My cat has a severe respiratory infection and is getting sicker. What to do?

Poor Junior! This sounds very concerning. Vomiting 6 times overnight suggests that something is seriously wrong, so I would recommend taking him in to the vet today for an exam - especially since his breathing is shallow and he's acting sick and lethargic. Your veterinarian can do blood work and x-rays if needed to help diagnose the problem and get him started on appropriate treatment depending on what is found.

Respiratory infections in cats are commonly viral, which means that they have to run their course. Antibiotics can help prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections, but they do not do anything to help with the virus. Supportive care is needed during these times to help Chesney feel better. Consider taking her into a steamy bathroom a few times a day for humidification. Suction her nostrils with a baby bulb syringe if they are really stuffed up. If she isn't eating well consider warming up her food so that she can smell it a little bit easier. Sometimes cats need subcutaneous fluids or IV fluids from the veterinarian to stay well hydrated the first several days of an upper respiratory infection. You may want to consider taking her temperature. Normal for a cat is 100-102. If she is 103 or higher I would encourage you to call your veterinarian to discuss medictions to help with the fever. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

He may have an upper respiratory infection, which is quite common in cats. It is hard to say for sure without examining him myself. You can try using a humidifier to break up any mucous. As an alternative you can place him in the bathroom with the shower running for 5-10 minutes 2 x daily. However he ultimately will likely need antibiotics to clear up any bacterial infection that may be present. I would also recommend getting him on antiviral medication (I.e. lysine powder or gel from your local pet store or vet clinic) to treat for a suspected underlying viral infection. I hope your kitty feels better soon. Best wishes and take care.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Hep! I'm sorry to hear that he has not been feeling well. His symptoms make me concerned that he has a respiratory infection that has spread to the other cats. If he continues to eat and drink and his symptoms are resolving, you can try to manage him at home. If he or one of the cats worsen, then you will need to seek veterinary care. In the meantime, keep theirs eyes and noses clean. You can also run a hot shower and allow the steam to build up in the bathroom. Then place a cat in the bathroom to breathe the steam. This can help with congestion. I hope this information helps!

If you think Juliette still has a fever and is having difficulty breathing I would recommend going to the ER to be safe. It is possible that the trouble breathing is due to congestion and complete blockage of her nostrils, but occasionally cats can develop pneumonia secondary to a respiratory infection and chest x-rays might be recommended. Trouble breathing is always a serious sign in a cat! I hope she's feeling better soon.

It sounds like Tiger may have an upper respiratory infection, However other more concerning problems such as pneumonia or feline asthma are also possibilities. I would encourage you to take him into a bathroom and run the shower to humidify him. Warm up the food to try to encourage his appetite. If he isn’t interested in food then try low sodium chicken broth to encourage fluid intake. You also may want to to contact a house call veterinarian to come to you. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Oh my. THese are symptoms of a severe respiratory infection. After surgery, some pets immune system will decrease, making them more susceptible to getting bacterial infections. Also while at the hospital he may have been exposed to another sick pet, especially if Kovu is not fully vaccinated. He really needs to see a vet as soon as possible. I would recommend taking him in to your local vet as soon as they open in the morning. In the meantime you may be able to get a pediatric syringe and clear out his airway. Also you can use a humidifer or place him in the bathroom with a hot shower running for 15 minutes twice daily to help break up any mucous and help clear up his airway a bit for tonight until you can get him seen! I hope that Kovu is able to make a full and speedy recovery. Best wishes and take care.