My sick cat won't eat lysine for URI. Can I syringe it with water?

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!

Poor Sourpatch! You typically should start to see some improvement within 24-48 hours, but it can be longer based on the severity of the infection. He likely isn't using the litter box because he hasn't eaten or drank, so he has no need to pass anything. When cats have a respiratory infection, they can't smell their food. Smell is very important to cats, and they won't eat something if they can't smell it. To tempt him to eat, I would gently warm up really smelly wet food, such as sardine or fished based. That will get some moisture in him as well, and hopefully he will start eating soon. If he still isn't eating after trying this in another 24 hours, I would take him back into the vet.

An upper respiratory infection often involves nasal discharge or swelling of the mucous membranes which can then disable the sense of smell and then cats do not want to eat. One way of helping that is to 1) remove any discharge from the nose as often as possible with a moist tissue. 2) feed her fishy canned food, preferably pate style, and warm it up in the microwave. This will intensify the aroma of the food. Clavamox tastes not so good, and sometimes it can also make a cat not hungry. However, it is absolutely necessary that your kitty eats at least a little bit every day in order not to get a serious liver disease. Try to hand feed her, if she will not eat from the bowl. If she does not eat at all she will need to be seen by your vet for a recheck.

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.

Poor kitten! I suspect the kitten is very sick and that’s why it is not eating or drinking. Although it may not work, giving subcutaneous fluids every day and force feeding may be needed until the kitten feels better. Feed a diet such as a/d or r/s as they are high calorie. You also have more aggressive options such as hospitalization with intravenous fluids or even a feeding tube placement. Sometimes these kittens need a lot of intense care and time to feel better. Make sure it stays warm and visits the veterinarian as needed. The vet may be able to show you how to give subcutaneous fluids if needed. I hope this is helpful and best of luck.

Hi there! So sorry to hear about Hazel's troubles! The medications are the hardest part. You can try wrapping her in a towel gently jut snugly, tucking her legs in there as well. Try giving her a little bit at a time. If you're really having trouble, give your vet a call and let them know. They may have some alternative medications to try that are given differently. It's never good to stress cats out too much giving them medication. For her appetite you can try warming up the baby food and tuna so see if it has a stronger smell to her. If she is pretty congested try taking her into the bathroom while someone in the household showers. This can help clear her nasal passages a little bit and she may be able to smell better and may be more encouraged to eat. I always also tell people to try weruva seafood canned food and tiki cat. Cats seem to really like those foods.

If he’s still congested he can’t smell the food. Cats often don’t eat well then. You can microwave 8 seconds some fish canned cat food. That will bring out the odor which should help. Also have him in the bathroom when you are taking a hot shower. The humidity may lessen the nasal congestion. The appetite stimulant doesn’t always work. Since he’s improving he should start eating soon. You can hand feed him Hills a/d canned also. Most cats like it and it has lots of calories and is easy to digest. You can purchase it at your veterinarian hospital. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Gregory.