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Kitten URI: How to help a 3-week-old breathe and poop easier?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 7 lbs

I am fostering a 3 week old bottle baby with a URI that she is taking liquid doxycycline for. Its day two of medicine. She is very congested and her breathing is whistling. I have been using the humidifier but it doesn't seem to be helping much. Is there anything else I can do to help her breathe easier? I also think she's constipated as she has only pooped once in the last 5 days. Is there something natural I can give her to help her poop?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 18th, 2018

Hello. If you can go one step further than the humidifier & use actual steam, that would be better. You can also perform a procedure called coupage where you gently thump the chest with your open hand to try to break up the congestion. I would also talk with your veterinarian about adding another antibiotic to the regimen, especially since doxycycline is generally avoided in kittens. Clavamox or cephalosporins are better first choices.
Keep the kitten warm. Ambient temperature should be 85-95 F.
Administer glucose orally by rubbing on to the gums. You can use Karo syrup or Nutrical 2-3 times daily.
Your kitten may be a little dehydrated. If she is not eating well, talk to your vet about sending home some fluids that you can administer under the skin. This should help with the bowel movements, too.
Stay with it & hopefully your kitten will pull through. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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