Cat cold, yellow eyes. How to treat URI at home without a vet?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• 

  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 8th, 2017

  Three months isn't too young for antibiotics, but feline respiratory infections are commonly caused by viruses, so antibiotics wouldn't help anyway. You can try giving Bruce lysine supplements, which can help with URIs in cats. You can get them OTC or from your vet. As for the conjunctivitis, he has to see a vet immediately for that. The eye is such and important and delicate structure that may problem with it should be considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. It's also serious he's losing his weight and eating less. Cats won't eat if they can't smell their food, so try gently warming really smelly wet food such sardine or fish based to try to tempt him to eat. There is nothing you can do at home for his eye, please take him into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see him now.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• 

  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 13th, 2017

  I'm sorry Ollie has been so sick! In cats, respiratory infections are often caused by a virus, and antibiotics will not work for a virus. I will give you some things you can try at home to see if that helps with his symptoms, but he does need to see the vet again for the discharge from his eyes. The green discharge is an indication of an eye infection, and if he does have one, he will need an antibiotic eye ointment to treat him. I would have him seen right away for his eyes, as any eye problem should be considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. At home for his respiratory infections, 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.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful