How long for a senior cat to recover from upper respiratory infection?

Respiratory infections in cats are commonly viral, which means that they have to run their course. Antibiotics can help prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections, but they do not do anything to help with the virus. Supportive care is needed during these times to help Chesney feel better. Consider taking her into a steamy bathroom a few times a day for humidification. Suction her nostrils with a baby bulb syringe if they are really stuffed up. If she isn't eating well consider warming up her food so that she can smell it a little bit easier. Sometimes cats need subcutaneous fluids or IV fluids from the veterinarian to stay well hydrated the first several days of an upper respiratory infection. You may want to consider taking her temperature. Normal for a cat is 100-102. If she is 103 or higher I would encourage you to call your veterinarian to discuss medictions to help with the fever. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

This is probably a chronic upper respiratory infection. it's very common in cats and is very contagious to other cats as well. It is treated withoral antibiotics for about 2+ weeks. if left untreated many cats will die from the disease. I advise going to your vet asap to start the treatment right away.

Cats get viral upper respiratory infections. It’s like us getting a cold. Since it’s a viral infection no antibiotics are needed, just rest, fluids, and time. The medication they gave should build up her immune system and help her heal more quickly. If the eye or nose discharge becomes green or yellow then that’s due to a secondary bacterial infection and antibiotics are generally prescribed. Be patient this may take several weeks to fully resolve. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Elyria.

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If Bud appears to be suffering from an upper respiratory infection (nasal discharge, sneezing, eye discharge), then there is an injectable antibiotic injection (convenia) that lasts for two weeks and frequently is helpful for these infections in cats that are difficult to give oral medications to. It would require him to be seen by a veterinarian and have an accurate weight. If possible, I would have him evaluated by a veterinarian and discuss convenia as a possible treatment option. Good luck!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Silvester. Since he has FIV, the recovery period may take a little longer for this URI. If this was a suspected or confirmed herpes virus infection URI, I would advise using famciclovir if it doesn't start resolving. Famvir is an antiviral and helps to disrupt viral replication, thus directly treating the viral infection if that is the cause. Another thing I would try is humidified air treatments. Turn on a hot shower in a bathroom and let the room fill with the steam. Place Silvester in there for 10-15 minute treatments. This will help to hydrate his respiratory system. Sounds like everything else you are doing is exactly what I would recommend. I definitely prefer Doxy especially in these stubborn URI cases. You may also consult your vet about using some type of saline nasal drops also. Good luck with Silvester. I hope he gets over this soon. Another thing I always try to address is the intestinal parasite issue because intestinal parasites will affect the nutritional status of the pet, which will ultimately affect their overall health and their ability to fight off disease.

Since there are still symptoms of the infection then he needs to be rechecked for further treatment. Some cats need pulse therapy medicine to help keep it under control. Also a lot of upper respiratory infections in cats are viral induced and take time to fully resolve. They do make anti virals you can add to the food to help clear the infection also