How Can Feline Upper Respiratory Infections Be Prevented
Since upper respiratory infections can be caused by a variety of different disease agents, it is not always possible to prevent them. However, there are standard core vaccines that provide protection against FVR and FCV. There is also a vaccine that protects against feline chlamydiosis . This vaccine is considered non-core and will only be recommended if your cat has a reasonable risk of exposure to feline chlamydiosis. There is also a vaccine for a rare but especially serious form of calicivirus known as hemorrhagic calicivirus. Because there may be an increased risk of reaction to this particular vaccine, your veterinarian will discuss the risks and benefits of its use in your cat. None of these vaccines will completely prevent an infection from occurring if your cat is exposed to the disease, but they will significantly reduce the severity of the infection and shorten the length of the illness.
All of these vaccines require a booster on a regular basis. Your veterinarian will recommend a booster schedule for your individual cat, typically every one to three years depending on the vaccine and antigen.
First What Does Cat Wheezing Sound Like
As any cat parent knows, cats make all sorts of weird sounds. Both of my cats do the scarf-and-barf every once in a while, meaning that sometimes they will eat their food too fast and throw it up immediately afterward. The cat wheezing sound is a distinct hack, hack, HACKING noise followed by my cats arching their backs, opening their jaws wide and puking. The results arent pretty and it sounds painful!
Hacking up a hairball is a similar sound. I can hear that something is about to come up. But sometimes, when Gabby wheezes, it just sounds like hes having the same coughing or sneezing fit that I get when I breathe in something Im allergic to. These attacks usually last a few seconds to a minute and he makes distinct snorting / wheezing noises. Sometimes, he hunches his shoulders and strains his neck out as if to elongate his air pipes in an attempt to breathe better.
What is the difference between cat wheezing and coughing up a hairball?
Unfortunately, the difference between a cat wheezing and a cat coughing up a hairball can be hard to tell, but if you dont notice anything coming up, its probably wheezing. A cat cough or wheeze sounds very similar to a cat trying to hack up a hairball, says Dr. Sasha Gibbons of Just Cats Veterinary Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut. In fact, they can often look very similar but most of the time with coughing, nothing comes up.
How Will The Vet Determine Why My Cat Is Sneezing
You will need to reach out to a vet to get a thorough assessment of your cat and his or her sneezing behavior. Theres no easy way to determine what is causing your cat’s nose to be irritated without the help of a professional. During your visit to the vet, the medical care team will be able to provide you with solutions that help you get your cat a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Natural Treatment For A Common Cold Infection In Cats
While a sneezing cat is not unusual, a cat that sneezes frequently in combination with other symptoms, such as a runny nose and excess discharge from the eyes, generally indicates your feline has a cold. Some of the natural treatments for cat colds are not dissimilar to human natural cold treatments, such as administering vitamin C or creating a steam to treat congestion. Monitor your cat’s progress during treatment and consult a veterinarian if she does not appear to be getting better.
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Iâll also show you how to deal with shortages of medicines such as insulin, which some people need to take every day.
A friend of mine from Texas found a workaround and is able to get all the insulin he needs daily and even extra to stockpile.
His ingenious method is completely legal and safe. You could start using it immediately not only for insulin but also for some other medicines that are notoriously hard to stockpile.
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Feline Upper Respiratory Infection Causes
- Feline herpesvirus. This is related to the virus that causes chickenpox and cold sores in people, but cats canât give it to their owners.
- Feline calicivirus. This highly contagious virus causes a mild to severe respiratory infection and oral disease.
- Chlamydia. Runny eyes are a typical sign of this bacterial infection.
- Bordetella. This bacterial infection is usually associated with stress and overcrowded living conditions. Itâs more common in dogs.
- Fungus. Cats can pick up fungal infections by being exposed to bird droppings and decaying plants.
Viruses are found in the saliva, tears, and nasal secretions of infected cats. Theyâre easily spread through direct contact, like touching and grooming, or when cats cough and sneeze on each other. Viruses can also live on surfaces cats share, like food and water bowls or litter boxes. People can spread them from one cat to another with contaminated hands or clothing.
Most cats that get feline herpesvirus will carry it for the rest of their lives. They may be able to spread it even if they donât seem sick. That can include a mother cat with a new litter of kittens.
Home Remedies For Cat Colds
by Pet Angel | Jan 21, 2022 | Blog, Pet Care
We all know how having a cold feels the stuffy nose and difficulty in breathing. All we want to do is stay in bed. Cats feel the same when they have colds too. There are a few home remedies for cat colds to help your kitties feel better when theyre under the weather.
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Home Remedies For My Cat With A Cold
If your cat has a runny nose, eye discharge, a mild fever and sneezing youre likely to refer to the symptoms as a cold. Your veterinarian will call it an upper respiratory infection. In most instances, you can treat your cats cold at home. If your cats condition doesnt improve within a week of beginning treatment or if the symptoms worsen, you should take your pet to a veterinarian.
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Youâll find out how I deal with my back problems. Until I found this one-minute stretch routine, I often woke up like a hunchback and could barely walk to the bathroom. And it usually took me several hours to become functional again.
If this sounds at all familiar to you, you should learn this simple move.
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Course Of Treatment For Sinus Inflammation
Veterinarians usually prescribe antibiotics to treat infections in cats. They may also order X-rays to diagnose diseases and decide the best course of treatment.
Cat infections may respond well to treatment with antibiotics, but sometimes pet owners want to find supplements for assistance. If not treated early, these infections can become chronic cat infections leading them to develop fibrous tissue inside their head known as polyps that continue releasing bacteria into the cats nasal cavity. The problem is when a cat has allergies, and you dont want them on antibiotics in the long run.
At Prana Pets, we carry sinus support and a nasal decongestant. Sinu-Help Cats has a formula derived from natural herbs to treat breathing problems or allergies. Using this will help unblock clogged nasal passages while reducing pain from sinus headaches.
Cat Eye Infection Home Remedies
Has your cat been winking at you excessively? Is your pet stuck in a perpetual blinking motion? Is there discharge and redness coming from your cats eye? If so, unfortunately, it sounds like your cat could have an eye infection. An eye issue for cats is much like an eye issue for humans. Not to worry though, there are a number of cat eye infection home remedies.
An issue in a cats eyes is typically caused by foreign agents such as bacteria or fungi invading the eye. A cat eye condition can often be a secondary ailment caused by a much larger underlying medical issue. Because cats can be extremely adventurous, you will likely have to deal with an eye infection in your pet at one time or another. A cat with an eye condition may be extra irate. Before we discuss a remedy and all the ways you can combat and hopefully prevent cat eye problems, lets break down what it is and how it can affect your furry friend.
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What Is The Difference Between Dog Treats And Cat Treats
Firstly, lets look at where the best dog treats and cat treats differ. Of course, there are lots of different types of treats on the market for both species, but the range tends to be greater for dogs.
Dog chews, dried natural treats, and bones tend to be created for dogs alone cats have no equivalent. This is because cats arent natural chewers they tend to eat freshly killed prey, of a small enough size that their teeth can quickly crunch through bones. Whilst dogs often prefer long, chewable stick-like treats, cats prefer something they can eat quickly and move on.
Dog training treats, on the other hand, are similar in size and content to the best cat treats. Theyre often meat-based, although many cheaper brands will include plant materials and grains to produce a kibble-like treat.
If you look at the ingredients in dog training treats and cat treats at the supermarket, youll see theyre pretty similar. Cat treats are slightly more likely to contain chicken and fish rather than beef and lamb, and theyre also often smellier than dog treats. Dog treats are often larger than cat treats and may contain more calories per treat. Lastly, cat treats tend to be more expensive than dog treats when you compare similar products.
Keep Your Pet’s Face Clean
One of the most irritating symptoms of sinus infection for many cats is the presence of discharge and buildup around the nose and eyes. Use awarm washcloth to very gently clean up any discharge that may have built up in those parts of your cat’s face. This will help her to be as comfortable as possible while she waits out the infection.
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Symptoms Of Cat Colds
Cats with colds may have symptoms including coughing, sneezing, discharge from the eyes or nose, lethargy, and sometimes fever. For many cats, these symptoms are will go away on their own in about 7-10 days.
However, some cats may experience complications, such as a secondary bacterial infection or pneumonia. This can cause yellow-green discharge from the eyes or nose, which may lead to congestion severe enough that your cat cant smell or taste. Cats with this condition may refuse to eat.
Why Does My Cat Cough
Coughing can occur because of the overproduction of mucous, which drains down the throat. However, just because your cat coughs does not mean they have an upper respiratory infection.
Like people, cats can cough for other reasons besides an infection, such as allergies or clearing something from the throat. If youre concerned about your cats cough, see your veterinarian, who can help diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment.
On a side note, you should know that cats dont cough because of hairballs. Hairballs develop in the digestive tract, not the respiratory system, and are vomited up. Both vomiting and coughing can cause cats to heave and make similar sounds, so it can be challenging for cat parents to tell the difference.
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What To Do If Your Cat Has A Cold
To help your cat feel better while they have a cold, increase the humidity in your house by running a humidifier or vaporizer. If your cat has a stuffy nose you can use a warm, damp cloth to gently wipe their nose. Cleanse and soothe your cat’s watery eyes by applying a saline solution with gauze pads.
While your cat is stuffy they will have difficulty smelling food and may stop eating. Food is important for keeping your cat’s strength up while they recover, so it may be a good time to buy some extra special wet cat food to tempt your feline friend to eat. Warming your cat’s food may also help.
Add an extra blanket to your cat’s favorite resting spots to help keep them warm and comfortable.
Signs That It’s Time To Visit the Vet
Cat colds typically begin to clear up after just a few days. If you do not notice any signs of improvement within 4 days, it is time to bring your cat to the vet.
Cat colds can lead to more serious infections if left untreated. It is particularly important to contact your vet if you have a senior cat, young kitten, or immune-compromised cat.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
Home Remedies For Sinus Infection In Cats
Home remedies for sinus infection can often help to reduce thesymptoms of congestion and other problems that your cat may display. However, it’s important to recognize that a true sinus infection is a result of bacteria in your pet’s sinus passageways, and that the only true way to eliminate bacteria completely is with an antibiotic regimen from your vet. With an infection, it is especially important that you treat the bacteria properly so that they will not have a chance to multiply and spread to other parts of your pet’s body. Infections left unchecked can spread to vital organs and prove to be potentially fatal. Here are a few of the home remedies that may help relieve your pet’s sinus infection symptoms.
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How To Treat Sinus Infection In Cats
Cat sinus infections are the most common infections in cats. They are also called cat colds or flu, respectively. They can be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungal infections, or allergies. Identify an infection early on to give your cat appropriate treatment and ensure that they recover quickly. The problem is that cats will hide clinical signs of illness. Once you can identify the characters, youll know how to treat sinus infection in cats,
What Causes Calicivirus Infection
Feline calicivirus belongs to a large family of viruses named Caliciviridae, whose members infect a wide range of vertebrate animals, including rabbits, livestock, reptiles, birds and amphibians. The human virus norovirus, which causes a brief but unpleasant gastrointestinal disease, is also a member of the Caliciviridae family.
Several strains of FCV circulate in domestic and wild cats. The virus mutates readily, leading to new strains that may not be fully covered by existing vaccines. Strains vary in the severity of the disease that they cause, with the majority causing only mild disease. The ability of the virus to mutate likely explains why after 40 years of vaccinating against FCV, outbreaks still frequently occur.
Rarely, a mutant strain of FCV will spontaneously arise that causes very serious disease with multiple organ damage or even death, called FCV-associated virulent systemic disease or FCV-VSD. The first known outbreak of FCV-VSD occurred in Northern California in 1998. Outbreaks of FCV-VSD are unusual and unrelated to each other.
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Nasal And Sinus Issues
Cats can also suffer from inflammatory conditions like rhinitis and sinusitis. Rhinitis is the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, which we all know as a stuffy nose, and sinusitis is inflammation in the lining of the sinuses.
These two conditions often occur together in cats, termed rhinosinusitis, and are common complications of upper respiratory infections.
Symptoms
In addition to frequent sneezing, signs of rhinitis and sinusitis in cats include:
- Clear nasal discharge in mild cases OR yellow, green or bloody in severe cases
- Labored breathing, snoring and/or breathing through the mouth
- Pawing at the face
- Tearing and discharge from the eyes
- Reverse sneezing
- A lump on the bridge of the nose
Treatment
Diagnosing rhinitis and sinusitis involves an evaluation of your cats medical history, along with a thorough physical examination. A rhinoscopy, which involves inserting a small endoscope into the nose or mouth for better visualization of the nasal structure, may also be needed along with a nasal wash to collect samples.
Treatment may include a nasal flush and broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat or prevent bacterial infections, along with a dose of steroids to open up the nasal and sinus cavities. Intravenous fluids and nutritional support may also be needed in severe cases.
Medical Treatment For Rhinitis
Some of the most common medical treatments include:
1. Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection
If the rhinitis is accompanied by a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed to clear the infection and prevent symptoms from worsening.
2. Intravenous fluids & nutritional support
Cats who are resistant to eating and/or drinking water need fluids and nutritional support so their bodies have the strength to fight off infections and recover.
3. Nasal flush
A nasal flush may be indicated for cats with chronic rhinitis and can be used to dislodge blockages and debris a few times per year.6 This procedure will need to be completed by a vet as your cat will need to be sedated.
4. Corticosteroids for idiopathic rhinitis
If the cause of rhinitis cannot be determined, corticosteroids are often prescribed to reduce inflammation. Once secondary infections have been treated, a trial of oral steroids may be used to see if the rhinitis is responsive to corticosteroids. Most cases have been found to be responsive when the nasal airway has been flushed and antibiotic therapy administered.7
Cats that are responsive to corticosteroids should be transitioned to inhaled steroids, such as fluticasone, with an AeroKat* Chamber for long term management.
5. Antifungal medications
If a fungus is causing rhinitis in your cat, antifungal medications are prescribed to treat it.
6. Surgery or other medical interventions
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