How Do I Help My Cat's Congestion?

Cat congestion is usually caused by a simple upper-respiratory illness, or URI, according to the Wisconsin Humane Society. Upper respiratory illness is generally caused by a virus and will oftentimes go away without treatment in about a week, but some cases may be more complicated and require veterinary assistance. In these cases veterinarians may prescribe antibiotics to treat possible secondary infections. If your cat's symptoms are mild, there are ways to manage and treat its congestion at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinarian
  • Canned cat food
  • Microwave or stove top
  • Quiet, warm room
  • Humidifier or steam from shower
  • Facial tissue
  • Nose drops (optional)
  • Oral lysine (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide your cat with fluids from both food and water. Keeping your cat well-hydrated will help ease congestion and allow your cat a faster recovery from the illness.

    • 2

      Heat up some odiferous canned food to feed to your cat. Your cat probably has lost its sense of smell, and making its food more "smelly" will encourage it to eat.

    • 3

      Maintain your cat's general good health in order to boost the immune system to help it recover faster. Paws.org recommends that in addition to ensuring proper nutrition, you should reduce the cat's stress levels by keeping it indoors, and providing it with a warm, quiet area.

    • 4

      Use a humidifier or bring your cat into the bathroom when you shower so that the steam opens its nasal passages.

    • 5

      Wipe any discharge away from your cat's eyes and mouth.

    • 6

      Check with your veterinarian about using human nose drops, as some of these products can help relieve congestion. Never give your cat anything without first checking with your veterinarian.

    • 7

      Ask your veterinarian about giving your cat oral lysine supplements if the illness is caused by herpes, as lysine is an amino acid that can help stop the herpes virus from reproducing.

    • 8

      Pay close attention to your cat's symptoms. If your cat is so sick that it stops eating or drinking, it may need to be hospitalized to prevent dehydration.