How to Feed & Care for a Cat With a URI

Upper respiratory infections (URIs) in cats are frequently diagnosed and highly contagious. They're similar to the common cold in humans, and while there's no drug that cures them, there are several ways to support your cat and promote recovery. For example, your cat may need medications and supplements to help it stay comfortable and ensure it's getting the nutrients it needs. The more severe the infection is, the more intensive your cat's treatment.

Things You'll Need

  • Antibiotics
  • Eye ointments
  • Nutritional supplements
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your cat to the vet. An upper respiratory infection requires veterinary care and intensive supportive care at home. Severely ill cats may require hospitalization, but since URIs are highly contagious, most cats are treated on an outpatient basis. There's no medication for upper respiratory infections, but your vet will probably prescribe antibiotics to help prevent secondary infections. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for cats with URIs are Clavamox, cephalex, amoxicillin, doxycycline, cephalosporins and cephalex, according to Pet Place. The vet may also want to administer intravenous or subcutaneous fluids to prevent dehydration. According to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, cats, especially kittens, can become dehydrated from the fluid lost through nasal discharge.

    • 2

      Separate your cat. If you have other pets, minimize contact between them and your sick cat. Upper respiratory infections are highly contagious. Separating your cat protects the other animals and keeps your cat more comfortable while it recovers, by letting it recuperate without noise or other disturbances.

    • 3

      Watch for complications. Upper respiratory infections usually resolve within 10 to 14 days, but can cause secondary problems such as lack of appetite, mouth ulcers, eye sores or pneumonia. Pay close attention to your cat's behavior for early signs of these problems developing. Young kittens must be watched especially closely, because they have a much higher incidence of pneumonia resulting from a URI and may not survive the infection.

    • 4

      Treat eye and nose problems. Cats with upper respiratory infections often suffer from eye problems such as discharge or corneal ulcers. To treat these problems and ease discomfort, you may need to administer antibiotic or antiviral eye ointments. You may also need to frequently wipe out your cat's eyes and nose with a damp, warm cloth to clear out any discharge.

    • 5

      Monitor your cat's appetite. Cats with upper respiratory infections often have a compromised sense of smell, which can make them reluctant to eat. To entice your cat, offer it food with an especially strong scent or warm the food to bring out its aroma. You may need to try several foods before you find one that appeals to your cat. If your cat is very ill, your vet may recommend feeding it through a syringe or administering an appetite stimulant during recovery. You may also need to give your cat supplements such as vitamin B complex or potassium until it resumes eating normally. Veterinarians sometimes insert a feeding tube if a cat is too ill to eat or refuses syringe feeding. Vets usually reserve this for cats that are hospitalized because of the risk of infection or other complications.