My kitten is lethargic, congested, and won't eat. What's wrong?

Question

3 to 4 week kitten being treated for URI with antibiotics. Wondering if it might be pneumonia or a virus though. Her symptoms are extreme lethargy, extreme stuffed nose with absolutely zero discharge, she is too clogged up to even sneeze or have discharge, labored breathing that steam doesn't seem to help, zero appetite. Again, NO nasal discharge, no scabs on nose, just immensely clogged/congested. I'm looking for a second opinion so please don't just say go back to vet, as I plan to already. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | unspayed | 16 days old | 0.5 lbs

Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA · Accepted Answer

I am so sorry to hear that the kitten is so sick. Most URIs in kittens are viral, however it is common to treat with antibiotics to help prevent secondary bacterial infections. Pneumonia is certainly possible but typically they are coughing with pneumonia. I would also be suspicious of a nasopharyngeal polyp that typically could be adding to the congestion, but doesn’t usually cause lethargy. I am glad you are going back to the veterinarian. Perhaps they can prescribe a nebulizer to help her more than steam. Also you may want to discuss using saline drops to help loosen the congestion. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

My kitten is lethargic, congested, and won't eat. What's wrong?

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