My older cat - think she's around 12 years- has been getting worst with
breathing problem the last week.
She constantly has a gasping sound plus tries to cough and not as active
as she was.

Thinking it might be severe hairballs- she's a long hair- as we change
their food from Science Diet with hairball control to Innova but just a
vet and they said it doesn't sound like hairball problems.

Her appointment is for this Wednesday just for a general check up
because I am on a fixed income and can't come up with the money for more
detailed tests up front. I've noticed she doesn't lay on her back that
much as this is one of the questions nurse ask me.  

My male cat is doing fine though no problems.
Both cats are strictly indoors and haven't been around other cats the
ten years we have had them.

Can anyone give me an idea just what may be happening with my beloved
female as I know vets will order every test in the books for money which
sadly I don't have.
She's still eating normaly.

TIA-email welcome