Can won't use Aerokat

Poster Age: 25

Country: United States

Vet info: Has seen the vet multiple times for X-rays and monitoring condition

Main Issue: Cat won't use AeroKat after trying everything I can think of; he is not food motivated at all

Cat Age: 2

Cat Sex + neuter info: Neutered Male

Financial situation: Willing to spend any amount to get this done

I adopted a cat 4 months ago that I was unaware had asthma. Sadly, he's never had his condition managed properly, so the inflammation is pretty severe.

I'm really not sure how to help him. He currently takes a liquid steroid daily and has done so for 3 months, but his heart is now enlarged from that, so he needs to transition to an inhaled steroid as soon as possible.

I practiced with him for 2 months daily on the AeroKat without medication. I tried to get him to voluntarily use it like the videos show. It didn't work, but he'd let me hold it on his face long enough that it might be passable to get a decent portion of the medication. He was a little annoyed by this, but not scared. He acts the same when I give him his liquid medication.

He does not like Churu or any lickable treat. He likes Temptations, but not enough to be motivated to do anything for it. He doesn't like any human food like chicken, tuna, cream cheese, ice cream, etc. I've spent so much money trying different treats and he's just not food motivated. I've also tried different toys/playing/petting and nothing gets him excited enough to want to take the medication.

I leave the AeroKat out at all times for him to sniff and get used to. I also put treats around it.

About a month ago I started him on the inhaled medication every other day with the AeroKat and he HATES it. It's like we never practiced at all. I try to be as calm and confident as possible, but he runs and fights for his life as soon as he smells the medication approaching his face. He won't let me wrap him in a towel or let me put him on my lap. I'm hesitant to be too forceful and make him even more afraid.

I'm considering seeing a cat behaviorist for help, but it takes so long to get an appointment and he really needs to start taking his medication as soon as possible. I'm desperate for new ideas.

He's a very friendly cat and never bites, hisses, or scratches, even when I attempt to give him the medication, so I don't understand why I can't get this done.