, a nifty

device known as the AeroKat was invented. It’s basically a rubber face mask attached

to the end of a plastic tube in which you release the Flovent. The tube holds the aerosol

medicine into a chamber, while the rubber piece ensures your cat breathes it in, sending

the Flovent to the lungs. Administering inhaler puffs are a cinch, even if you’re a sitter

who’s new to this procedure.

Here are the basics. Flovent is a steroid, which is used as a coughing and wheezing

deterrent. Cats with asthma may also use an Albuterol rescue inhaler for when they

have an attack. This is generally used in cases of emergency and not for prevention.

First, check the chamber and rubber end to make sure it’s clean and free of debris.

Next, uncap the inhaler and pop it into the back of the AeroKat tube. Next, shake the

inhaler for about 15 seconds. You may want to give your kitty a “dry run” to get her used

to the idea. I usually pet the cat to calm any nerves before administering the inhaler. It’s

probably easiest to do this on the floor where you are positioned behind the cat on your

haunches. Place your hand gently on the cat’s chest, so she has no room to back up

without making her feel trapped or smothered. In other words, try not to lean too far over

her. Once ready, place the rubber mask over the cat’s face making sure her nose

doesn’t press against it. Press down on the inhaler releasing the medicine into the

chamber. There’s a green flap that will move inside the AeroKat system to indicate she’s

breathing. The amount of breaths vary, but I usually make sure the cat gets at least 10

solid breaths before letting her go. I immediately shower the kitty with attention and

treats afterward for positive reinforcement and association. If your kitty squirms away,

just give her a second and reapply the mask. You don’t need to release another puff of

Flovent. There will still be plenty of medicine in the chamber. Detach the AeroKat, and

reseal the inhaler and you’re done. Of course, feel free to soak the AeroKat system in

warm water to clean it before the next use. Leave the pieces out to air dry. So, there you

have it! Believe me, it’s not as complicated as it sounds once you start doing it. Keeping

the kitty relaxed and in position to take solid breaths is the most important part. They will

love the rewards of love you give them for a job well done.

While feline asthma cannot be cured, it can be managed with medicine, which should

greatly reduce coughing and allergic reactions. You can also take other measures such

as keeping the cats away from perfume, cigarette smoke, dusty kitty litter and pollen.

Simple things like keeping windows shut, adding air purifiers and getting rid of clay kitty

litter (try Yesterday’s News or Dr. Elsey's Cat Attract instead) can make your cat’s

asthma more manageable. So, whether you are the sitter or the loving pet parent of an

asthmatic kitty, there are neat tools on the market to help in your new routine. This,

along with some basic home adjustments can ensure the comfort of your cat and help

them live a long relaxed life.

Devoted sitter Mary C.

Fetch! Sherman Oaks to North Hollywood
Fetch! Hollywood Hills
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