URI Outbreak

[aly]

As most of you know, I brought in a new foster about 2 weeks ago. She is still in quarantine in my bathroom because she seems to have come down with URI. I was sure to wash my hands carefully every time after handling her, but now the rest of my cats are sneezing. It was just a few sneezes and sniffles here and there so I figured it'd be okay until Monday when I can get to a non-emergency vet. But now I just came home from the store and found Chance with his mouth wide open because he couldn't breathe He (along with Skylar and Magic) is in my other bathroom right now getting steam from the shower.

Does anyone know any other tricks to help clear his nose up? I am going to call the ER right now for their opinion.

[CatDad]

I am sorry to hear about the crew.

I wish I had something good for you to try, however I don't

I just wanted to wish you luck and knwo that I am keeping good thoughts for you and all the babies.

[Uabassoon]

When Corkscrew gets congested I warm up some chicken broth for him, it's seems to help and it makes him feel better. You just have to make sure the chicken broth doesn't have any onions.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Aly, I'm so sorry to hear that your furkids are sick. I think that steam is probably the best way to help clear their nasal passages. I've also used pediactric nose drops called "Little Noses" before but it's very difficult to keep a cat still while you try to squirt drops into their nose. Good luck and I sure hope they'll feel better soon. Please keep us updated.

[aly]

I just rubbed their noses with a warm, wet cloth. I don't want to go to sleep tonight because I want to keep an eye on Chance.

[aly]

I just got back from taking Chance to an emergency vet. I talked to them, but they didn't feel it was necessary to see him so I never even took him out of the car. They told me to get some pediatric nose drops and keep steaming them in the shower. They also said that since its a mild case and they're all still eating, then I don't need to put them on antibiotics. They said I should just worry and take them in if they stop eating for 24 hrs.

So, I have them all marinating in a steamy shower right eating some canned food.

Shiloh and Missy are the only ones not sniffling. Skylar has got a terrible hacking cough This came on so fast.

[Randi]

Aly, I'm so sorry to hear your kitties are sneezing and coughing, poor babies. I'm sure it will help to keep them in a damp environment - and I hope you'll be able to give them the nosedrops.

We'll keep fingers and paws crossed that they're feeling better very soon.

[ChrisH]

Oh, Aly, I am sorry to hear the kitties are sick. Hope it all goes away as quickly as it arrived. They and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

[aly]

Lucky is starting to breathe with his mouth open now. Not quite as much as Chance is though. I'm still keeping a close eye on them for any changes. They just got out of the steam again and there's been less sneezing at least.

[Barbara]

I don't have much experience but some time back someone else was talking about steam helping when the kitties can't breathe. I hope they come over it soon. All the best for my sweet boys and their adopted family

[PayItForward]

Aly, How are the cats doing ?

Hoping everyone feels better.

[shais_mom]

positive thoughts on the way for you and the crew Aly!

[aly]

Everyone is doing ok with just mild sneezing today - except Lucky and Chance. They are both still open mouth breathing. I hate to see them like this.

UGh, their mouths are so wide open and they can't even close them. I'm goint to the store now because Chance looks bad. I'm going to get a couple things that Kim suggested.

[aly]

Neither Lucky or Chance will touch the chicken broth or tuna right now It could be because I just put some Vicks on their noses though (just a little).

[rg_girlca]

My thoughts and prayers are on the way that your kitties have a fast and full recovery.