3-week-old sick kitten: Humidifier vs. cuddles? Is sore bum normal?

Hello. If you can go one step further than the humidifier & use actual steam, that would be better. You can also perform a procedure called coupage where you gently thump the chest with your open hand to try to break up the congestion. I would also talk with your veterinarian about adding another antibiotic to the regimen, especially since doxycycline is generally avoided in kittens. Clavamox or cephalosporins are better first choices. Keep the kitten warm. Ambient temperature should be 85-95 F. Administer glucose orally by rubbing on to the gums. You can use Karo syrup or Nutrical 2-3 times daily. Your kitten may be a little dehydrated. If she is not eating well, talk to your vet about sending home some fluids that you can administer under the skin. This should help with the bowel movements, too. Stay with it & hopefully your kitten will pull through. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

You can use a humidifier or have Ariel in the bathroom when you take a hot shower. That will help clear her up a little. Also using a warm wet cloth to wipe the discharge from her nose may improve the nasal air flow. I like to add some tuna juice to the food for increased odor if she isn't eating normally as cats often don't eat well when conjested. Be patient she will improve daily. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.

Aw poor Socks! It's pretty common to have a rescue kitten develop upper respiratory infections. I'm glad to hear he's acting normally otherwise. You can try to run a hot shower and steam up the bathroom while Socks is in the room. Sometimes this will help break up congestion. Make sure he continues to eat and drink normally. Warming some canned food up will often encourage a cat to eat more as they will eat more if they can smell the food. If Socks continues to be congested or at any point he stops eating, develops an eye issue, or becomes lethargic he should be examined by a veterinarian. It's best not to wait too long as kittens can develop pneumonia or labored breathing if the respiratory infection progresses. If necessary antibiotics can be prescribed or a supplement like lysine can be used. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Wishing Socks a speedy recovery!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Nomi. It sounds like she could have a respiratory infection. You should have her seen by a vet for this, and I can give you some things you can go at home for her. Please know that what I'm giving you at home cannot replace a vet visit. First, you can try starting her on an L-lysine supplement - this is an amino acid that has been shown to help the immune system fight off respiratory infections more effectively. Enisyl and Viralys are both good brands, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription - just follow the dosing instructions on the label based on your cat's weight. If she's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing her into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections. I hope this helps!

Poor Lucy. It is always sad when our babies are sick and not feeling well. I have attached a handout below that discusses upper respiratory infections in kittens. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=613 These infections can be viral or bacterial. Sometimes an infection will start as a viral infection then develop a secondary bacterial infection. Cats normally are warmer than humans and have a normal body temperature of 100-102.5 degrees. If Lucy has a fever of over 103, I would recommend having her evaluated by a veterinarian if you have not already. If her infection is viral, she may just need some time and supportive care to make her feel better. I like taking kittens into a humid bathroom for 5-10 minutes (after you have showered) to help loosen their congestion. And make sure she keeps eating. Cats need to be able to smell their food, so you may need to feed her some smelly canned food to keep her eating. If Lucy develops yellow or green nasal discharge, is very lethargic or will not eat, I would recommend having her evaluated by your veterinarian. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Lucy feels better soon. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Saline nose drops can actually be helpful along with humidified air to clear the nose. This kitten probably has an upper respiratory infection and may need antibiotics for the eye and nasal discharge. The kitten might also be dehydrated and could have other problems like intestinal parasites. Since young kittens can become hypoglycemic very quickly when they are not eating I would recommend seeing a veterinarian as soon as possible to help get this kitten on track. They can give you an estimated age and discuss how to properly bottle feed and can also treat dehydration and upper respiratory infections. Good luck!

It sounds like she has an upper respiratory infection causing the congestion. Since she is breathing heavy and is so young, it would be a good idea to have a vet examine her to determine if treatment is needed. She may need an antibiotic to help treat. The diarrhea could be caused by a parasite and your vet could test a stool sample to determine the cause. There isn't really much you can do at home besides supportive care with food, water, and keeping her warm. You could also put a humidifier in a room with her or place her in the bathroom while you shower so the steam can help clear her nasal passages.