My Kitty Needs A Tissue

My 19-year-old cat has been sneezing lately, and I thought nothing of it. Then one night this week, he sneezed several times and, for the first time in my life, I saw kitty snot.That is as unpleasant as it sounds.

I grabbed a tissue and Google, and found out he has a cat cold or upper respiratory infection. Who knew they could even get those?

Wikihow offered great information, namely, call the vet. I did that. I also spoke with a friend at a local animal shelter. Here's a few nuggets for you cat owners who may get more than a dainty "achoo" the next time your feline friend has to clear his or her nasal passages.

Upper respiratory infections in cats are contagious. In fact, shelters are diligent about watching for it in the cats they take in because it can spread so quickly.

The majority of vets will give the cat an antibiotic called Clavamox. Dosing depends on the animal's weight.

miserable as you and I are when we have a cold. However, cats can't take Benadryl because it will make them salivate for hours. That sounds almost as awful as the snot. Thankfully, there is a medication the vet can give them that helps with the congestion. It is in pill form which can be a challenge with a cat. My vet gave me a syringe like the one in the picture that did help in getting my cat to swallow the medicine.

It's really pitiful to see my poor kitty trying to breathe! They don't know to mouth-breathe like we do when their little noses are clogged. This also presents a challenge for eating and drinking, so make sure your cat doesn't get dehydrated.

My vet told me that the antibiotic should help in about a week. If the symptoms don't clear up by then, it could be that there is a problem with my kitty's heart and he needs more medical attention.

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Filed Under: Cats, Pets

Categories: Charity/Public Service, Nature & Animals

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My Kitty Needs A Tissue– Cat Colds