My cat has a cold...or something

[Dmmetler]

Poor Rascal (about 18 months old) is miserable-he's congested, his eyes are watery, and he just seems unhappy. He's still eating some, but not pushing the older cats out of the way, and sleeping a lot (which, admittedly, he's a cat....). None of the other three are showing symptoms. 

 

In a human, I'd push fluids, run a vaporizer, treat symptoms where needed, and live through it for a few days. In a cat....well, I don't know. 

[Terabith]

Could he be allergic to something?  The pollen here is insane.  

[happi duck]

Poor kitty!

[Pen]

I don’t think I’ve ever had a congested cat. 

Could he have caught something from a neighborhood cat? 

I guess in CV19 era and knowing cats can get it that comes to mind. But probably allergies or cat Upper respiratory infection is more likely. 

 

[katilac]

I'd guess upper respiratory infection. Vet visit. 

[Selkie]

Agree that it sounds like a respiratory infection. If it is, he'll need to go on antibiotics. I would take him to the vet tomorrow.

[Shoeless]

He needs to be seen by a vet. Upper respiratory infections in cats can become serious quickly.  If they cant smell their food, they'll stop eating, which can lead to fatty liver disease. I would call the vet tomorrow and get him in.  I'd expect some combination of antibiotics, sq fluids, appetite stimulant, and some L-lysine as a treatment. 

Keep offering food and water, and keep him inside until you can talk with the vet. 

Edited June 12, 2020 by MissLemon

[Guest]

10 hours ago, Pen said:

I don’t think I’ve ever had a congested cat. 

Could he have caught something from a neighborhood cat? 

I guess in CV19 era and knowing cats can get it that comes to mind. But probably allergies or cat Upper respiratory infection is more likely. 

 

Our cats are indoor only, including a screened deck. The chance of exposure to another cat is pretty low. 

[mom2scouts]

I just had to put down a beloved elderly cat due to an upper respiratory infection that went bad fast and completely filled her lungs with fluid. Some cats seem more vulnerable to URIs and they can get bad. Your kitty needs to be seen by a vet.