Totally OT Cat question

One of our cats gets colds every so often. The other one never does! She is pitiful for a few days, she sneezes, and her eyes run, but then she's okay in a week or less. I don't think there is really much you can do for them other than what you are doing!

Is he and indoor or outdoor cat? He could have an allergy to something in the air. I would say if he is eating and drinking like normal then he is okay. If you notice that he is drinking more than normal you might want to have him looked at. Just keep an eye on him. I'm sure he'll be fine.


Memaw

You're poor kitty probably has an upper respiratory infection which is fairly common in cats. From what I've read it can be pretty contagious in multiple pet households so I wouldn't be surprised if your other kitty catches it as well. There's not really all that much you can do for him though since the infection is pretty similar to a human upper respiratory infection. You could try vitamin C though. They make varsities of it for pets. Just make sure not to give him any Tylenol or Ibuprofen anything like that.

According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, "One Tylenol or ibuprofen tablet can kill a cat," says Dr. Dullard. "Tylenol causes a condition in which the cat's blood cannot carry oxygen, while ibuprofen can cause severe gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage and seizures and tremors." http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/news/safety.htm

I'm sure with a little love from his mommy and a few days with a little rest he'll be feeling much better. The vet trip probably won't be necessary unless you start seeing some yellow or green mucus. So just keep an eye out for that. I've also heard that if he is congested you can use pediatric nasal saline drops to help clear the mucus from the nose, but I'm not too sure about that one.

Hope this helps and hope he feels better really soon! :flowerforyou:

My kitty gets colds 2 or 3 times a year. Don't forget that we can bring allergins in on our clothing and such also... My cat usually is well within a few days... just be patient. I know my cat is really sick and needs to go to the vet if he ever potties somewhere other than the litter box... weird huh?

hi there ~ i am the VP of a cat rescue group called new beginnings cat rescue out of dallas. our website is www.nbcrtx.org

we run into upper respritory infections a lot. when a cat is stressed his immune system weakens. our cats come from a local shelter (we rescue them from death row) and are placed into foster care. the foster parents bring the cats to petsmart on saturdays and sundays and bring them back home if they are not adopted. the travel alone can bring stres, being around other cats, being scared etc. we treat their symptoms - runny eyes, sneezing - with an antibiotic called 'clavamox'. it comes in either liquid or pill form. petsmart sells a product called 'pill pockets' which are a soft, treat like thing you squish the pill into. some cats will eat them, some will not. i prefer the liquid version myself. after it is mixed, it is good for 7-10 days and usually works wonders. it needs to be refridgerated.

since i am around URI often and know how awful it is when it spreads, i would suggest getting the medication from your vet - with out having to take the cat in the car which would cause stress and make it worse. since it just started, maybe wait until after the weekend to see if he gets better.

some cats have allergies too. have you changed anything in your house - detergent, air freshener, candles, cleaning products, litter, etc.?

hope this helps!

hi there ~ i am the VP of a cat rescue group called new beginnings cat rescue out of dallas. our website is www.nbcrtx.org

we run into upper respritory infections a lot. when a cat is stressed his immune system weakens. our cats come from a local shelter (we rescue them from death row) and are placed into foster care. the foster parents bring the cats to petsmart on saturdays and sundays and bring them back home if they are not adopted. the travel alone can bring stres, being around other cats, being scared etc. we treat their symptoms - runny eyes, sneezing - with an antibiotic called 'clavamox'. it comes in either liquid or pill form. petsmart sells a product called 'pill pockets' which are a soft, treat like thing you squish the pill into. some cats will eat them, some will not. i prefer the liquid version myself. after it is mixed, it is good for 7-10 days and usually works wonders. it needs to be refridgerated.

since i am around URI often and know how awful it is when it spreads, i would suggest getting the medication from your vet - with out having to take the cat in the car which would cause stress and make it worse. since it just started, maybe wait until after the weekend to see if he gets better.

some cats have allergies too. have you changed anything in your house - detergent, air freshener, candles, cleaning products, litter, etc.?

hope this helps!

Hi, nope, I havn't changed anything that I can think of. We did switch their litter but that happened back in mid December and he has only begun sneezing a few days ago. He actually seems much better today. I have only heard him sneeze twice. And like I said before he is eating, drinking and playing well. I think he is on the mend, but if he is still sneezing at all by Monday I will have to give the vet a call. He will mail medications to patients (many in this area live in isolated areas, it can be quite the trip for meds) if fwe need him to. Thank you for your post, good to hear from somebody with professional experience in that area!

anytime! :flowerforyou: sounds like he is on the mend ~ just keep an eye on him and he should be ok, if not you know what to do. you are obviously a great kitty mom!

fyi - one of my cats goes into sneeze fits and sneezes like 20 times in a row. but its random so i dont think much of it. different than what your cat is doing - just wanted to point out they all have their moments!