My cat has a URI and won't eat after starting medication. What to do?

It can take several days for an antibiotic to take effect against a bacterial infection, but not all upper respiratory infections are bacterial in origin. Many are actually viral which will have to run their course with supportive care. The drooling and foaming at the mouth can sometimes be seen shortly after administering oral medications such as Clavamox since they taste badly to cats. Matted fur could be caused by not feeling well enough to groom. Not eating is common in cats that can't smell well since they are smell-driven when eating. I would recommend that you try to give Sam water or pedialyte to stay hydrated, and try "smelly" cat food such as canned cat food or canned tuna. If he isn't better tomorrow, becomes profoundly lethargic, or you cannot get food or water into him, then he should be re-evaluated by your vet for other treatment options or even hospitalization.

This is serious as cats can develop serious liver disease when not eating. Since cats rely on their sense of smell, it is important to clean her nostrils from discharge and warm up her food, maybe ad some tuna water. You should also take her back for a recheck at the vet's on Monday,

Hi there! So sorry to hear about Hazel's troubles! The medications are the hardest part. You can try wrapping her in a towel gently jut snugly, tucking her legs in there as well. Try giving her a little bit at a time. If you're really having trouble, give your vet a call and let them know. They may have some alternative medications to try that are given differently. It's never good to stress cats out too much giving them medication. For her appetite you can try warming up the baby food and tuna so see if it has a stronger smell to her. If she is pretty congested try taking her into the bathroom while someone in the household showers. This can help clear her nasal passages a little bit and she may be able to smell better and may be more encouraged to eat. I always also tell people to try weruva seafood canned food and tiki cat. Cats seem to really like those foods.

It is not a good idea for a cat to go longer than 2 days without eating. You should force feed her if she won't on her own. You can use canned cat food or human organic baby foods (meat flavors). It is also better for her to take Amoxicillin with food. I am not sure what you mean about giving it to her in small doses. She needs her full dose twice a day as that is how the antibiotic is designed to work. If you are doing it any other way she is not going to get better and she may end up with resistant bacteria.

Poor Sourpatch! You typically should start to see some improvement within 24-48 hours, but it can be longer based on the severity of the infection. He likely isn't using the litter box because he hasn't eaten or drank, so he has no need to pass anything. When cats have a respiratory infection, they can't smell their food. Smell is very important to cats, and they won't eat something if they can't smell it. To tempt him to eat, I would gently warm up really smelly wet food, such as sardine or fished based. That will get some moisture in him as well, and hopefully he will start eating soon. If he still isn't eating after trying this in another 24 hours, I would take him back into the vet.

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!

Hi and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are many reasons why Ariel could stop eating, one of which could be the antibiotic (Augmentin). The reason she is on Augmentin could be another reason why she has stopped eating. Augmentin does have a potential to be rough on the GI system, it can cause animals to have GI signs, ie vomiting, diarrhea and not wanting to eat. Often times if it is given with a meal these signs are avoided; however, just like in humans every animal responds differently to medication. Ariel may just be sensitive to Augmentin. I would recommend offering boiled, skinless chicken breast; even chicken or turkey baby food to encourage her to eat-try warming the food up as that often encourages them to eat as well. I would also speak with your veterinarian about her medication as she does need to be on a medication for the underlying condition-it just may need to be a different one. I hope Ariel starts to feel better. Good luck!