URIs, or Upper Respiratory Infections, are extremely common when fostering cats and kittens. And one of the hallmark symptoms of “kitty colds” is congestion. Congestion can be a huge problem because a cat won’t eat what it can’t smell. And a nursing kitten is unable to nurse if it can’t breathe through its nose. So, let’s discuss some of the ways you can help reduce congestion in your feline.
Medications
I have listed medications here as a resource. However, anyone who gives out medication without consulting with a veterinarian is extremely reckless and irresponsible. Just because you are able to acquire antibiotics does not mean you should give them out at the first sign of illness in your cat.
Antibiotics
Okay, antibiotics do nothing to help congestion. They also don’t do anything to help the viruses that cause respiratory infections. Antibiotics are prescribed to help secondary bacterial infections which can develop during a URI. If you cat or kitten develops colored nasal discharge, it’s time to talk to your vet about antibiotics. Please, do not give your cat antibiotics until authorized by a vet. Giving them too early can cause the kitten to develop an infection that is resistant to the antibiotics.
Antivirals
Antivirals have become popular in the past year, particularly cidofovir, ganciclovir, and famciclovir. I’ve only had experience with famciclovir. For more information, check out my Antiviral Infopage.
Nose Drops
Nose Drops have become more and more common. Saline drops are extremely safe. I use them frequently, especially before nebulizer treatments. Cerenia nose drops have become popular in the past couple of years. LIttle Noses Decongestant, which contains 0.125% Phenylephrine HCL, is something frequently recommended, but I’ve had mixed results. If you need instructions on how to do, it check out How to Give Nose Drops.
Saline Drops
Saline drops are extremely safe and effective method of alleviating congestion in cats and kittens. The saline helps thin mucus and will stimulate sneezing, which helps expel mucus and bacteria. Put 1-2 drops in each nostril 1-2 times a day. If you are also nebulizing, it is advised to use saline drops right before a nebulizer treatment.
Cerenia Nose Drops
According to Dr. Emily Ferrell on the University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine website, the use of Cerenia for congestion has not been proven scientifically and is off label use. However, I have seen some success with it, and more importantly, I haven’t heard of any negative issues with it. The drops are made by combining with 0.1cc Cerenia with 0.9 sodium chloride. You can use it 1x to 2x daily for 3 to 5 days.
Phenylephrine HCL (Little Noses Decongestant)
Although there is no science to back up the use, the use of Little Noses Decongestant on congested kittens has been recommended for years. It contains 0.125% Phenylephrine HCl. This is a milder version than adult nose sprays that contain Phenylephrine HCl. Use one drop per nostril 2x a day, according to Austin Animal Services. According to Philip Padrid, DVM, it “facilitates drainage from the sinuses, resulting in greater patient comfort.”
Nebulizers, Vaporizers and Humidifiers
Nebulizers, vaporizers and humidifiers all create a breathable mist, but they function very differently.
Nebulizer
A nebulizer is a device that creates a very fine mist. It’s frequently used to distribute medication. It’s a great device that can be purchased on Amazon for about $50. I’ve covered what solutions to use in your nebulizer on Nebulizer Solutions for Treatment of Feline URIs. You’ll also want to check out How to Nebulizer a Cat or Kitten.
Vaporizer
A vaporizer is a device that uses a heating element to create steam. Because of this, it allows you to add inhalants such as Vicks Vaposteam (which I talk about here Is Vicks Vaposteam Safe for Cats?)
I like the very cheap one made by Vicks. You can purchase it for around $15 to $20. If it isn’t creating a lot of steam, you may need to add a pinch of salt to the water. If you add inhalants, add them to the water not the cup at the top. I’ve never had any issue with kittens getting injured from the steam, but if you are concerned put it on a chair.
Humidifier
Humidifiers are better than nothing, but not as good as vaporizers in my experience. I use humidifiers when a room is too dry and I have an issue with static electricity, not when I have congested kittens. If all you have is a humidifier, run down to your local store and get one of the cheap Vicks Vaporizers. You’ll thank me.
Suctioning
Suctioning isn’t something I’ve done often because I was always told it wouldn’t work. However, I attended a seminar that discussed using a Delee Mucas Trap and bulb syringes. So while I don’t have mucas practical info here, I am including them. Both are used to manually remove mucus from the nostrils of kittens. You can purchase a bulb syringe in the baby section of your local store. The best place to purchase a Delee Mucas Trap is from Revivial Animal Health. I will update this section once I have more practical experience.
