Kittens! Sick! Help??!?

Question

My cats kittens are sick!! I don't know exactly how old they are but they are eating on their own now and my mother is ready to give them away. But they are sick and I refuse to give them to people when they are sick because most people don't take care of their cats so they'll stay sick forever!
But my question is... I can't help them if I don't know what's wrong!!! They're eyes are so gross. Sometimes we have to take a wet wash rag and gently rub their eyes to get the crap off so they can open their eyes. And I think they're noses are stuffed up cuz there's always snot or something stuck in their nose and they "sneeze" alot.
Please help me! What kind of sickness do they have!??!

Answer 1

FELINE UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTON

SYMPTOMS:

SNEEZING
NASAL DISCHARGE
RUNNY EYES
COUGH
ORAL OR NASAL ULCERS
SNIFFLES
FEVER
HOARSE VOICE
OR ANY COMBINATION THEROF

COURSE OF INFECTION

To some extent, the combinations of symptoms and course of infection is determined by which of numerous infectious agents is responsible. Ninety percent of feline upper respiratory infections are caused by either feline Herpes or feline Calicivirus. Neither of these infections is transmissible to humans or to other animals.

Most feline colds run a course of 7 to10 days regardless of treatment.

WHEN TO BE CONCERNED

A cold for a cat is usually just a nuisance as a cold usually is for one of us. Sometimes though an upper respiratory infection can be serious. If a cat is sick enough to stop eating or drinking, hospitalization may be needed to support him or her through the brunt of the infection. A cat (usually a kitten) can actually get dehydrated from the fluid lost in nasal discharge. Painful ulcers can form on the eyes, nose or in the mouth. Sometimes fever is high enough to warrant monitoring. In young kittens, pneumonia may result from what started as an upper respiratory infection.

If you think your cat or kitten is significantly uncomfortable with a cold you should seek veterinary assistance with an office visit.

HOW IS THIS USUALLY TREATED?

Feline upper respiratory infections are treated with anti-bacterial medications.

They could easily have Chlamydia psittaci (recently renamed Chlamydophila felis), an organism sensitive to the tetracycline family (such as doxycycline). For this reason, when antibiotics are selected, tetracyclines and their relatives are frequently chosen. (Since tetracycline use can permanently stain the teeth of immature animals, these medications are generally not chosen for younger pets.). Oral medications, and/or eye ointments are commonly prescribed. For congestion, some human nose drop products can be used for relief. Consult your veterinarian before attempting any sort of home treatment.

For younger kittens that are infected, often the most significant factor in their throwing off infection, is maturation and gaining a more effective immune system with growth.

Occasionally infections can lead to more chronic symptoms,
such as gingivitis (gum inflammation), conjunctivitis, or nasal congestion.

Death from dehydration is possible.

Keep their eyes and nasal passages clear of discharge. Use a clean cloth each time. You may use a mild eye drop to clear eyes of discharge, and saline solution for the nose (baby nose drops).

Take them to a vet if you can. Keep them hydrated. Pedialite or GatorAid is good.

Answer 2

I have (and have had) many cats, and let me say that I am no stranger to them having this sickness! Actually, it's really just allergies. Rubbing their eyes gently with a slightly warm damp rag to remove all that **** should work. Other than that, they're just a little sneezy and it's nothing to worry about. If your mom is ready to give them away, you should listen to her. Most likely, the kittens will go to a loving family who's been waiting for some kittens for some time! Don't think that most people don't take care of their kitties. Just remember, if they want them, they love them. Good luck!

Answer 3

It could be distemper, but it could also be an infection in the sinuses that backed up causing an eye infection. Whatever the reason- only a vet can diagnose and treat. We typically will diagnose and treat with both ointment and antibiotics- and within a few days, they are looking and feeling a lot better. You are right not to give them to homes now. you are not going to want to re home them until they are all well so that treatment is completed. Like humans, make sure you use all meds before giving the kittens away.

Answer 4

The best thing to do is probably keep hand feeding her until you can get her to the vet. We had a kitten a couple years ago that we had to hand feed as well because he wouldn't eat for some reason. After some time he got used to us (we took him away from his siblings because he had gotten so weak he could barely walk any more) and he would start eating on his own. To make it easier for her to eat, maybe try making the pieces smaller or mixing them with the milk, since she drinks the milk. Maybe heat it up a little (not too hot, just about body temperature) Other than that, the best thing you can do is keep a close watch on her until you can get her to the vet, and if she gets any worse, try getting an appointment with the vet immediately.

Answer 5

Upper respiratory infection! I just got a sick 9 week old kitty last week, and took him to the vet ASAP. I was given antibiotics to give our new baby, 2 times daily. His eyes are clear and sneezing has decreased bigtime.
Do not give sick kittens to anyone until they are healthy. If your mom insists, she should have thought of these consequences before, and gotten your cat spayed.

Answer 6

Possible, in the worst case, your kittens have cat flu. You should take them to a vet to get them checked out. You shouldn't adopt them out if they aren't 100% healthy. The vet will be able to tell you if they are okay or not. You can never be to careful when it comes to kittens.

Answer 7

Maybe take the kittens to the Vet. Is the stuff in the eyes like mucus sorta stuff? Cauz i'm not sure, but that might be an eye disease or something. Just ask your mum if before you give them away, have them checked out.

Answer 8

Take them to the doc!!! They may have a kitty cold, or obviously some kind of virus or illness. Don't adopt them out if they are sick.
And get mama cat spayed now!

Answer 9

veterinarians were invented for a reason... u might consider taking them to one. my cat has this weird thing about twice a year where his eye gets a little infection. They just gave us some cream to put on it and it got better, only it hasn't happened as often as it used to. so take em to a vet, I'm sure they can do something. hope i helped!! i am a cat lover too, so i hope they'll be okay.

Answer 10

take them to your vet, your vet can give you something to fix the problem. It's not going to just go away. We see sick kittens on a daily basis, their immune system is low, and the smalles cold can make them look terrible. go to your vet.