How to Treat Congestion in Cats

Congestion in cats is nothing to sneeze at. While the illness causing the congestion may be relatively minor, cats need to be able to smell their food to be willing to eat. If the cat̵7;s nose is so stuffy it can̵7;t smell its food and refuses to eat, it can quickly develop hepatic lipidosis, a life-threatening liver condition. Congestion in cats is most often caused by an upper respiratory infection, which is similar to a cold in humans. However, a sinus infection or tumor in the nose or mouth can also cause congestion.

Things You'll Need

  • Damp cotton balls or washcloth
  • Humidifier
  • Plain buffered, sterile saline solution nose drops
  • Smelly fish-flavored wet cat food
  • Tuna
  • Greasy fried chicken
  • Meat baby food
  • Oral syringe
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Instructions

  1. Relieving Congestion

    • 1

      Make a vet appointment. Your veterinarian can determine the cause of the congestion and prescribe medication to help the cat feel better.

    • 2

      Keep your cat̵7;s nose clear. Wiping away the discharge with a damp cotton ball or washcloth will make it possible for the cat to smell its food so it will eat.

    • 3

      Use a humidifier in the room where the cat spends the most time or sit in the bathroom with your cat while the shower̵7;s running. The humidity will clear the cat̵7;s nasal passages.

    • 4

      Give your cat plain buffered, sterile saline-solution nose drops. Ask your veterinarian about the correct dose and frequency of use.

    If Your Cat's Not Eating

    • 5

      Offer smelly food. The inexpensive supermarket brands of fish-flavored wet cat food have a stronger smell than higher quality food. Warming the food in the microwave for a few seconds will make it even smellier. Other foods to try are tuna and warm, greasy-smelling fried chicken.

    • 6

      Smear meat baby food or wet cat food on the cat̵7;s mouth. The cat should lick it off.

    • 7

      Mix enough water with meat baby food or wet cat food to make it into a gruel and feed it to the cat with a syringe. Ask your veterinarian how much food your cat needs per day. The amount will depend on the size and weight of the cat.