If your cat is under the weather and sneezing and sniffling all day, don't ignore it. She might have a kitty cold or upper respiratory infection. Give her a healthy dose of TLC and help relieve her symptoms. Before you know it, she'll be back to her playful, finicky self.
Step 1
Bring your cat to a veterinarian to determine whether she has a viral or bacterial infection. Unlike a bacterial infection for which your veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics, a viral infection can't be treated with medication -- your cat's immune system has to combat it.
Step 2
Observe your cat's eating and drinking habits, because if her nose is stuffy she might not be able to smell, which can affect her appetite. Try tempting her by microwaving canned cat food, tuna or meat-flavored baby food that's free of onion powder. Warming the food helps release the aroma and might entice your feline companion to eat. Also, always provide your cat with clean water.
Step 3
Moisten a cotton ball or tissue with warm water, wipe away any eye and nasal discharge and put your cat in a room with a vaporizer to help relieve nasal congestion. Alternatively, turn on warm water in the shower and close the bathroom door to trap the steam. Turn off the shower and place your cat in the steamy room to help relieve her stuffy nose.
Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.
References
Tips
- Consult your doctor if you can't get your cat to drink or eat. He might give her an appetite stimulant or intravenous fluids. If all fails, she might have to be force-fed.
- To prevent colds, ensure your cat gets all her vaccinations and booster shots as recommended by your veterinarian.
- If your cat's nose remains stuffy after all your efforts, ask your veterinarian how to safely use pediatric nasal spray to combat the congestion.
Warnings
- Never give your cat over-the-counter medications that are meant to treat colds in humans -- these could be fatal to your cat.
Writer Bio
Kimberly Caines is a well traveled model, writer and licensed physical fitness trainer who was first published in 1997. Her work has appeared in the Dutch newspaper "De Overschiese Krant" and on various websites. Caines holds a degree in journalism from Mercurius College in Holland and is writing her first novel.