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My cat has URI symptoms. How can I help her at home without a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 7 months and 2 days old

My cat has the symptoms of the uri, I don't have the money right now to take her to the vet what can I do to help because I hatell seeing her sick. She has runny eyes, caugh, sneezing, and runny nose. She still drinks and eats and when she is not resting she will play with my other cat but this is only occasionally. What can I do and will she die ?? :(

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 30th, 2016

Poor Willow! She should be fine, but URIs have the potential of turning into pneumonia. If she stops eating and drinking, and becomes very lethargy, then she will have to go into the vet. There are some things you can try at home to see if that helps her. First, you can try starting her on an L-lysine supplement - this is an amino acid that has been shown to help the immune system fight off respiratory infections more effectively. Enisyl and Viralys are both good brands, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription - just follow the dosing instructions on the label based on your cat's weight. If she's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing her into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections. Should you end up having to take her to the vet, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 17th, 2020

    Thank you for contacting PetCoach with your question about Eli. Oh no, he sound pretty sick. He really does have to see a vet, and I suspect your other cats are developing the same symptoms. There are a few things you can try at home, but these cannot take the place of a vet visit. First, you can try starting them on an L-lysine supplement - this is an amino acid that has been shown to help the immune system fight off respiratory infections more effectively. Enisyl and Viralys are both good brands, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription - just follow the dosing instructions on the label based on your cat's weight. If they are congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing them into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections. Also take them into a vet. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. I'd also see if you can borrow money from family and friends. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary-care/ I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 8th, 2018

    If your cat is sneezing, has watery discharge from the eyes and nose, and providing that she is eating and drinking well, there is no need to take her to your vets right away. You should clean the eyes and the nose with warm boiled water and make sure that Kitten is eating and has access to fresh water. However, if your cat looks unwell, is refusing to eat/drink and the discharge is turining green/sticky you should take her to your local vets to get a course of antibitics.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 15th, 2019

    Poor Chevy. It does sound like he could have a URI. He should see a vet to get medications for his symptoms, and there are a few things you can do at home as well. Do not let these things replace a visit to the vet. First, you can try starting him on an L-lysine supplement - this is an amino acid that has been shown to help the immune system fight off respiratory infections more effectively. Enisyl and Viralys are both good brands, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription - just follow the dosing instructions on the label based on your cat's weight. If he's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing him into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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