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My cat has a stuffy nose from URI. What helps her eat better?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Siamese | Female | unspayed | 7 lbs

My cat is recovering from a nasty upper respiratory infection. She hasn't had much of an appetite due to her medication, but she seems to be getting it back. However, her nose is very stuffy and it's keeping her from eating. Whenever I give her something she looks like she tries to smell it, but can't and doesn't recognize it as edible. I've tried heating her food up and mixing it with water to no avail, and I've been syringe feeding her in the meantime. Is there any way I can help her eat?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 28th, 2018

Its ok to syringe feed her as long as she isn't fighting you on it. If she's very resistant to this, do not continue to do it, as it could put her at risk for aspiration pneumonia (if she sucks food down into her trachea instead of swallowing it down her esophagus). You can use some saline nasal drops (available at any pharmacy) as this may help clear and break up some of the nasal congestion, just be certain that it is completely drug free and xylitol free--SALINE ONLY! You can also use a cool mist humidifier to help ease her congestion. As for the food, you are doing everything right. Keep warming up a little fresh food each time, you can try tuna juice on it as well, or roast (unseasoned) chicken. Chicken baby food is also sometimes a good choice for cats.
Good luck with her! Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 5th, 2020

    It could be Sheela has an upper respiratory infection. She will need to see a vet for this issue, and I can give you some things you can do at home for her. Please know these things at home cannot take the place of 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'd take her into the vet in the morning. I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 29th, 2017

    I suggest you do a few things.

    1. Start her on an immune booster supplement like one of these:

    https://www.chewy.com/vetriscience-vetri-dmg-immune-health/dp/42657

    https://www.chewy.com/vetriscience-vetri-lysine-plus-immune/dp/42647

    2. Use a vaporizer as steam therapy. Put her in a bathroom or other small space with the vaporizer and run it for 15- 30 minutes twice a day. You can also use a nebulizer. Either one.

    3. Hopefully she is eating well. If not, used canned food and warm it in the microwave to increase the smell. If cats have nasal discharge and the nose is clogged they can't smell well and therefore won't eat.

    Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 15th, 2019

    You can try bringing Waffle into the bathroom when you take a shower or putting her in a room with a humidifier. The steam from either may help with the congestion. Get some really smelly wet food such as sardine or fish based, and gently warm it. This may help her smell the food and encourage her to eat. Have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning, as it's quite serious when cats won't eat. There may be medications the vet can prescribe to help her. Best of luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Kitten URI on antibiotics: How to relieve sniffles and congestion?
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.
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My cat has URI, won't eat. How to give meds without a fight?
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