I don't think it is the cat food scare as I have other cats eating the same food and they are fine. The vet gave them drops for the congestion and a pill to stop the inflammation in their throats. The medicine made one of them much worse so I stopped the medicine and it became better....but I still have 5 coughing and sneezing cats and have no idea what is causing this. Not going back to the vet as he charged $80.00 and they were worse than before I took them. Can anyone please help? They eat Friskies dry food and once a week have a little Friskies moist. There are no chemicals around them. They stay indoors. One ate a spider and spit it out before this all happened but that is all I have seen. The weather has been very irratic. Going from very hot in the day to fairly cold at night. Could that be it? The change in weather caused a cold? I'd appreciate any answers. Thanks!
2007-04-07 03:38:35 · 17 answers · asked by curious cat 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Have you added any new cats lately? Anyone been in whose been around potentially sick cats?
There are several things, some viral some bacterial, that could cause your cats symptoms. It wouldn't be the food or the spider. If so, all of them would be sick (food) or only the one (spider).
More than likely, they have a simple cold (kitty version) due to the weather changes. If so, there are no meds that will make them better, only meds to treat the symptoms which is what it sounds like the vet was trying to do. Some vets may give antibiotics, it's not for the cold but to help prevent an infection while they're sick.
If they haven't had the FeLV ( feline leukemia) vaccination and theres a yes to any of the questions at the beginning, think about having one of them tested (preferably the sickest that way you only have to pay to test one.) If it tests positive it's very likely that the others have it too (have them tested to be sure).
I would isolate the sick cats away from the healthy ones to make sure they don't spread it. Watch to make sure the sick one are eating and drinking ok, sometimes congested cats won't eat or drink because of breathing difficulties.
If they're eating and drinking ok, I would seperate the sick ones from the healthy ones and watch them for a few days. If they get better, it's probably just a cold. If they are still sick in a week, or they get worse, see a vet. It's really hard for a vet to diagnose a disease without seeing the patient.
2007-04-07 03:51:33 · answer #1 · answered by Rachelle B 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It sounds to me like your cats have an upper respiratory infection, they need to see a vet.
Upper respiratory infections can be very serious, your cats are passing this back and forth between them. This isn't anything you can treat at home, and no one here can help you. Your cats need medical treatment, asap!
If you aren't happy with the vet you saw, then find another one. Try the humane society, call them and ask if they offer treatment at a reduced rate. If not, find out if there are other low-cost vets in your area. Don't give up.
While I understand how expensive pets can be (I just spent over $400. having my male cat "unblocked"), it's our responsibility to get them help when they get sick.
I wish your cats the best, good luck.
2007-04-07 03:56:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Have they been vaccinated? This may be rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, or chlamydiosis. These are highly contagious feline respiratory conditions that can usually be prevented with vaccinations. Once the cats are sick, they must simply get over the virus; you can treat the symptoms or the secondary bacterial infection that may occur, but you cannot cure the virus. The majority of them recover; some don't. Very important that your cats continue eating and drinking; tempt them with strong-smelling foods as these viruses dull the sense of smell. I offered my cats (real) tuna, salmon, mackerel, and drops of half-and-half, and lots of petting and grooming. They all recovered. Again, it is VERY important that you vaccinate your cats (wait until they're well). And bless you for caring about your animal companions!
2007-04-07 05:09:01 · answer #3 · answered by july 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cats get colds. The best thing to do is brew some green tea and let it cool just a little so its warm but not too cold. Force feed them the tea. This will reduce the throat problems. just make sure they are next to you and warm them from time to time. Get a humidifier out, just like you would a little kid. Just don't put the smelly stuff in it. The himidity may be unbearable to you but the cats will get better.
2007-04-07 04:05:20 · answer #4 · answered by NOT USING Y!A ANYMORE!!!!!!!!!!! 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would go back to another vet. It sounds to me like they may have a respiratory infection or a bad cold, because they do catch colds. If it is a mild cold then usually within a few days it will clear up. However just to be sure take them to another vet.
Good luck and God Bless!
2007-04-07 03:45:41 · answer #5 · answered by The OTHER Boelyn Chic 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like your cats have an upper respiratory infection, basically just the common cold. Unfortunately, the only thing I know to help them get better would be to get medicine from a vet...but I understand why you don't want to do that. I guess there is a possibility that they have allergies (?)
2007-04-07 03:43:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Is it just sneezing? do they have a runny nose, are their eyes clear? it may be cat flu, in which case they need to see a vet, my little cat had it in the summer, he gave her a injection to bring her Temperature down and antibiotics, it only cost me £35, i had to borrow the money but i couldn't leave her like that.
2016-04-01 02:06:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cats all have upper respiratory infections, and by refusing to see the vet, you could be condemning them to death. If a URI isn't treated readily, it can progress to pneumonia. Your cats will all require antibiotics to get better, and possibly fluids if they can't drink due to the breathing problems. You should take them to a vet now, or surrender them to the shelter if you are going to deny them the care they need.
2007-04-07 04:24:23 · answer #8 · answered by Courtney 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a common sickness. They'll get well again. There is no medicine that helps once they got the cold.
A vet might give them antibiotics, but that's only useful in case they catch another decease when they are weak from the cold. Strong, young cats usually make it on their own.
2007-04-07 03:45:57 · answer #9 · answered by Ands 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Yes they could have a cold. Cats can get upper respiratory infections also. You should go see a vet before it gets worse.
2007-04-07 03:44:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋