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Sick kitten with tired eyes after flu. What can I do at home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 24 days old | 1.1 lbs

My one month kitten has the flu and had red eyes. I gave him betasol antibiotic eyedrops, red eyes cleared up but still has that tired look in his eyes (semi opened). Got no money to take him to the vet. Is there anything i can do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 8th, 2017

Besides making sure that the kitten is eating and drinking there is not much more you can do without veterinary care. Monitor for additional signs and have the kitten examined by a vet if he becomes worse. He may need an oral antibiotic and/or other medications to help treat. You could also try a Lysine supplement and see if that helps.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Christie Long, DVM
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on October 17th, 2017
It's difficult to say from looking at the pictures and without examining Biscuit, but based on the appearance of the crusty eyes and nasal discharge I would say he may have either calicivirus or herpes. The antibiotics may help with secondary infection, but most of these types of illnesses are viral in nature and recovery depends on good nutrition and supportive care. I would recommend feeding a high quality canned kitten food that you have made into a slurry with a bit of warm water. Oftentimes these little guys have oral ulcerations which make eating painful. You can try to feed with an oral syringe but be careful not to force it, as you can cause aspiration pneumonia. You can also syringe the oral rehydration solution to him as well to help with hydration. Keep him warm and clean his eyes gently with warm compresses it he will allow it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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