I've noticed in the past few months that my cat (an 11 yr. old Turkish Van) has had trouble swallowing her food and drinking water, is coughing up mucus, and has crust buildup on her eyes. She is also sleeping more often for longer periods of time. Is this pnemonia, the "kitty flu", or other feline ailment? She is an indoor cat who occasionally spends time outside. I'm afraid that if I take her to the vet, that they'll tell me that euthanasia is the only logical remedy. I've had this cat since she could fit in my palm; it would be devastating for me to put her down. Are there any remedies out there that I can treat her with to calm her symptons?
2007-05-29 07:37:54 · 5 answers · asked by lady_of_the_shot 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
I really think you should take her to the vet anyway. It doesn't sound, according to your description, like something that a vet would suggest euthanasia for. If it is, then it's something far more complicated than pnemonia. If you had your cat vaccinated, then she probably doesn't have anything too major, but that sounds like a respiratory infection all right. Just be strong and take her in anyway. If you don't, whatever ails her could kill her and then you've let her suffer AND you don't have her. If the vet can treat her, the suffering is over and you still have your sweet baby. Go ahead, make the appointment today.
2007-05-29 07:49:46 · answer #1 · answered by The Cat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cat is obviously suffering so you need to take her to the vet. To make her more comfortable until you can take her to the vet do the following: Use a cottonball or washcloth and wet it with lukewarm water. Wring it out and wipe her eyes, nose outward. This should loosen some of the crusty stuff (be gentle). Just remember to use a different cottonball or a different area of the washcloth for each eye. Also take a look at her teeth. She could have a periodontal problem that needs a vet's help. Please keep her inside all the time. If she is contagious, she could pass this on to other cats, or could start feeling so bad she'll crawl into something and hide (that's what outside cats sometimes do). Poor kitty. If you love her, why are you allowing her to suffer? Take your precious kitty to the vet right now.
2007-05-29 07:48:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to get this cat to a vet, you CANNOT treat it at home. They will not put the cat to sleep if that's not what you want - they need your permission. Please do not let this fear prevent you from getting your cat the help she needs.
This does indeed sound lvery much like Cat Flu, which is an upper respiratory infection - this is not the same as pneumonia, which is a lung infection. Cat Flu can be fatal however, and this does sound fairly advanced since there is alread discharge coming from her eyes and throat. Do NOT wait any longer - cat flu is treatable but it needs to be caught early.
Chalice
2007-05-29 10:52:13 · answer #3 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please take your kitty to the vet. There are a number of things that she could be suffering from that are not fatal if treated in a timely manner.
Since your cat is 11 years old, it is not uncommon for a cat of that age to sleep longer. But since she is also suffering from a pneumonia she really needs to be seen by the vet.
Good luck!
2007-05-29 07:55:51 · answer #4 · answered by SierraCat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take her to the vet. They can treat many respiratory infections. And if it is untreatable, why would you want her to continue to suffer? The vet is there to help......
2007-05-29 07:41:37 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋