Introduction
General respiratory infections in cats are treated mainly at home through supportive therapies, and in some cases nutritional supplements. Secondary bacterial infections that develop as a result of the respiratory infections are usually treated through prescription medications.
Treating Respiratory Infections in Cats
General Respiratory Infections
At home care for cats with respiratory infections is very similar to the type of care that people with the flu need. The cat should be in a calm and quiet environment, and a vaporizer in the room is recommended to keep the cat’s nasal passages moist. The room the cat is in should be warm, and the cat should have a comfortable place to rest. Cats often have runny noses and gooey eyes during their illness. Pet owners should gently cleanse the cat’s eyes and nose with warm water.
Cats with respiratory infections often have difficulty eating because they are unable to smell their food. Some pet owner may need to force feed their cats, or give their cats a high caloric nutritional paste. If a cat becomes dehydrated during its illness, subcutaneous fluids may need to be administered by the owner or by a veterinarian if the owner is uncomfortable performing this procedure themselves.
Secondary Infections
Secondary bacterial infections of the eyes, nose, and lungs can develop in cats with severe respiratory infections. These infections need to be treated quickly with antibiotics or they can cause permanent damage to the tissues of the eyes, nose, and lungs.
The amino acid Lysine can be helpful in the treatment of respiratory infections in cats that are caused by the feline herpes virus. Enisyl-F is a paste specifically created for cats with this type of infection, and this paste can help to reduce the signs and symptoms of feline herpes respiratory infections.