
Most cats with upper respiratory infections can be treated at home. If they are congested, providing humidification through steam treatment two to three times per day will help loosen secretions. You can easily provide steam treatment by shutting your cat in the bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes and turning the shower on hot so that it produces a lot of steam.
- Give it a comfortable, private place to rest.
- Encourage it to eat. ...
- Gently clean any discharge from its eyes and nose.
- If breathing is a problem, your vet may suggest putting your cat in a bathroom with a steamy shower running.
What are signs of upper respiratory infection in cats?
Well, there are several natural cat cold remedies that you can deploy. The remedies will be symptom-specific (i.e., to address the specific manifesting symptoms in the cat). The best remedies are. Use a saline solution to wipe the cat’s eyes and nose: This remedy is used to address the watery eyes in cats.
What are the symptoms of Uri in cats?
Mar 26, 2021 · Most cats with upper respiratory infections can be treated at home. If they are congested, providing humidification through steam treatment two to three times per day will help loosen secretions. You can easily provide steam treatment by shutting your cat in the bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes and turning the shower on hot so that it produces a lot of steam.
How to stop chronic nasal discharge in cats?
While your cat recovers, you can take steps at home to help it feel better: Give it a comfortable, private place to rest. Encourage it to eat. A cat with an upper respiratory infection loses some...
How to treat nasal congestion in cats?
Can you treat feline upper respiratory infection in cats at home? While it is always recommended that you consult your vet, there are a few things you can do to aid in your feline companion’s relief. Apple cider vinegar for upper respiratory infection in cats; Humidifier; Stinky foods; Home Remedies for URIs in Cats

Will a cats upper respiratory infection go away on its own?
What can I give my cat for upper respiratory infection in cats?
What medicine can I give my cat for upper respiratory?
How can I help my cat with breathing problems at home?
What home remedy can I give my cat for sneezing?
How do you decongest a cat?
How do I give my cat apple cider vinegar?
Combine 1/4 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar with 1 teaspoon of chicken broth or tuna water and mix it into your cat's wet food.
Can I give my cat Benadryl for upper respiratory infection?
How do you steam a cat?
What is the best antibiotic for feline upper respiratory infection?
Why is my cat making weird breathing noises?
What is a cat's upper respiratory infection?
What is a Cat (Feline) Upper Respiratory Infection? Well, without much ado, upper respiratory infection in cats is an infection of the cat’s respiratory system and is the feline version of the human colds. As such, the symptoms of the diseases in human beings are similar to those in the cats. Viruses or bacteria usually cause the infection.
How long does it take for a cat to heal from a respiratory infection?
Well, for those wondering how long upper respiratory infection last in cats, the answer is simple: In general, it takes 2 to 3 weeks for the cat to get healed of the respiratory disease.
Is a dog's scaby a viral infection?
Yes, it is highly contagious! It is generally a bacterial/viral infection, and that means there is a need to isolate affected pets from the rest. It should be noted that the contagions can move across species i.e from cats to dogs.
How to get rid of a cat's stuffy nose?
This is, therefore, one of the most effective cat stuffy nose home remedies. Encourage the cats to eat: While cats tend to lose their appetite while suffering from upper respiratory, it is advised that you encourage eating even if it is small quantities of food.
How long does it take for a URI to kill a kitten?
Does URI lead to death in cats? Is it deadly to kittens? Well, the URI is generally NOT fatal to cats. In most cases, it resolves itself within 20 days. Fatality may only occur if other complications/infections arise.
What to do if my cat is not responding to antibiotics?
The most prudent step to take is to take it back to the veterinarian. They should be able to advise further on what to do next.
Can you use eye ointment on cats?
On rare occasions when home remedies don’t work, or are not as efficient as expected veterinarians may recommend over the counter medicines. Some of the most recommended medicines for kitten upper respiratory infections include eye ointments. In general, using human eye drugs on cats has serious side effects .
How to diagnose upper respiratory infection in cats?
Diagnosing Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats. Most of the time, cat upper respiratory infections are diagnosed by physical exam and history from the owner. Usually, the individual bacteria or virus is not identified unless the cat is not responding to treatment. Your vet will conduct a complete physical exam and gather an oral history from you.
How to help a cat with nasal discharge?
If your cat is experiencing nasal or eye discharge, gently clean it up using a warm, moist hand towel. When cats have upper respiratory infections, they may not have much of an appetite. Providing your cat with extra delicious canned food during this time is a good way to care for your cat. Canned food can be warmed up to increase ...
What is a URI in cats?
Upper respiratory infections, otherwise known as URI, are a very common occurrence in domestic cats.
Why do cats sneeze?
Cats develop upper respiratory infections from exposure to viruses and bacteria that cause sneezing, eye discharge and a whole host of other symptoms. These upper respiratory infections are very contagious since cats can be infected with both viruses and bacteria at the same time. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Can cats get URI?
These upper respiratory infections are very contagious since cats can be infected with both viruses and bacteria at the same time. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. The most common type of URI in cats include Feline Herpesvirus Type-1 (also called feline viral rhinotracheitis, or FVR) as well as Feline Calicivirus, ...
What is the most common URI in cats?
Symptoms can range from mild to severe. The most common type of URI in cats include Feline Herpesvirus Type-1 (also called feline viral rhinotracheitis, or FVR) as well as Feline Calicivirus, according to Pet Health Network. Bordetella bronchiseptica and Chlamydophila felis are the most common bacterial causes.
How do cats get infected?
How Do These Infections Spread? Typically, an infected cat will sneeze and spread the virus and/or bacteria in secretions from the nose, eyes or saliva. The infection can be spread from cat to cat, or by exposure to fomites, which is a technical term for any object that can carry virus or bacteria.
What is a feline upper respiratory infection?
What Is Feline Upper Respiratory Infection? Feline upper respiratory infection is a common illness in cats. It’s similar to a cold, but it can be much more serious. It’s caused by different viruses or bacteria, and it targets the upper airway -- the nose, throat, and sinuses -- rather than the lungs.
What to do if your cat has a viral infection?
Cats often get a bacterial infection on top of a viral infection, so yours may need antibiotics. Give it a comfortable, private place to rest. Encourage it to eat. A cat with an upper respiratory infection loses some sense of smell, so you may need to tempt your cat with an extra-smelly treat, like fish.
How do cats get fungal infections?
Fungus. Cats can pick up fungal infections by being exposed to bird droppings and decaying plants. Viruses are found in the saliva, tears, and nasal secretions of infected cats. They’re easily spread through direct contact, like touching and grooming, or when cats cough and sneeze on each other.
Can cats get pneumonia?
If left untreated, some upp er respiratory infections can turn into pneumonia or have other serious complications, like blindness or chronic breathing problems. Feline Upper Respiratory Infection Prevention. Keep your cat indoors to lower the risk of exposure to infected animals.
What is the most common bacterial infection in dogs?
Runny eyes are a typical sign of this bacterial infection. Bordetella. This bacterial infection is usually associated with stress and overcrowded living conditions. It’s more common in dogs. Fungus.
Why does my cat have a runny nose?
Since your cat may be spending more time sleeping than pursuing their usual prolonged bathing routine , a runny nose can often mean messy paws and a messy bed.
How to tell if a cat has a URI?
One of the first signs your kitty is suffering from a URI is watery eyes. As a result, discharge usually collects in the corners of their eyes causing mild discomfort.
Why do cats lose appetite?
But, when it comes to URIs, cats tend to lose their appetite because of the decreased ability to smell their food before consumption. This is a natural instincts all cats have.
How to make cat food smell better?
Warming your cat’s food in the microwave for 3-5 seconds can help make the odor stronger as well. Be certain you don’t let the food get too warm. Test the food by touching the center of it and make sure it’s only lukewarm. Just a slight temperature adjustment can help improve it’s palatability.
How long does it take for a cat to drink water?
Cats need to drink a few ounces a day and if they are refusing for longer than 24 hours, they need to have become hydrated via sub-cu fluids.
How to keep a cat calm?
Close the door and think of some things you can do to keep your cat occupied – treats, toys and even grooming them can help keep them relaxed and calm. This is also an excellent opportunity to clean their eyes and do a quick check for other symptoms. Do this several times per day for at least five minutes at a time.
Is it easier to be a pet parent?
Being a pet parent would be so much easier if they could tell us exactly what’s wrong, where it hurts and what we can do to make it better. (We could also finally figure out what the heck they’re up to when we’re not home.)
What is the best way to help a cat's immune system?
Holistic blends of vitamins and herbs offer great support to the immune system trying to rid itself of the virus. Since your cat may be fending off two separate invaders, supporting a healthy immune system is vital.
How to treat a viral infection?
Vitamin C. This is always a good supplement to fight viral infections, and it also is a good antioxidant. Give 250 mg. daily and reduce if stools become too soft. Continue Vitamin C supplementation until symptoms have been absent for at least several weeks.
How to treat cat respiratory disease?
If the vet diagnoses your cat with the condition, they will prescribe some antibiotic eye drops or ointment to give your cat.
Can you take a cat's temperature rectally?
Feline URI, whether bacterial or viral, often causes a fever. You can take your cat’s temperature rectally or via the ear —whichever your cat is most comfortable with. Keep in mind that digital ear thermometers are difficult to position within the ear and may not provide accurate temperature readings.
How to tell if a cat has a URI?
1. Look at your cat’s eyes and nose. Discharge from the eyes and nose is one of the most common signs of feline URI. The discharge may look clear in the early stages of disease, then become yellow and pus-like as the disease progresses. Your cat’s eyelids may also become red and inflamed.
What does it mean when a cat sneezes?
Sneezing is another common sign of feline URI. Sometimes, excitement or physical activity can trigger sneezing. You may see the nasal discharge when your cat sneezes. ...
What is the normal temperature for a cat?
Usually, the body temperature then drops to between normal (100.4 to 102.5 degrees F/37.8 to 39.2 degrees C) and 103 degrees F (39.4 degrees C). If you do not feel comfortable taking your cat’s temperature, your vet will do so. ...
How to treat a cat's eye?
Treat your cat’s eyes. Your vet will prescribe either eye drops or eye ointment. If the discharge coming from your cat's eyes suggests a bacterial infection, your vet will prescribe an antibiotic-containing eye medication. If your cat’s eyes have corneal ulcers, then medicated eye drops would be needed.
How to treat corneal ulcers in cats?
If your cat’s eyes have corneal ulcers, then medicated eye drops would be needed. Apply the eye medication exactly as prescribed. Since discharge can be irritating, regularly wipe the discharge away from your cat’s eyes with a clean, moist tissue. Remove nasal discharge as well.
How to tell if a cat has a URI?
The first symptom of a URI is usually red, watery eyes. The eyelids themselves will look sore and the cat may squint one or both eyes. Some cat owners might think the cat got something in her eye or scratched her it.
What to do if cat's eyes are red?
Home Treatments May be Recommended. If your cat’s eyes are red, inflamed and obviously bothering him, your veterinarian may recommend an eyewash, ointment or drops to help. If the discharge from the eyes is clear, a saline wash can flush the eyes and the discharge can then be gently cleaned from the fur around the eyes.
Is a cold a URI?
Both human head colds and feline URIs can be caused by a number of different things (various bacteria or viruses) and the symptoms and severity vary. The term ‘cold’ for people is a catchall term applies to just about any illness that makes us sneeze and feel miserable. There is no cure for it, although we might be able to lessen the symptoms. Usually, a cold is not life-threatening, but sometimes a cold can lead to a more dangerous secondary infection. We generally have to ride it out and when it’s done, it’s done. A feline URI is similar, although it’s caused by different agents (feline specific) than the human cold is.
Can you use saline wash on your eyes?
If the discharge from the eyes is clear, a saline wash can flush the eyes and the discharge can then be gently cleaned from the fur around the eyes. Sometimes the saline will sting, and in that case, a prescription eye ointment will be prescribed.
Can antibiotics cure viral infections?
Although antibiotics don’t cure viral diseases, they can prevent secondary infections. Which antibiotics will be prescribed depending on several factors, including what form of URI is going through the community where you live. After all, your cat didn’t come down with it from nowhere; if your cat has it, so do others.
Can cats take cold medicine?
Don’t give your cat any medications, especially cold medications, without checking with your veterinarian first. Cats are sensitive to many medications that people and dogs can both tolerate, sometimes to the point of liver or kidney failure and death. ©istockphoto/Iuliia_photographer.
Can you give a cat a medicine?
Giving Medications. Cat owners know giving medications to cats isn’t easy. However, if you can wrap your cat in a towel (creating a kitty burrito) you can give medications without being shredded or bitten. Spread out a towel (hand towel for a kitten and full size for an adult.
What are the causes of respiratory disease in cats?
The two most often implicated are feline herpes 1 , also known as rhinotracheitis, and calcivirus. Other causes can be an infection with bordetella, mycoplasma, reovirus, chlamydia or pasteurella.
How to get a cat to not smell?
If your cat is so congested that it can’t smell chances are good that she won’t want to eat. This can lead to a life threatening condition called hepatic lipidosis. Put your cat in a small, enclosed space like a bathroom, and turn on the vaporizer .
Can cats take probiotics?
The healthier their gut, the stronger their immune system! Cats can benefit from a daily dose of probiotics mixed into their food, not just when they’re sick. The best probiotics are the ones with the highest numbers of strains of bacteria.
Can cats eat Gerber baby food?
Keep some Gerber baby food meat on hand in case your cat loses interest in her cat food. More often than not they will eat the baby food, and I like to use it to mix in meds or supplements, too. You can also try using raw, grass-fed goat’s milk with a syringe to get some nourishment down until her appetite returns.