Care of a Cat With Upper Respiratory Sickness

Upper respiratory sickness is a term describing a condition in cats affecting the nose, throat, sinuses and sometimes the eyes, according to Dr. Holly Nash of Pet Education. The upper respiratory tract is vulnerable to infections, and these are caused by a range of viruses and bacteria.

  1. Symptoms

    • A number of symptoms are associated with upper respiratory sickness, including sneezing, runny nose, congestion, nasal discharge, rubbing or squinting of eyes, fever, loss of or decreased appetite and even depression, reports the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

    Veterinarian Care

    • ASPCA advises owners to avoid self-diagnosis of the cat, as a variety of viruses and bacteria cause this illness and require differences in treatment. A veterinarian may prescribe medication, depending on the origins of the illness. If the cat is infectious, the veterinarian will suggest isolating him from other pets.

    Home Care

    • Dr. Nash suggests caring for your cat by keeping its eyes and nasal passages clear and keeping it somewhere quiet and warm. Use a vaporizer in the room to loosen mucus, and moisturize its nose with baby oil to prevent dryness and cracks. Strong-smelling food, such as fish, will encourage eating.