My 3-month kitten has URI, is congested, bloated. Should I worry?

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.

It may take 7-10 days for the condition to resolve. As long as he is still eating, breathing normal, and has normal energy then continue the medications as directed and monitor his condition. If he has a viral infection then it will need to just run it's course as the antibiotics will only treat a bacterial infection. If he stops eating, becomes lethargic, or has any breathing issues then he should be rechecked by a vet.

I am so sorry to hear that the kitten is so sick. Most URIs in kittens are viral, however it is common to treat with antibiotics to help prevent secondary bacterial infections. Pneumonia is certainly possible but typically they are coughing with pneumonia. I would also be suspicious of a nasopharyngeal polyp that typically could be adding to the congestion, but doesn’t usually cause lethargy. I am glad you are going back to the veterinarian. Perhaps they can prescribe a nebulizer to help her more than steam. Also you may want to discuss using saline drops to help loosen the congestion. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Pluto. He will need to see his veterinarian again as it does not sound like he is improving. He may require a different antibiotic or a longer course. He is so young, it is easy for him to get dehydrated. He may be given fluids as well. In the meantime, keep his eyes clear of discharge and encourage him to eat and drink as best you can. I hope this information helps!

This may be just an upper respiratory infection which can be viral and last a good two weeks. If B isn't eating or isn't acting right then I would recommend going back to the veterinarian. When you shower you can take him in the bathroom and have the steam help with the congestion. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I'd be a bit worried about Pringels. I can give you some things you can do for him at home. First, you can try starting him 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 he's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing him 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. If his symptoms get worse or continue, have him seen by a vet.

URI can be caused by a host of bacteria and mycoplasma. Theres a possibility that theres still infection and your best chance of success would come from running a culture and sensitivity. Theres also a possibility that there's been some permanent damage/changes to your kitten's respiratory passage way and sinuses. This may results in permanent noise and some cats will have discharge forever. It would be hard to say if this is present without an advanced diagnostic such as a CT/MRI. Adding in Lysine may help as well. Best of luck with the kitten!