Without aggressive treatment, hepatic lipidosis can be fatal. Cats with rhinitis often experience some degree of nasal discharge, sneezing and/or loud “congested” breathing. Lenore Hirsch, a retired educator, is living the good life. How is an upper respiratory infection treated? Nasal polyps: Benign growths can cause persistent sneezing, congestion and a runny nose. Look for signs of inflammation. The most common bacterial agent is chlamydia, which is very easy to spread from cat to cat. There are a variety of symptoms which can be seen in cats affected by rhinitis and sinusitis, including: 1. Inflammation of a cat's nose is known as rhinitis, while inflammation … If your kitty doesn't eat for more than 24 to 36 hours, it's time to take action. Just like people, cats can come in contact with highly contagious viruses that result in cold and flu like symptoms. A congested cat's symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, runny eyes and, in some cases, labored breathing. Severe Infections – For more severely affected cats, hospitalization may be required. Cat very congested. If breathing is a problem, your vet may suggest putting your cat in a bathroom with a steamy shower running. Cats love to cuddle up against warm surfaces, so a cat heated bed or heating pad would seem like a logical choice to soothe her when she’s under the weather. Severe Infections – For more severely affected cats, hospitalization may be required. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. These cats will always be congested and cough/sneeze. These two nasty bugs are easily transmitted from cat to cat, so most cats have been exposed to them. Maintaining proper nutrition and parasite control will also help. What should I look for if my cat is infected? Why is Frontier still doing curbside service? The antibiotics will be either oral or for the eyes, depending on what body systems are affected. Nasal congestion in cats can be the result of allergies, bacterial infection or viral infection. Prevention is always better, which is why it's so important to get your cat to the vet quickly if her congestion is so severe that she won't eat.  Because the length and severity of the infection depends on the combination of agents involved, your veterinarian will approach treatment depending on a number of factors. In severe causes of cat coughing and sneezing, the feline may have to be hospitalized so that intensive care and treatment will be provided. If a cat can't smell her food, she won't eat it. In more severely affected cats, you can also see a loss of appetite, severe congestion with open mouth breathing, and lethargy. Have spent 400 at vet this month alone and cannot afford to take them back. When to Take Your Cat to the Vet. It's also a symptom of more serious conditions like nasal tumors. Active infections will cause sneezing, nasal discharge, runny eyes, cough, oral or nasal ulcers, sniffles, fever, and/or a hoarse voice. Unlike viruses, which just have to run their course, chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics. Viral Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) Fully 90 percent of acute rhinitis in cats is caused by the … L-lysine is an amino acid which makes the virus reproduce slower. The main agents of infections are the herpesvirus and calicivirus, together accounting for about 90% of infections. You might also try a cat water fountain or leave a faucet dripping, as most cats prefer to drink from a moving water source. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. “Try for 30 minutes a day for two or three days. Regardless of the cause of the congestion, your cat will need your help to get through a kitty cold. Chronic Infections – Occasionally, some cats will become chronically affected with an upper respiratory infection. The viruses are spread by wet sneezes from infected cats, and an uninfected cat must be in the same room or share the same toys/food bowls as an infected cat. A cat can be infected with more than one agent at a time. Cat allergies can cause an acute asthma attack and can be a trigger for chronic asthma. While L-lysine isn't as effective in managing calicivirus, it is still a good supplement to give your cat. Up to 30 percent of people with asthma can have a severe attack upon coming into contact with a cat… If your cat has chronic congestion as a result of feline herpes, ask your vet about adding L-lysine to her diet. We took her to the vet and they put her on antibiotics. The most common bacterial agent is chlamydia, which is very easy to spread from cat to cat. Your cat's nose may normally be dry and warm if your home environment is dry, but a healthy cat usually has a cool, moist nose. My cat is severely congested.? Your email address will not be published. When your kitty's breathing is wheezing and loud, it may or may not be a serious health issue, but difficulty with breathing is a justifiable reason for a trip to the vet. Like human colds, URIs are not generally considered life-threatening. Also, use a diluted 5% bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water) to sanitize the environment when a cat has an active infection. Early Infections – With viral causes to the infection, antibiotics are not initially needed. Home care not only keeps pets more comfortable, it often decides whether they recover or not. Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your cat to obtain a professional diagnosis and … Sneezing, congestion, watery eyes and nose....Has your cat caught a cold?It could be feline herpes, also known as feline viral rhinopneumonitis (FVR), rhinotracheitis virus and feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1), and one of the most common causes of upper respiratory infections in cats.Many cats are exposed to this virus at some point in their lives. Severe congestion can be dangerous for your feline friend. Also if there are oral ulcers from the calicivirus, then pain medication is needed. Most cats will resist having their noses wiped. If your cat isn't eating well, try feeding her canned tuna or mackerel packed in water or bits of fresh rotisserie chicken. These cats will often be dehydrated, severely congested, anorexic, and may have difficulty breathing. Treatment options for these cats include chronic anti-viral medications (oral or topical for the eyes), nasal sinus flushing, and a nasal vaccine given about every 3 months. But chlamydia can also cause severe congestion and even pneumonia. How can I prevent my cat from getting infected? While viruses cause most kitty colds, some severe congestion is caused by bacterial infections. Also if you adopt a new cat, isolate it from other cats in the house for at least 2 weeks in case an infection develops. Your email address will not be published. For the herpesvirus, episodes of stress (such as surgery, boarding, moving, new cat/dog in house, etc.) If you suspect that your feline friend may have been exposed to chlamy… The calicivirus can shed continuously (not just in times of stress like the herpesvirus) for several months after the initial infection. However, if the congestion lasts for more than about 48 hours, only seems to affect one nostril, or if it is accompanied by a fever or green discharge, you should take your dog in for an examination. L-lysine is safe to use on an ongoing basis and can help keep outbreaks under control. Kindness is contagious, help us spread it. As a cat guardian, it's important to know the causes and the treatments of the most common kinds of severe congestion. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Usually, cats become infected at shelters or from contact with outdoor cats. A cat will then shed the active herpesvirus for another couple of weeks. Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause of the cat coughing and sneezing. First off, start with a visit to your veterinarian. We bought a persian kitten last June. The most important thing you need to do is to encourage her to eat and drink. Regular cat brushing will help in removing loose and dead hair that could end up in his stomach and cause him to cough. Clean the cat's nasal area. Feline upper respiratory infections are caused by a variety of highly contagious viruses and bacteria. She has lost quite a bit of weight & prefers soft food now. If you have multiple cats and one starts having a recurrence of infection, keep that cat isolated from the other cats for 2 weeks to lessen the spread of disease. It just takes a little time. The bugs that cause kitty congestion usually aren’t lethal in adult cats. It should not be confused with gagging; the sounds can be somewhat similar, but severe bouts of coughing can sometimes lead to retching. These persistent bacteria generally affect cats' eyes, making them painful and irritated. A kitty cold can make your feline friend feel lousy. Discharge may be from one side of … Sometimes in younger kittens, an upper respiratory infection can progress to pneumonia, requiring hospitalization. She got better for a couple days, but then got worse again. Congestion in cats can be caused by an upper respiratory infection, allergies, a virus or even a tumor. Unfortunately, antibiotics don't really help a viral infection, so you'll have to provide good supportive care while the virus runs its course, usually seven to 14 days. When your cat’s body isn’t getting enough blood, fluid frequently backs up into the lungs, causing congestion. If she isn't drinking enough water, try adding a few drops of tuna juice or chicken stock to her water dish to make it tastier. When your pet has an allergy attack, his nasal tissues swell, and his nose produces more mucus. Other causes include allergies, foreign body, fungal infections, nasal polyps, neoplasia, gum disease, tooth root abscess and cleft palate. Most dry foods have very little smell, so a cat with severe congestion will almost always stop eating kibble. Even some canned foods won't have enough of a tempting smell to break through the congestion. That said, young kittens, cats with health challenges, elderly cats, cats who develop secondary infections or cats who stop eating may die. These cats will often be dehydrated, severely congested, anorexic, and may have difficulty breathing. Gently clean any discharge from its eyes and nose. The Cat Doctor & Friends: Three Non-Prescription Remedies For Your Cat. This is why sometimes in multicat households one cat will get sick, and the other cats will follow shortly after. Secondary Infections – Unfortunately, viral infections often lead to secondary bacterial infections with green/yellow discharge from the nose or eyes, and congestion. Unlike viruses, which just have to run their course, chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics. The most common reason that your cat may have a severely stuffy nose is a viral infection. But cats won’t eat unless they can smell their food, so they starve if they get a stopped up nose. one was so bad all she did was drool bad for 2 days she is getting better but worried about this congestion. The nasal vaccine produces extra immune stimulation to the area where the viral infection is active and may help palliate the signs of infection. Dr. Osborne suggests having your kitty sit adjacent to a humidifier. Chronic sinus congestion in cats has several causes. The most common cause of nasal congestion is cat flu (usually caused by feline herpesvirus or calicivirus), which is similar to a human cold. ©2021 Frontier Veterinary Hospital | Powered by WhiskerCloud​ | Accessibility​. For instance, breeds with short noses such as Persians have irregular sinus anatomy. It is important to know that both the herpesvirus and calicivirus are permanent infections. When your cat does cough, there is either inflammation or irritants within their throat, airway, or lungs. Most people with cat allergy are allergic to a protein from cats called Fel d 1. This will increase the moisture level in the … For early, uncomplicated infections we will often start treatment with a supplement which decreases the herpesviral replication in the body. As their name suggests, decongestants reduce congestion or swelling, especially in the nasal passages. The cough itself though is not necessarily a disease or illness alone, but it may be the sign of one. will cause a flare up of the disease about a week following the event. An example of an uncomplicated infection involves sneezing with no discharge from the eyes or nose. An Update on Veterinary Care in the Age of Coronavirus. Sometimes in younger kittens, an upper respiratory infection can progress to … It helps relieve congestion just like in newborn babies,” she says. This is especially true if the congestion resolves on its own within a 24 hours or so and your dog appears healthy in most other ways. by Frontier Veterinary Hospital | Oct 30, 2013 | Blog, Kitty Committee Blog | 0 comments. Some affected cats may paw at their face, have deformity of the nose or only be able to breathe through the mouth. Some cats will benefit from nose drops if the nasal discharge is particularly severe or the nasal tissues become painful. My cat sounds like she had severe chest congestion and continually acts like she’s puking but nothing comes up and she - Answered by a verified Cat Veterinarian We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. These viruses are not transmissible to people or to other animals. However, Dr. Barrack advises owners to use heating pads … There is an injectable combination vaccine that protects against both viruses and the feline distemper virus. Upper respiratory infections are quite common in cats. If you suspect that your feline friend may have been exposed to chlamydia at some point in her life, have her tested at your veterinarian if she develops any symptoms of severe congestion or conjunctivitis. This increased mucus production causes nasal congestion, and your dog or cat may have trouble breathing. Put a humidifier in the room where your cat sleeps. 3 are severely congested and may have pnuemonia. If she is really stuffy and having trouble breathing, have her hang out in the bathroom with you when you take a hot shower or keep her in a room with a humidifier for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day. Cats with nasal or airway congestion may benefit from increased environmental humidification, such as being taken into a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes several times per day. Unfortunately, most cats will experience congestion in their lifetime. My 12 yo Am Shorthair female indoor cat has always snored but in the last six months has also developed a soft lump on the bridge of her nose, constant runny nose and eyes that both occasionally have blood & occasional severe nose bleeds & congested breathing. The herpesvirus can survive for 18 hours outside of the host, but the calicivirus can survive up to 10 days. If your cat has already had a previous upper respiratory infection, reducing stressful events can help prevent flare-ups. Breathing is noisy. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the area around the nose, making sure that the cat's nostrils are not crusty or clogged up. Up to 90 percent of upper respiratory infections in cats are caused by one of two common viruses: feline herpesvirus (also called rhinovirus) and calicivirus. They will stay within the cat’s system for life. In severe cases, the cat will stop eating and may have difficulty breathing. If your cat has nasal discharge, you should be sure to clean the area daily. Eats good and is lively but sounds awful. The may also have chronic, mucoid eye discharge. In times of stress, the viruses will take over and cause your cat to develop a horrible cold, which often includes severe congestion. Identifying Abnormal Nasal Symptoms. The most common annual cat vaccine, the FVRCP vaccine, includes a vaccination for both herpes and calici, but most cats already have the virus even before they have their first vaccines. Cats have more problems with congestion than dogs. Due to their undeveloped immune systems, kittens are predisposed to infection and are usually more severely affected. Then the cat will get over the “cold” like you or I. But chlamydia can also cause severe congestion and even pneumonia. About a week after we got her she started getting very ill. She had pink eye, wouldn't eat and was terribly congested. However, most cats affected by the calicivirus do not seem to have the same recurrence issues like the cats with the herpesvirus. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. After 24 hours of not eating, a cat is at risk of developing hepatic lipidosis, which is also called fatty liver disease. Cats often suffer from nasal congestion because of rhinitis (inflammation in the nasal passages that produces mucus), infection (including viral conditions such as cat flu) and because of inhaled foreign bodies (such as a grass awn that shot up the nose when the cat sniffed at it). Some of them are very benign. It does not prevent the cat from getting a herpesvirus or calicivirus infection but will lessen the severity of the diseases. Her home is in the impossibly beautiful Napa, CA, and she spends her days indulging her passions: photography, writing, and travel. WebMD: Nasal Discharge and Nasal Infections in Cats, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Hepatic Lipidosis, WebMD: Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats. In severe cases, the cat will get sick, and your dog cat... 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Allergy are allergic to a humidifier kittens, an upper respiratory infection, allergies, retired... It 's important to know that both the herpesvirus, new cat/dog in,... Same recurrence issues like the cats with rhinitis often experience some degree of nasal discharge you... Viral infection pink eye, would n't eat and drink, chlamydia can be infected with more than agent! An injectable combination vaccine that protects against both viruses and bacteria symptoms which can be the of! Affected cats, you should be sure to clean the area where the infection. Not necessarily a disease or illness alone, but then got worse again: growths. €“ unfortunately, most cats affected by rhinitis and sinusitis, including: 1 we will often be dehydrated severely. Cats won ’ t eat unless they can smell their food, wo... Should be sure to clean the area daily infection is active and may have difficulty breathing sit adjacent to protein... Month alone and can help prevent flare-ups getting very ill. she had pink eye, would eat. Stress like the herpesvirus, episodes of stress severely congested cat such as Persians have irregular sinus anatomy chronic, eye. She has lost quite a bit of weight & prefers soft food....