A Nightmare Has Begun

[kitten645]

This is one downfall with a multi-cat household. Any tips here to help me through this?

Valium my dear..valium!! Not to make light but if all else fails at least a sense of humor will help a bit. Good luck and prayers it passes soon!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Oh no! Unfortunately I have no tips, but I'll definitely be sending good thoughts and prayers that it doesn't turn into a full blown epidemic!

[kimlovescats]

Lisa, been there done that, several times! I remember the first time it happened, I had 17 sick at one time!!! Some of them were a small litter of kittens and I was terrified!!! Thankfully, they all came through it fine! Most do, it is rare for one not to, and that is usually a very tiny baby or very old and immune compromised senior kitty.

As far as knocking yourself out sterilizing, you can try but the germs flow through the air ducts. Just give your pills, watch for anyone who quits eating and drinking .... force tuna water if you have to ... and give it a week! Everyone will be fine ... except your nerves!

PM me anytime you need reassurance!

Hugs,
Kim

[DJFyrewolf36]

I wish I had some advice for you! I'll be praying for the speedy recovery for all.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Lisa, I'm so sorry to hear this. The only time I experienced this was when I only had 3 cats, Storm, Pepper, and Sunny. I took them all to my vet at the same time for some routine things and a few days later Storm became ill. Then both Pepper and Sunny became ill. I didn't have to take Sunny and Pepper in for an exam since they had the same thing. The problem was that Pepper weighed a lot more than either Storm or Sunny and he became sicker and sicker so please be sure that if you don't have to take them in for an exam that you get the right dosage of meds for them. Hopefully it won't spread to all of your cats. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent your way. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[K & L]

Thanks everyone! Valium and whiskey sounds like the best advice!

Secluding is next to impossible since we are up to about 30 cats now. I have a heater going in the garage area and are keeping the ones that are sneezing in this area. Unfortunatley there are those that want nothing to do with coming indoors so they will be at risk getting it. Plus these are the most feral ones so medicating and getting them to the vet will be a challenge.

We'll get over it, but I do not have any idea where they even contracted it. The newest bunch (Sable, Gable, and Garbo) were secluded for weeks and when exposed to the others had no signs of sickness. The only thing I can think of is it is airborn and we have those that come and go from the cat run/garage to the indoors. UGH...what fun.

[jenluckenbach]

Lisa, just remember that the antibiotics you are giving DO NOT cure the (viral) URI nor do they lessen the symptoms, all they do is prevent a further bacterial infection from setting in while the cat is compromised. The reason I bring this up is so you do not feel guilty if you cannot give the medicine to any particular cat. Whether they get the pills or not, the URI MUST run its course.

As Kim says, just watch their eating/drinking. And remember that an adult (normally healthy) cat CAN go a few days without food.

Good luck, this too shall pass.

[K & L]

Lisa, just remember that the antibiotics you are giving DO NOT cure the (viral) URI nor do they lessen the symptoms, all they do is prevent a further bacterial infection from setting in while the cat is compromised. The reason I bring this up is so you do not feel guilty if you cannot give the medicine to any particular cat. Whether they get the pills or not, the URI MUST run its course.

As Kim says, just watch their eating/drinking. And remember that an adult (normally healthy) cat CAN go a few days without food.

Good luck, this too shall pass.

Thanks Jen! Bentley seems better today, but poor Barney is having a tough time of it. I'll keep you all posted.