My cat has a cold. What can I do to help them feel better at home?

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.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mika. I would try to find a way for her to see a veterinarian. A month is a long time for her to be ill. Her eyes are very irritated in your picture. If she is congested, you can try to help ease her breathing. Close the bathroom door and turn the shower to hot. Let the stream accumulate in the room. Then place her in the bathroom (not the shower) to breathe the warm humid air. This can help with congestion. I hope this information helps!

It sounds like your cats may have a respiratory infection. Most of them will clear up on their own, but if your cats begin to not want to eat/drink and become very uncomfortable, it may be time to have them assessed by your veterinarian. Antibiotics will sometimes help but these clinical signs are often caused by viruses. Your cats may also have allergies as it is the change of seasons. An air purifier may help if that is the case.

Poor kitties. Coughing and sneezing in cats usually is caused by a viral infection which often is coupled with a secondary bacterial infection. You can start them on Lysine powder/gel over the counter at your local pet store to help with the cough. However most cats need oral antibiotics as well from the vet to treat this properly. You can also try to break up any mucous congestion by placing the kitties in the bathroom with a hot shower running for 5-10 minutes. This allows the steam to enter their airways and helps alleviate congestion. Perhaps one of these financial resources is able to assist you with your kitties and get them further care. carecredit.com redrover.org I wish you all the best.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Hep! I'm sorry to hear that he has not been feeling well. His symptoms make me concerned that he has a respiratory infection that has spread to the other cats. If he continues to eat and drink and his symptoms are resolving, you can try to manage him at home. If he or one of the cats worsen, then you will need to seek veterinary care. In the meantime, keep theirs eyes and noses clean. You can also run a hot shower and allow the steam to build up in the bathroom. Then place a cat in the bathroom to breathe the steam. This can help with congestion. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Kitty. Encourage her to drink as much water as possible. You can syringe her small amounts (0.25cc) at a time. You can also turn the shower to hot and allow the steam to build up in the bathroom. Then place her in the room to breathe the humid air. This will help lessen any congestion she may be experiencing. If she is not recovering well, then she will need to see her veterinarian for fluid therapy. Good luck!

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.