Cat Cold: Medications & Need for Shots
What medication should a cat with a cold and sneezing take?
When dealing with a cat suffering from a cold, it's important to consider various causes of upper respiratory infections. The primary concern is often a bacterial respiratory infection. You can purchase petspecific cold medicine at the vet's office, which typically includes oral antibiotics containing doxycycline for消炎杀菌 (inflammation and杀菌 [bacterial killing]). Additionally, you can complement this with traditional Chinese medicine containing fructus schisandrae. After administering the medication, if symptoms do not improve or worsen within one to two days, it's crucial to take your pet to the vet for further examination and treatment. In severe cases of cat colds, injections may be necessary.
How to handle a cat with a cold?
1. Ensure proper warmth: Cats are sensitive to temperature changes, accidental showers, and strong air conditioning in the summer. As a cat owner, your first priority is to help your feline stay warm. This can be achieved by keeping your cat in a cozy indoor space, placing a warm blanket in the litter box or among old clothes, and even dressing your cat in a small sweater.
2. Nutrition and hydration: Provide ample fresh water and feed your cat a nutritious diet. Consider giving your cat probiotics to boost its immune system.
3. Avoid human cold medications: Never give your cat human cold medicine, as it may contain acetaminophen, which is toxic to cats and can lead to poisoning, potentially resulting in death.
4. Maintain a clean environment: Ensure the home is clean and disinfected. Transfer your cat to a new, clean environment for feeding, use litter that is low in dust, and clean the litter box daily. Regularly replace the litter and keep the cat's bed clean.
It's important to note that feline rhinitis can present symptoms similar to a common cold, including sneezing and runny nose, but the mucus is often purulent. If your cat's eyes become red and swollen, and you suspect rhinitis, it's essential to seek veterinary care promptly.
