Can kittens die from upper respiratory infection?

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Very young, very old and immunosuppressed cats are more likely to develop severe disease and possibly die as a result of their URI, usually due to secondary infections (such as pneumonia), lack of nutrition and dehydration.



People also ask, what can I give my kitten for upper respiratory infection?

Medical therapy for URIs may include liquid oral antibiotics such as Clavamox, probiotics, lysine powder and/or a topical antibiotic for the eyes. You can also provide nebulization to these kittens by allowing them in the bathroom while you run a hot bath or shower.

Additionally, do Cat upper respiratory infections go away on their own? Most upper respiratory infections in cats will resolve themselves with a little extra TLC and time. However, more severe infections may require treatment, prescription pet medication or even hospitalization. As a rule of thumb, a sniffly kitty that is still eating, active and feeling fine can be watched for a few days.

Subsequently, one may also ask, how long does upper respiratory infection last in kittens?

Symptoms of a URI can last from 4–21 days. Sneezing is the symptom which often lingers the longest, sometimes not disappearing until 3–4 weeks after infection. However, if symptoms are not improving after 10–14 days, make an appointment to have your cat re-evaluated.

How do you treat a respiratory infection in cats?

Your veterinarian will prescribe the best course of treatment for your cat, which may include medications, isolation, rest and support with fluids and nutritional support.

38 Related Question Answers Found

How do you treat a kitten with a cold?

Treating a Cat Cold or Flu
  1. Wipe their eyes and nose regularly with a damp towel to remove discharges.
  2. Change their cat food; offer them warmed up wet food to encourage them to get enough nutrients in (remember what your mum told you – always feed a cold!).

What can you do for a kitten with a cold?

How to Care for a Cat With a Cold
  1. Keep their eyes and nose free of discharge using a soft cloth or paper towel moistened with warm water.
  2. Make certain that your cat is eating.
  3. Provide plenty of fresh water for drinking.

Can upper respiratory infection kill a kitten?

In felines, however, it can be much more serious and, if left untreated, can even lead to death, especially in very young kittens and senior cats whose immune systems might not be as strong. And, if you're lucky, their immune system will be stronger because of it. Symptoms of URI: sneezing.

What to give a cat for sneezing?

2) Change to a low-dust cat litter – bigger granules don't clump as well, but they give off less dust. 3) Add moisture to the air, with a vaporizer, steam from a hot shower, or boiling kettle of water. 4) Apply saline nose drops to help thin mucus in the nasal passages and relieve irritation that may cause sneezing.

When should I take my cat to the vet for sneezing?

If the sneezing becomes more persistent, if your cat sneezes blood, or has other symptoms such as excessive nasal discharge, runny eyes, fatigue, coughing or trouble breathing or if he or she is off their food then you should make an appointment to see your vet as soon as possible.

What is the best antibiotic for feline upper respiratory infection?

Common anti-bacterial medications for cats include: Enrofloxacin (Baytril) - respiratory, skin, and urinary tract infections. Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (Clavamox) - wounds, respiratory infections, skin infections. Metronidazole (Flagyl) - gastrointestinal upsets, periodontal disease.

How much doxycycline do I give my cat?

The usual dose of doxycycline in cats is 2mg/pound every 12 hours. Horse: Use has been limited primarily to treating Ehrlichiosis (EGC). Dose: 10-20 mg/kg every 12 hours orally.

How long does a kitten cold last?

Cat Health Library
Cats seek relief from most of the same cat cold symptoms as we do, including watery eyes, a runny nose, fever, sneezing, loss of appetite and a feeling of lethargy. Cat colds typically last from one to four weeks depending on how quickly they're diagnosed and treated.

Should I take my cat to the vet for coughing?

When does a coughing cat need veterinary attention? It may be normal for some cats to cough occasionally. As long as the cat is maintaining good health and the cough is not productive (does not result in the production of phlegm or sputum), veterinary attention is not immediately indicated.

Should I take my cat to the vet for a cold?

Cat colds are usually harmless and the symptoms should disappear within 10 days or so. However, if you fail to treat your cat correctly, they can develop pneumonia. It is therefore vital to pay close attention to your cat's condition and to bring them to the vet if there is no sign of improvement within 4 or 5 days.

What causes feline upper respiratory infections?

The most common viruses that cause upper respiratory infections in cats are Feline Herpesvirus Type-1 (also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis or FVR) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV), while the most common bacteria that cause upper respiratory infections in cats are Bordetella bronchiseptica (B.

How does an indoor cat get an upper respiratory infection?

The viruses associated with URIs are spread in three ways: Direct contact with an infected cat showing signs of URI. Direct contact with a carrier cat shedding virus. Contact with virus carried on clothing, food bowls and other objects.

Is Vicks Vapor Rub good for cats?

Toxicity to pets
Examples of some common trade names containing camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, etc. Camphor is readily absorbed across the skin, and should never be applied to dogs or cats due to risks for poisoning.

Can a kitten survive pneumonia?

Symptoms include severe respiratory distress and loss of appetite, and these symptoms can cause rapid decline in a kittens. Pneumonia is often fatal for young kittens and for this reason it should be prevented at all costs. Consult a vet immediately if respiratory symptoms arise and get the kitten on an antibiotic.

How long do antibiotics take to work in cats?

Fast treatment: Reaches peak antibiotic blood levels within 6.2 hours and works around the clock for up to 14 days to eliminate common bacterial skin infections and their signs.

Is there a decongestant for cats?

Decongestants can be helpful: diphenhydramine HCl 2-4 mg/kg PO q8h, or dimenhydrinate 4 mg/cat PO q8h, or pseudoephedrine 1 mg/kg PO q8h. Nasal decongestant drops are challenging to administer, but can be very helpful: 0.05% xylometazoline (1 drop into each nostril SID for three days only to avoid rebound congestion).