Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Kitten URI: How to help a 3-week-old breathe and poop easier?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 7 lbs

I am fostering a 3 week old bottle baby with a URI that she is taking liquid doxycycline for. Its day two of medicine. She is very congested and her breathing is whistling. I have been using the humidifier but it doesn't seem to be helping much. Is there anything else I can do to help her breathe easier? I also think she's constipated as she has only pooped once in the last 5 days. Is there something natural I can give her to help her poop?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 18th, 2018

Hello. If you can go one step further than the humidifier & use actual steam, that would be better. You can also perform a procedure called coupage where you gently thump the chest with your open hand to try to break up the congestion. I would also talk with your veterinarian about adding another antibiotic to the regimen, especially since doxycycline is generally avoided in kittens. Clavamox or cephalosporins are better first choices. Keep the kitten warm. Ambient temperature should be 85-95 F. Administer glucose orally by rubbing on to the gums. You can use Karo syrup or Nutrical 2-3 times daily. Your kitten may be a little dehydrated. If she is not eating well, talk to your vet about sending home some fluids that you can administer under the skin. This should help with the bowel movements, too. Stay with it & hopefully your kitten will pull through. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has trouble breathing, coughing, and nose discharge. Help?
Is your degu struggling to breathe, coughing, or have nasal discharge? A trusted vet offers vital guidance on respiratory issues like pneumonia and how to help.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?
Dambo's weight loss, rough breathing, and mucus worry you? A Petco veterinarian addresses these concerning symptoms and recommends urgent professional care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
How to keep a pet mom and her newborn babies warm and calm?
Support your pet mom and newborn babies! A certified vet offers advice on ideal room temperature, minimizing stress, and quiet intervention for food & water.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my pet's swollen lump with green patches not getting better?
Is your pet's swollen, green-patched infection still bothering them after treatment? A certified veterinarian discusses proper diagnosis methods like biopsy and FNA.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored