Cats get asthma just like humans. Older cats are particularly susceptible to it. Some symptoms are similar to what humans experience–mainly coughing and wheezing, occasionally augmented by episodes of rapid breathing. Others, such as a hunched posture with neck extended, are unique to cats.

Cats that are diagnosed with asthma may be prescribed an inhaler. Cat inhalers differ from those used by humans in that they contain a mask that’s placed over the entire face to ensure enough inhalant gets into their lungs.

Operating an inhaler while simultaneously gaining a cat’s cooperation takes a good knowledge of its behavior, plus a bit of ingenuity at times. Some cats are quite docile. For them, giving a ten-second burst of inhalant is a breeze. For others, getting the mask over their face can feel like a life-or-death struggle.

We recently visited an asthmatic tripod cat (Captain Jack Sparrow) down near the Staten Island Ferry, who is no fan of inhalers.

However, the owner figured out a way to gain Captain Jack’s cooperation. She places a small amount of Churu lickable treat on the inside of the inhaler and offers it to Jack. He begins scarfing away (Churu is like an addictive drug for most cats), and once he’s fully immersed, slurping down the Churu, the inhaler is deftly placed over his mouth and the medicine is given.

Here’s a video showing this administration technique.