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My 2-month-old kitten has a runny nose. Is it kitten flu? What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 26 days old

My 2 month old kitten has something like human flu. In the litter of four, it's the one with a runny nose. Where i live doesn't have very serious vets. I need help. How do I help my kitten to get better? Any medical treatment for kitten flu?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 2nd, 2016

I am sorry to hear that your pet Bronze seems to have upper respiratory infection symptoms. Cat flu is usually quite serious and involves the lower airway causing wheezing and serious breathing problems, so it is more likely Bronze just has an upper airway infection secondary to a viral infection. Viral infections can be helped with over the counter lysine supplements. However if there is green or yellow discharge then you will have to get a vet to prescribe him oral or an injectable antibiotic to treat this successfully. Any vet, serious or not, should be able to diagnose a simple URI and prescribe a short course of antibiotics no problem.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on

    Kittens don't get the flu like humans do, but they do very commonly get other types of upper respiratory infections - so this is likely what you are seeing with Bronze :) Ideally, it would be best for him to be seen by a vet since many of these infections will require prescription antibiotics to treat effectively. If this isn't possible, you can try giving a daily L-lysine supplement such as Enisyl or Viralys - these are available over the counter without a prescription, and can help the kitten's immune system to fight the infection more effectively. If he is congested and has a runny nose, you can also try bringing him into the bathroom with you with the door closed while you take a hot shower. The steam and humidity can help to loosen congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms.

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