I hope your able to settle in for the night. Snuggle up.. she sounds good... I can relate to 'following' them around watching every movement... LOL...
Asmtha is found more frequently than you would think, especially in Maine Coons... wheezing, etc, just like humans... Unfortunately my kitty passed away in Dec 08, due to complications of the asthma, he was 9 yrs old, I got he and his brother when they were six weeks old... hi brother died of cancer in 06, very sad, I thought we were dealing with a lame cat because he was limping, but he had a tumor in his hind leg.. both cases were heartbreaking, but with both I had the help of a very good vet, we were able to recognize the proper time to euthanize before any suffering... I believe it was something I did 'for' them, not 'to' them..
I just put up a pic of Cashmere, in my avatar, that's the one I lost in Dec. I don't have pic on-line of his brother Pierre yet...
Sorry... prolly not the most up-lifting story for you tonight... but heaven is a little brighter with them there.
If you are up tonight and need a chuckle, go to the website {icanhascheezburger} hilarious pics of kitties with captions...

I totally agree with you on animals being miracles. Funnily enough, I used to have a fear of dogs until I met Zach 7 months ago. It was love at first sight and he has taught me so much already even though he's still just a puppy himself. I feel so much more compassion for animals now than I did before I met Zach. He has opened my heart up so much. 
I have a Siamese kitty who's a year and a half old and she STILL acts like she does at your kittens age. So I'm constantly out watching for trouble. I hope you kitty makes a speedy 100% recovery. Keep us updated!