Effective Treatment: Cat Cold with Sneezing & Coughing

When a cat catches a cold and starts sneezing and dripping clear mucus, the situation may not be too severe. Some cats can recover from a cold on their own, but others may not be so lucky. Whether a cat can bounce back depends largely on its constitution. If a cat's cold persists and symptoms like watery eyes, fever, red and swollen eyes, and decreased appetite arise, the owner should intervene to help the cat overcome its cold.

Treatment Methods for Cat Colds

1. If a cat has a fever, especially if it's persistent and not subsiding, it's crucial to focus on cooling and fever reduction. A common approach is to administer 1 milliliter of 30% Anileridine subcutaneously or intramuscularly. However, if the fever is low or there's a clear trend towards resolution, Anileridine should be used with caution. In fact, there have been cases where cats have died from Anileridine. If the fever persists, it's best to consult a licensed veterinarian for recommended feverreducing medications.

2. For cats that are already weak and suffer from a severe cold, secondary infections are a concern. Treatment with penicillin or streptomycin for 35 days may be necessary. However, if these antibiotics are to be used, a visit to the vet is mandatory due to the risk of penicillin allergies in some cats. Generally, antibiotics can be used in cases of severe fever, but they should be used sparingly, with food formulations often serving as an adjunct. Avoid antibiotics unless absolutely necessary.

3. When a cat has a cold, it may experience nasal congestion or discharge. Gently wipe the cat's nose with a cotton swab dipped in cooled, distilled water. Be careful not to hurt the cat's nose.

4. Soften and puree the cat's food to make it easier to swallow. A common technique is to use a food processor to create a meat puree for the cat to lap up. If the cat is on dry kibble, you can mix in some softened kibble to aid in absorption.

5. Keep the water clean and fresh. If using a running water fountain, clean it daily. For a fixed water bowl, increase the frequency of water changes. If the cat is adaptable, consider switching to a larger water bowl.

For households with multiple cats, isolation and separate care are essential.

Regarding the question of what shots to give a cat that's sneezing, coughing, and has a cold, I hope this information is helpful to all cat parents. It's important to note that cat cold symptoms can be very similar to those of feline herpesvirus, which is a disease that cats cannot typically recover from on their own. Therefore, if a cat's cold does not improve, it's vital to seek immediate veterinary care or consult with an online veterinary expert.