My cat's breathing is crackly after kittens. Can I help her at home?

Open mouth breathing is a sign of respiratory distress in cats, and is a medical emergency. Kenway needs to see a vet now. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ Have your friend check out these resources, and have him take the kitten into a vet now.

It could be that Serenity has a respiratory infection, but what really concerns me is that she is having a hard time breathing. That could easily lead to respiratory distress and potentially death. Because of this, I think she needs to see a vet now to be safe. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck.

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!

Seek out a veterinarian who does acupuncture. Many cats actually tolerate it very well and it can be extremely helpful for chronic upper respiratory issues such as snoring. If she has a bacterial upper respiratory infection, antibiotics may be needed, but it sounds like she probably has some underlying respiratory issues as well. That's where I think the acupuncture could benefit. Also, keep a humidifier going in your home; increased moisture in the air may help as well. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It sounds like Winchester may have an upper respiratory infection. Upper respiratory infections are common in kittens and can be caused by viruses and bacteria. It's also possible that he could have an inflammatory issue like allergies or asthma. It would be a good idea to have Winchester examined by your veterinarian as he may need antibiotics or other medication to treat. Until you can see your veterinarian you can try to put Winchester in a steamy bathroom to help open his airways. But I'd suggest seeing a veterinarian sooner rather than later as these issues can progress quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi there and what a sweet kitten you have. If Freya is eating, drinking, and very playful as you describe this might be a problem that can wait until her first check up. Please look closely at her eyes and nose to see if she has any discharge from them. Sometimes kitten can have upper respiratory viruses that can make their breathing more audible. If she seems do be doing well otherwise, I would monitor for now. If she stops eating, seems lethargic, or you have any further major concern please take her to your veterinarian. Freya's first kitten check up should be at 8 weeks, so I would recommend to schedule a general health check up for her soon. She will get her first vaccine and you can mention this problem to the doctor at that time as well.

Thank you for using PetCoach. Unfortunately there’s not much that you can do at home to help saint. It sounds like she has a very significant infection. In some cases respiratory illness in kittens can be fatal. I recommend contacting your local Humane Society’s to see if there is any financial assistance available for pet owners. This list may help. https://www.gofundme.com/c/blog/help-with-vet-bills Best of luck. I hope Saint recovers soon.