To some, going to a pet acupuncturist may sound as far out as enlisting the help of a pet psychic. But if you have an asthmatic kitty, you will be thankful for the good fortune an acupuncturist is able to offer.

Few sights are more disturbing than watching your asthmatic cat endure a full-blown asthma attack. Low to the ground on her haunches, neck stretched and strained forward, she tries desperately to suck in oxygen. The gurgly, labored cough sounds like it might be her last. In fact, attacks such as these can be fatal, which is why it’s essential to understand the disease so you can give her the best care possible.

While a traditional western approach may be effective in controlling the symptoms of asthma, taking a holistic approach is more successful at addressing its root causes. Holistic medicine means taking into account every aspect of an animal, including behavior, psychology and environment. Taking a holistic approach often leads to complementary, Eastern-based modalities such as acupuncture and herbal medicines, which treat the cat’s overall state of health. The goal is to lessen the symptoms, naturally, and to wean the kitty off long-term steroid use, which can cause all sorts of secondary ailments.

By taking a ‘cause approach,’ as opposed to a ‘symptom approach,’ a holistic practitioner first eliminates the possibility of diseases or infections whose symptoms may mimic those of asthma or may exacerbate the condition. Before deciding on a course of treatment, it’s essential to rule out bacterial diseases, such as bartonella henselae, or parasites, such as heartworm and lungworm, which cause asthma-like symptoms.

How acupuncture treats feline asthma naturally

Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals, and it works the same way as it does for people. According to traditional Chinese medicine, diseases are caused by energy imbalances in the body, and acupuncture is a modality that normalizes these imbalances. As a result, acupuncture helps the body to heal itself. The wispy needles are precisely placed to stimulate nerves, increase circulation, relieve muscle spasms, and provoke the release of hormones, such as endorphins (which help the body deal with pain) and cortisol (which is a natural steroid).

Asthmatic kitties suffer from thickened and/or inflamed bronchi.  If left untreated, her lungs may be permanently damaged. “Acupuncture is effective in controlling bronchial spasms, modulating the immune system, and decreasing inflammation,” says Dr. Barbara Eisner, a holistic practitioner, licensed acupuncturist, and owner of Northside Veterinary Clinic in Brooklyn, New York. “Though I will use drugs, such as a corticosteroid or an inhaler, for immediate relief, we are aware we are just masking symptoms. Our goal is to affect a permanent change in the kitty’s health so she does not need to be on drugs. Long-term steroid in cats can be dangerous. It can cause diabetes and have a negative effect on their adrenal glands. Real health comes from a balanced immune system and a lack of inflammation in the body.”

When administered by a properly trained vet, acupuncture is virtually painless, and without side effects. Afterwards, most animals will become relaxed and sleepy – this is sign that positive physiological changes are happening.

The length and frequency of treatments depends on the condition of the patient. “Every cat and every environment is different, so every treatment protocol is different,” says Dr. Eisner. Depending on the severity of the asthma – and how much damage her lungs have sustained – the kitty may need several or several dozen treatments. Sessions are tapered off to determine how long she can go symptom-free. Treatments build on one another and the goal is to have the fewest sessions with maximum efficiency.

The importance of a healthy grain-free diet:

 “Food is major,” says Dr. Eisner. “Digestive issues make phlegm, and phlegm can create respiratory issues. Grains increase phlegm and inflammation in the body, so it’s important right away to switch an asthmatic cat to a grain-free diet. Also, cats are carnivores and they need meat. Highly processed foods contain grains and a host of additives that will make the asthma symptoms worse.”

Weight is also an issue. The heavier the kitty, the more trouble she will have dealing with her condition. A diet that is mostly meat, with some vegetables and grasses, will increase her overall health, support her immune system, and maintain a proper weight.

Supplements strengthen and balance immune system:

Steroids are very effective in providing immediate relief for asthma symptoms, however, long-term use of these drugs weaken the immune system. Strengthening the immune system is essential in controlling asthma. And the complexity of the immune system requires a multidimensional nutritional approach.

Whole food vitamin and herbal supplements assist the healing process without the adverse effects of drugs. Dr. Eisner recommends using a three-pronged Standard Process protocol. (Family-run Standard Process has been making whole food supplements from their Wisconsin farm since 1929.)

Their product range includes two feline-specific products:  Feline Whole Body Support, which is made from whole foods, organ and tissue extracts, and botanicals, and Feline Immune System Support, which provides nutritional and biochemical support for healthy immune cells and tissues. The third element in the protocol is not made specifically for cats, but it works the same as with humans. Pneumotrophin PMG, which is derived from bovine lung extract, provides uniquely derived nucleoprotein-mineral extracts that support cellular health and healthy lung function. “It actually helps repair lung tissue,” Dr. Eisner says. And this is important because asthma can cause serious damage to lung tissue, making it increasingly more difficult to treat. 

Addressing environmental causes of feline asthma in the home:

 “Most feline asthma has to do with a cat’s environment,” says Dr. Eisner. Here are some basic recommendations that can dramatically change the state of an asthmatic cat’s health and help to decrease inflammation and mucus production in her lungs.  

-        Remove the most common triggers:  There are many. Allergens such grass and tree pollens, cigarette smoke, dust, perfumes, scented candles, flea spray, and vapors from household cleaners and aerosols are known to provoke asthma attacks. Household mold is a big trigger, so check any attics, basements and bathrooms where mold grows most often.

-          Change the litter.  One of the most potent irritants to kitty lungs is dusty, scented litter. Clay litters are especially harmful. As well, any litter that is made with non-biodegradable materials will provoke inflammation, since the cat will directly breathe in artificial and plastic particles. One of the best natural and non-scented choices is the appropriately named World’s Best Cat Litter.

-        Improve the quality of air:  Vacuum frequently with a high quality filter bag, buy air filters to clean the air, and use a humidifier if the air is dry especially in the winter when the heat is on. Slightly moist, warm air is ideal for lung health.

-     Be careful when painting and cleaning:  Fumes from paints, cleaners, varnishes, and new carpeting contain chemical irritants that create problems for the asthmatic cat. When using paints, stains, cleaners, and solvents, make sure the space is well-ventilated, and that the cat has a place to go until smell goes away.

-          Quit the habit:  Cigarette smoke is extremely irritating for a little kitty – and so is the residual ash left behind in the fabric of furniture and carpeting. 

-     Go natural with the scents:  Instead of sprays or solids that contain chemicals, use natural scents such as flowers,fresh floral potpourri, or eucalyptus sprigs to leave a fresh scent to a room  

 Another important consideration – is kitty stressed out?

Stress makes both allergies and asthma worse. The most typical causes of stress are changes in her environment and an owner who is stressed, since cats are very perceptive to anxiety. If you are stressed, do your best to manage that stress, for yourself, and for the wellbeing of your cat. If there are transitions in the household – caused by moving, a new family member, construction, etc – take time to play with her, and make sure she has cozy, secluded spot where she can hide and relax.

In addition, exercise alleviates stress and strengthens the immune system. Like people, sedentary cats are more prone to having health problems. Simply batting around a ball or having her follow a feather tied to a string will provide ample mental and physical stimulation. Keep in mind that over-exertion may trigger an asthma attack, so make sure the exercise is gentle.

How to find the right veterinary acupuncturist:

Follow these guidelines offered by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS):

1. Your veterinary acupuncturist must be a licensed veterinarian.

2. Your veterinary acupuncturist should have formal training in the practice of acupuncture for animals. (For example, the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society offers a certification program for veterinary acupuncturists.)

3. In the USA, the American Veterinary Medical Association considers veterinary acupuncture a valid modality within the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery, but extensive educational programs should be undertaken before a veterinarian is considered competent to practice acupuncture. Ask your veterinarian about their training. The more your veterinarian knows about the traditional Chinese philosophies and Western scientific bases for acupuncture, the more sure you can be that your animals will be treated properly.

4. Go to the IVA web site (www.ivas.org) to do a search for a licensed and qualified practitioner near you.

Though you may have reached the end of your rope caring for your kitty’s chronic condition, there is a lot of light at the end of the tunnel. “Treating feline asthma can be frustrating,” Dr. Eisner says, “since there are just so many environmental factors. But acupuncture and herbal supplements are really effective. And as long as there is not significant amount of scar tissue in the bronchi, I’ve seen cases where the asthma is cured.”

What about the people who say it’s crazy to have a cat go for acupuncture? “There will always be skeptics,” answers Dr. Eisner. “Just remember, pioneers can be recognized by the arrows in their backs.”