Home Remedies for Cat Sneezing and Runny Nose: Quick Ti

When your cat suddenly starts sleeping more and exhibits symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes, it's a strong sign that it might be suffering from a cold! The symptoms of a cat cold are quite similar to those of feline herpes, and many pet owners can become quite worried upon noticing these signs. However, don't panic! As long as your cat's appetite remains normal and it doesn't have a high fever, you can initially try treating it at home.

Understanding Cat Cold

The cat cold, also known as feline upper respiratory syndrome, is an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract caused by bacterial or viral infections. It primarily affects the nose, mouth, and throat mucosa, leading to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, coughing, fever, decreased appetite, and increased eye discharge.

● Causes: A cat cold can be triggered by various factors, such as sudden exposure to cold, chlamydia, mycoplasma, herpesvirus, or calicivirus infections.

● Differentiation: Calicivirus infections often come with oral ulcers, making them easier to identify. The other four are more challenging to distinguish. If the condition is severe, it's best to consult a vet for a PCR test.

How to Treat a Cat Cold at Home?

1. Mild Cold

Sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes with clear, watery discharge, and the cat remains in good spirits and eats well.

● For kittens: Take oral Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium, once or twice a day, for 5 to 7 days;

● For adult cats: Take Floromycin (Doxycycline Hydrochloride Tablets), once a day, for 3 to 5 days.

ps: Doxycycline has good antiinflammatory effects but can be slightly irritating to the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, kittens should not take it随意. If adult cats experience mild vomiting after taking the medication, it is a normal reaction and you can temporarily stop the medication to observe. If the condition worsens, seek medical attention promptly.

2. Moderate Cold

☞ Frequent sneezing and coughing, yellowish, thick nasal discharge, decreased appetite, and normal spirits.

● Take Doxycycline to suppress inflammation, once a day, for 5 days;

● Clean the cat's eye and nose discharge with saline solution, then drop Berangming (Sulfate Neomycin Eye Drops) to control eye infections, twice or thrice a day.

● Yellow mucus is often indicative of windheat cold, and you can complement with Guogenzi to clear heat and reduce fire, twice a day, for 7 days.

3. Severe Cold

☞ Frequent sneezing and runny nose, yellowgreen puslike nasal discharge, red and swollen eyes, blocked nose, difficulty breathing, fever, poor spirits, and appetite.

● Alternate between taking Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium and Doxycycline, but not simultaneously. Take one medication for 3 to 5 days before switching to the other.

● Clean the cat's eye and nose discharge with saline solution daily, use Sulfate Neomycin Eye Drops to control eye infections, and use nasal drops to reduce nasal mucosal damage.

● Take Banlangen decoction, one packet per dose, once a day.

● If the cat's symptoms do not improve after 5 to 7 days of treatment, consider seeking hospitalization for nebulization therapy.

These symptoms are for symptomatic treatment. If your cat is diagnosed with a specific cause, targeted treatment can be administered.

4. Feline Herpes (Herpesvirus)

● Inject interferon;

● Take Ganciclovir or Valacyclovir;

● Take Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium orally;

● Alternate between using Hydrocortisone Acetate Eye Drops and Valacyclovir Eye Drops;

● Take LLysine tablets to inhibit the replication of herpesvirus.

5. Calicivirus

● Take Metronidazole tablets or Enrofloxacin to control infection;

● If the cat has conjunctivitis, use Sulfate Neomycin Eye Drops or Tetracycline Eye Drops;

● Use Lekouning oral spray to relieve gum swelling and reduce oral pain. If there are oral ulcers, apply iodine glycerin.

Remember, cat colds are highly contagious. In a multicat household, if one cat shows signs of a cold, it's essential to isolate and treat the cat promptly, and ensure proper environmental disinfection and good ventilation.