The common cold in cats is a minor respiratory infection, but it still needs treatment. This article will help you understand the symptoms and how to treat a sick cat with a common cold.
Taking care of the cat at home
1. define the symptoms.
The common cold is caused by a bacterial infection. Look for symptoms that may include sniffing, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, pus around the eyes, difficulty breathing, and lethargy; All of these symptoms may indicate that your cat has a cold.
2. Keep your home moist.
The increased humidity will help the cat breathe while he has a cold.
Use an air humidifier if you have one, or put your cat on a sauna several times a day for 10 or 15 minutes at a time.
Some cats may hate blockade while other cats will meow or scratch the door to exit. If the cat does this for a period of more than 3-5 minutes, do not force him, as doing so may cause tension that is likely to worsen the disease and prolong the healing period.
3. Clean the cat's face.
When a cat is sick, you may notice a discharge around the eyes, nose, and ears. Clean the face a few times a day by using a damp towel and gently wash the cat's face while soothing him with loving words. Cats react to the voice tone, and this may help them calm down.
Make sure the water you use is not too cold or too hot to cause shock to the cat, warm water is the perfect option.
4. Encourage the cat to eat.
If your cat is sick, he may not want to eat. however, it is important to get the food needed to stay strong during the illness. Cats often lose their appetite when they are sick and they may even walk away from the food they like. If the cat is not interested in eating, try heating the food for several minutes in the microwave, as this may spread the smell of food in the area, and encourage the cat to eat. You can also try serving up delicious special food that your cat might like more.
5. Separate other domestic animals.
If you have other pets, keep them away from the cat during the illness to avoid infection. The incubation period lasts 2-10 days.
Your pet may hibernate and eat more slowly than normal. Keeping other animals away during mealtime will reduce the chance of a sick cat eating before it finishes eating.
6. Provide plenty of water.
Make sure the water is fresh and clean at all times as a sick cat needs to keep its body hydrated. also, pay attention to the water container and refill or clean it when needed.
Veterinary care request
1. Determine if your cat needs to visit the vet.
In general, the infection lasts 7-21 days; Minor infections will often clear up on their own. however, under certain circumstances, you should see a veterinarian.
If your cat does not recover from a cold within 5-7 days, see a veterinarian.
A veterinarian should be visited if the cat is abstaining from eating or has significant difficulty breathing.
2. Be sure to run tests to find out the underlying cause.
There are a variety of diseases that cause cold-like symptoms. Depending on other symptoms and risk factors, the vet will examine other conditions. Do not hesitate to talk to your veterinarian about the tests required to diagnose and treat your cat.
A complete blood count of a cat excludes any blood-related disease.
A chemical test to evaluate the functions of organs such as the liver and kidneys
Electricity tests to check for dryness and imbalance.
Urine tests to check urinary tract infections and problems related to the kidneys.
If the vet suspects something more serious, he may test for HIV or feline leukemia.
3. Make sure you give your cat the necessary medication.
Depending on the underlying cause of the symptom, your vet will prescribe some medications. If he does, administer the medication exactly as prescribed. Ask your veterinarian any questions you have regarding the medication before leaving. Be sure to give your cat a full course of prescribed medication even after symptoms have disappeared.
Prevention of re-infection
1. Vitamin C.
Conversely, humans, cats, and dogs cannot meet their vitamin C needs through the metabolism of glucose in the diet or its production by the liver. However, research indicates that vitamin C supplementation may benefit some medical conditions.
Talk to your veterinarian about giving your pet supplements. Make sure he does not have a history of urinary crystal formation as some medicinal supplements may not be suitable for all pets.
Do not give vitamin C without talking to the veterinarian, especially if the cat has poor health conditions or is taking any medications.
2. Vaccinate the cat.
Keep up with your cat vaccinations, as the vaccination helps avoid common diseases and infections that can lead to cold symptoms or the like. Check with your veterinarian once a year if vaccinations are required.
3. Keep your cat indoors.
Cats usually get colds when in contact with other cats. The best way to avoid this is to reduce contact with animals outside the home. Keep your cat indoors and away from strange animals that are usually not vaccinated. If he has to go outside from time to time, try to watch him closely.
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