My cat is sick and sneezing. How do I protect my other cats?

It's highly possible that they're all experiencing a flare-up of feline herpesvirus, which tends to produce mild upper respiratory signs such as sneezing and ocular discharge. Most cats already have the virus in their bodies but don't have symptoms, but living in a stressful environment (shelters) or going through stressful events (having a new cat brought home) can trigger recurrence of the active infection. If it's been a week and a half they likely do need to see the vet, however most of them will improve with supplementation with the amino acid lysine and supportive care.

At this point they have all been exposed so there is no point in isolating any of them. The only thing you won't want to do is introduce a new cat or let these cats outside. You need to quarantine your cats to your house until they are well. I suggest you nebulize the ones showing sneezing and swollen eyes. I would also recommend you give them all a lysine supplement to boost their immune systems. If they don't like the chews/treats you can search around because it comes in various forms - powder, gel, treats, etc. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Congrats on the new kitten and being pregnant, but I'm sorry Milo isn't feeling well! Luckily you cannot catch a respiratory infection from cats, so there is no concern for you and your unborn son. Respiratory infections can be common in cats, and are frequently caused by viruses so antibiotics won't help. First, you can try starting them 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 they are congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing them 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. Depending on their symptoms, a vet may be able to prescribe medications to help with them so a vet visit would be a good idea. I hope this helps!

How lovely of you to foster this young cat! It's great that Cleo is up to date on her vaccines, which will help minimize her risk. Given that this new cat is potentially showing signs of herpes, you should isolate her from Cleo while she is symptomatic. Make sure this new cat has her own litter box, food, and water bowls, and be sure to keep them clean. You might try a humidifier in the new cat's room to help her if she has any congestion. Make sure she is as rested as possible, and gently warm really smelly wet food if her appetite goes down. When cats can't smell their food, they won't eat, which is why I recommend gently warming the food. Once her symptoms are clear, it's fine to allow her near Cleo. I hope this helps!

You can try starting them 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.

Poor kitties. Coughing and sneezing in cats usually is caused by a viral infection which often is coupled with a secondary bacterial infection. You can start them on Lysine powder/gel over the counter at your local pet store to help with the cough. However most cats need oral antibiotics as well from the vet to treat this properly. You can also try to break up any mucous congestion by placing the kitties in the bathroom with a hot shower running for 5-10 minutes. This allows the steam to enter their airways and helps alleviate congestion. Perhaps one of these financial resources is able to assist you with your kitties and get them further care. carecredit.com redrover.org I wish you all the best.

Frisbee's sneezing and watery eyes could be due to viral infections (such as calicivirus or herpesvirus - not contagious to humans), bacterial upper respiratory infections, or topical irritation/mild allergies. I'm glad to hear that he's still eating well and active! Fortunately, none of these possible issues are contagious to humans and viruses are most commonly specific to a single species. You can try an over the counter L-lysine amino acid supplement (Viralys is one example) to attempt to help with any shedding from some of the viruses mentioned. Ideally your vet should examine Frisbee to assure that he does not have a bacterial upper respiratory infection that may require antibiotics for treatment. Your vet may also discuss antihistamine options for Frisbee. I hope that he's on the mend soon!