My old cat is sick, not eating, wheezing. What home remedies help?

They sometimes do this when they are very sick with a bad upper respiratory infection (cold), because they can't breathe properly when they eat. It usually means that they are very congested and/or not getting enough treatment. My biggest concern about her not eating for several days is that she may not be drinking enough and could be getting dehydrated. If you have noticed her drinking, then this is promising, but she still may need more fluids. The best thing you can do is take her back to the vet to get assessed for dehydration and see if they can prescribe more mediation to get her eating again. In the meantime, I recommend you try a steam bath to help relieve the congestion. Below, is a link that explains how to do this: http://www.wikihow.com/Help-Your-Cat-Breathe-Easier I hope this helps and Poodi feels better soon.

You are doing a good job. I would keep her eyes and nostrils clean with a warm damp cloth twice daily. Also feeding wet cat food that has been warmed in the microwave will increase the odor of the food so she will eat better. Cats that can’t smell don’t eat well. Then keep her inside in a warm place and let her rest. Like us a cold will take a few days to a week to go away. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bella.

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!

He may have an upper respiratory infection, which is quite common in cats. It is hard to say for sure without examining him myself. You can try using a humidifier to break up any mucous. As an alternative you can place him in the bathroom with the shower running for 5-10 minutes 2 x daily. However he ultimately will likely need antibiotics to clear up any bacterial infection that may be present. I would also recommend getting him on antiviral medication (I.e. lysine powder or gel from your local pet store or vet clinic) to treat for a suspected underlying viral infection. I hope your kitty feels better soon. Best wishes and take care.

Shelby most likely has an upper respiratory infection or viral cold. This can cause nasal congestion and poor appetite. I recommended you take a warm cloth and clean her nose as the nasal discharge can clog up the nostrils causing the mouth breathing. Also if you warm up wet food, fish is best, it will make it more appetizing as the heat will enhance the aroma of the food. That should help to,stimulate her appetite. If Shelby isn't better soon please take her in for treatment. As she's tiny I don't want her to be sick long as she doesn't have much body reserves. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Shelby.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Trixie. You would need to see a vet to get antibiotics, but they likely won't work as most respiratory infections in cats are caused by viruses. There are a few things you can try at home for her. 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 hope this helps!

She probably has an upper respiratory infection or cold. Please keep her warm and feed her often. As long as she’s eating she should recover in a week or two. If she stops eating you should take her in for an exam and treatment. They may need to treat her with antibiotics and fluids. This is common in kittens and they usually recover fine. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Nicole.