My cat has lung inflammation. Why steroids, not antibiotics for URI?

Yes this is normal. Most urinary tract "infections" in non-geriatric cats are not caused by bacteria (antibiotics kill bacteria) but inflammation caused by stress. This is called Feline Idiopathic Cystitis. So Prednisone does two things: It takes the inflammation whch in turn takes the pain, and it is also a diuretic which helps flush the bladder. Male cats also seldom have a bacterial cystitis as the urethra is much longer than a female's urethra and therefore bacteria would have to travel much farther to get into the bladder.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Sweetie. I am glad that she will see her veterinarian for an examination. X-rays are typically of the chest as well. Based on these results, a diagnosis of asthma can be made in most cases. You are correct that inhalers can be used to manage this condition. A steroid inhaler such as fluticasone works well for daily use. This works very well with minimal systemic side effects. However, this medication tends to be very expensive. Albuterol is another medication that can be used in the inhaler. It is not a steroid. This is better for rescue situations such as during an attack. I hope this information helps!

I would try to pill Lio with the prednisone. When medications are ground up, it's hard to know if he actually ingested the entire dose, not to mention that prednisone can be pretty bitter. I also responded to your question about Lio's x-rays. Since your vet prescribed prednisone, my guess is that they're most concerned about asthma or other inflammatory issues within the lungs. Albuterol is a bronchodilator, which is used to dilate the airways, making it easier to breathe if constriction of the airways is present. I would assume that your vet prescribed this for your other cat's coughing spells (that's typically how I prescribe it), but definitely confirm with your vet in case they have another use in mind.

Steroids given at appropriate anti-inflammatory dosages do not give permanent and irreversible side effects (no diabetes anyway), so they can be safely given. The appropriate treatment for URI would depend on the underlying cause.

I'm very sorry your kitty is sick. Respiratory infections are very common in kitties and almost all are caused by a virus, not a bacterial infection. Therefore, we do not recommend antibiotics if we are dealing with an upper respiratory infection. There are several things you can do at home though. To help with nasal and sinus congestion symptoms, I recommend using the shower to fill your bathroom with as much warm steamed air as possible and then place your kitty in the room for 10-15 minutes at a time. You can do this several times a day, the goal is to help humidify the air and allow your kitty's nasal passages to drain and clear some. You can also purchase over-the-counter treats or a gel formula containing the amino acid supplement L-lysine made for cats. These can sometimes help clear a viral infection. Follow the label instructions to know how much and how often to give to your kitty. If your kitty stops eating or drinking, you will need to have it examined by your veterinarian to avoid complications such as dehydration.

Unfortunately steroids is the only available treatment but in most cases low dose steroids are effective enough (as low as 1 mg per day) to control the condition and at this dosage it is not a health issue.

It may take 7-10 days for the condition to resolve. As long as he is still eating, breathing normal, and has normal energy then continue the medications as directed and monitor his condition. If he has a viral infection then it will need to just run it's course as the antibiotics will only treat a bacterial infection. If he stops eating, becomes lethargic, or has any breathing issues then he should be rechecked by a vet.