A KNUTSFORD vet has found the purr-fect solution to treat a cat’s asthma.

Ian Hopkins of Holly House Veterinary Surgery, in Mobberley Road, has adapted a baby inhaler to help 12-year-old Matilda, who is suffering with the breathing condition.

Matilda, who was diagnosed with the condition earlier in the year, even has her own prescription at her local pharmacy in Rudheath, Northwich.

Ian attached to a plastic chamber to the inhaler that fits over Matilda's nose and mouth.

He said: “Matilda was noted to first cough three years ago. The cough became more noticeable in the last 12 months requiring intermittent treatment.

“Steroids are often used but these affect the whole body, can lead to weight gain and can predispose to diabetes, poor wound healing and reduced immunity to infectious diseases.

“The inhaler is ideal for Matilda as she can breathe in the steroid drug formulation and it can act on the lung tissue stopping the asthma reaction, yet it does not enter the bloodstream and affect the rest of the body, minimising side effects.”

Matilda’s owner, Kathryn Hoskins said she has noticed a ‘big difference’ in her pet in the short time since she started her on the inhaler.

The 54-year-old inherited Matilda when she wandered into their home as a stray at six months old.

But three years ago, she started having coughing fits and after a number of tests, she was diagnosed with asthma.

“Matilda would get more and more distressed with every coughing fit and so we took her to the Holly House Veterinary Surgery,” said Kathryn.

“She had lots of tests including biopsies and had a camera down into her lungs.

“That was when I found out she had asthma.”

Kathryn was told that Matilda’s respiratory condition could be treated with medication but was warned it could have nasty side effects.

The other option was to prescribe an inhaler that connects to a small breathing chamber often used on babies.

“I was quite taken aback when I found out Matilda has asthma to be honest,” admitted Kathryn.

“I did wonder how we were going to give her an inhaler, but it’s exactly the same method as if you were giving an inhaler to a baby - through a chamber which goes over the nose and mouth.”

“We even go to the local chemist to pick it up, it’s quite funny to think our cat has her own human prescription at the pharmacy.”

For more information about Holly House Veterinary Centre, visit knutsfordvets.com