Breathing problems in my cat

Question
Hi,

I adopted a cat from the SPCA in 2002. They said she had some breathing problems. lately it's been worse.. I've been to the vet and they she has a growth or something, but it isn't deadly or anything... It's just really painful to watch her. Sometimes she breathes fine (but her breathing's always off when you watch the movements) but other times you can hear this wheezing sound when she breathes in. You can literally hear her throat wheezing. I try and take care of her by giving her massages sometimes, even tried doing energy healing to help ease the breathing problem, lol. Is there anything I can do?? Thanks so much.

p.s. she tends to breath and make those noises when shes stressed,,, i think she was abused in the past,so she's really sensitive to energy and stuff like that.

Answer
This could be so many different things that I can't give you a definite answer.  I can only suggest possibilities for you to explore.  I assume the vet has explored all the medical possibilities and there is no infection or reason to remove the growth.

Keep a diary, noting the times when she displays this troublesome breathing and relating the breathing to what's going on in the environment.

She might be sensitive to changes in the weather.  Is the air especially dry or humid?  If dry, you might consider a humidifier.  Maybe she is responding to changes in the weather, even changes that are about to come?

She might be sensitive to pollutants, such as chemicals in your cleaning products or in her kitty litter.  Do you use products like scented candles, room spray, or other air freshener?  

Maybe she is allergic to something in her food.  Feed her the best food you can afford.  If you feed her meat, be sure to add a multi-vitamin.

Is she a house cat or does she go outdoors?  If she goes outside, maybe she is picking up something there, such as seeds or fertilizer or weed killer.

Do you use something to kill fleas or ticks?  Maybe that is adding to the problem.  If winter is approaching where you live, the cold weather might be enough to reduce the fleas.  I wouldn't use any flea powder which she could inhale.  If you have an infant in your home, be sure to powder the baby when you cat is not around.

Before adding anything to help her, I would look to eliminating possible causes.  At this time, anything you add might just make the problem worse.

I hope you find something to help her.  I know how hard it is when our pets seem to suffer and we don't know how to help.  

Cordially,

Susan