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My cat is congested and breathing poorly. Can I give leftover meds?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 5 years and 9 months old | 8 lbs

I'm waiting for appointment with vet but my 8 lb kitty is having trouble breathing due to abundance of congestion. I had a 125 mg tablet leftover from a previous congestion issue with one of my other cats so I cut it half and disolved it and syringed it orally. Will that help.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 25th, 2019

Poor cat. You didn't mention the name of the medication that you are trying to give Lady. Regardless, we would not be able to verify that it is ok to give a medication prescribed to one pet to give to another pet without first doing a proper exam. Mainly because we don't know what we are treating for here. Congestion can be caused by an upper airway infection, underlying heart disease, or a lower airway infection (pneumonia). It is best to get Lady seen by your vet soon to have this properly diagnosed and treated. It sounds like multiple antibiotics may be needed, as well as other medication to help open the bronchi in the lungs, making it a bit easier to breathe. I would recommend using a dehumidifier in the meantime, to help break up any congestion and help with Lady's breathing. I do hope that your fur baby is feeling better soon! Best wishes and take care.

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