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Why are my kittens dying from respiratory and eye problems?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 7 months and 30 days old

My cat Cookies eye darkened and became hazy. He sneezed and lost his appetite. He nose would be stopped up with mucus. He also had breathing problems. His mom had kittens before and they had this. Them and cookie has died. The vets here guessed and gave a shot over and over. They only did a fecal exam. Now my other three kittens are doing the same. Please help. Cookie was Hopes baby. A cat that got me through foster care. Any idea what it could be? This is a picture of Cookie a day before he die

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 31st, 2017

I am sorry to hear that and my thoughts are with you at this sad time. Unfortunately the signs you are describing fit with a severe respiratory tract infection. Usually viral infection (herpes virus is involved commonly) and secondary bacterial infections are the cause of it. Specific and even strong antibiotics sometimes are not enough to give a good prognosis, especially if the infection is not taken at its early stages. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This sounds like cat flu which needs to be treated with special antibiotic eye ointment (teramycin) and oral antibiotics, i strongly recommend taking Cookie to the vet in order to have the treatment started ASAP.

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