Do Cats Get Colds and How Can I Help Him Feel Better?

[Liberalynn]

My little Magee or Gee bot as I sometimes call him sounds stuffy and he's sniffiling and sneezing and he doesn't seem his usual energetic self. I don't have a pet thermometer so I am not sure whether he has a fever but he feels a little warm through the fur.

Is it possible it is just a cold and if so any suggestions on how can I help him feel a little better?

The weather did sort of see-saw here from the mid 90's to the lower 70s during the day and the low 50's at night. He's indoors but I had the windows open so he could get some fresh air on our enclosed side porch.

Or might it be more serious that I need to call the vet for? The only problem there is I am a majorly white knuckle driver, this is a resort town, and roads are clogged due to the holiday, and I'm not sure I will be able to get a ride out there today.

Magee's still drinking water and he ate last night and a tiny bit of food this morning.

I'm worried about my little fur baby.

Any suggestions?
"

[In_The_Wind]

1. Yes, cats do get colds and have allergies.

One of mine needed Benadryl. She sneezed and had a runny nose without it.
However I suggest that you check with your vet before trying to treat Magee.

[Liberalynn]

2. Thank you!

:hug: I will try giving them a call.

[In_The_Wind]

3. In the meantime - keep him in and warm.

We are having a cold summer in NY.

Watch his stool for signs of diarrhea or any change in litter-box activity.

[Lisa0825]

4. Yes, cats get colds, and just like with colds in humans,

it is usually viral, but a secondary bacterial infection can result. So as long as furbaby is eating and drinking, give it some time to clear up on its own. There was some discussion of giving cats L-Lysine for respiratory infections. A DUer who is a vet said it was OK to give an adult cat 500 mg twice a day. You can crush it and mix it with some canned food. You can find it in most vitamin/supplement aisles in grocery or drug stores.

If kitty gets worse, I mean seriously having trouble breathing or stops eating/drinking, it's time for the doctor. The last time my foster kitties all got sick, I gave the two who got it the worst Z-Pak (azithromycin) and it cleared up almost coompletely in just a couple days.

[Liberalynn]

5. Thank you!

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. We've been getting some thunderstorms through the area and I haven't been able to get on.

Magee is doing much better. He's eating again and his sniffles and sneezing have stopped. He's bounding with energy again too.

I was able to call and cancel the vet appointment. They were going to give him anti-biotics but I am glad it cleared up on its own.

Thanks again. :hug:

[Brigid]

6. I'm glad Magee is feelling better.

:hug:

[Liberalynn]

8. Thanks.

:hug: The thing that had me most worried was how quiet he was the first night. All he wanted to do was curl up next to me and sleep.

Normally he's to busy exploring everything and seeing what kind of trouble he can get into.

Its been so good to see him running around like normal again.

[SoxFan]

7. Sounds like allergies

The thunderstorms probably cleaned the naties out of the air.

I know that I feel better after the rain cleans out some of the pollen, and so does one of my cats.

[Liberalynn]

9. You're probably right.

His symptoms cleared up pretty quickly once the air got fresher. This has been one wacky summer so far. At least the last few days we have had temps in the seventies and nice breezes.

Hopefully Magee will stay well.

Thanks again. :hug:

[ThomCat]

10. Other people already answered your questions

so I'm going going to say,

Awww... What an adorable cat! :)
I hope he feels better soon.

[Liberalynn]

11. Thank you!

He is a real sweetie and he's doing much better.

:hug: