Decongestants for Feline Infectious Peritonitis

Feline infectious peritonitis is a deadly, but uncommon health issue affecting cats. This viral infection can cause many different symptoms including watery eyes, nasal discharge and diarrhea. In the case that nasal discharge and other respiratory issues occur, a decongestant can be beneficial in making the affected cat more comfortable.

  1. Identification

    • Better known by its abbreviation, FIP, feline infectious peritonitis is caused by a virus known as the feline coronavirus. Despite the name, feline coronaviruses generally do not cause disease in the vast majority of cats but remain dormant in an infected cat. However, anywhere from 5 to 10 percent of cats may suffer from a mutated strain of the virus that causes an immune response. Two types of FIP may occur, the wet or effusive form, or the dry or noneffusive form. Cats with the wet form are more likely to suffer from congestion which would require a decongestant.

    Neo-Synephrine

    • Neo-synephrine, known by the generic name of phenylephrine, is a nasal decongestant that works by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passageways. This nasal decongestant is commonly found in such brand name products like Sudafed and Triaminic. Despite its ready availability, it should only be administered to a cat when prescribed by a veterinarian. Dosage amount will vary and when prescribed to cats, this medication comes in a topical liquid form that is administered directly into the nasal passageways.

    Pseudoephedrine

    • Pseudoephedrine is a nasal decongestant found in many medications including Sudafed, Chlor Trimeton and Seudotabs. In cats, pseudoephedrine has occasionally been prescribed for oral use. Like neo-synephrine, pseudoephedrine works by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passages. Pseudoephedrine also has many off-label purposes, but should never be administered to a cat unless prescribed by a veterinarian. It is important never to give a cat over-the-counter medications containing pseudoephedrine, as some of these medications may also contain harmful medications such as aspirin, which can cause seriously harm an already ill cat.

    Phenylpropanolamine

    • Another decongestant that may be prescribed to cats, phenylpropanolamine goes by many brand names including Acutrim, Propan and Phenyldrine. Like all medications, this particular nasal decongestant should never be administered unless directed by a veterinarian. Like pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine has been prescribed for oral use in cats that require a nasal decongestant.

    Reptile Heat Lamp

    • Though not a medicine-based decongestant, a reptile heat lamp can be beneficial to cats suffering from congestion. A heat lamp can be placed over the cat's favorite sleeping spot. The heat aids in draining and comforting the congested nasal passageways. Overall, this can make a cat suffering from FIP more comfortable, especially if the respiratory issues have become particularly severe.

    Warning

    • It should be noted that prolonged use of nasal decongestants can worsen the other symptoms of FIP according to veterinarian Ned F. Kuehn. In fact, nasal decongestants can actually cause a rebound nasal congestion that is worse than the original congestion. However, this is only a possibility and may not affect all cats that are suffering from FIP congestion.