Cat Snot

[Digi]

My snotty cat was allergic to plastic. She didn't ingest it but we changed her bowls to glass. Metal will work as well.

Not sure what she had at the shelter, but shes has metal for several months. I heard plastic making cats sick, so I never used plastic bowls for my kitties.

She started a new food a couple days ago (her and her owner just moved in) and I'm hoping the quality boost might make a difference in her immune system(acana). So far there is no change between recipes, so its prob not a specific food item that's causing it.

Instead of the hot shower steam, do you think a hot humidifier would get the same results?

[Karen]

Instead of the hot shower steam, do you think a hot humidifier would get the same results?

Yes, as long as it is in a confined space.

[Digi]

Yes, as long as it is in a confined space.

Perfect, I'll try that tomorrow.

[emily_the_spoiled]

There are 2 anti-histamines that my vet has recommended I use for one of my guys. Claritin 2.5mg daily or Chlortripilon 2 mg daily. So depending on how the kitty is taking pills either of those work. Personally I prefer the Claritin b/c is it easier to split (into quarters) and does not cause my guy any problems with sleeping/hyperactivity. But it is a trial and error thing to get the right one.

I also have a very snotty kitty and we have gone through multiple cycles of antibiotics. It might be worth your while to have a culture done on the kitty so see if they are anti-biotic resistant. (That is becoming more of a problem in shelters). But it will also tell you what (if any) antibiotics will work for her.

I have found that Zithromax (Z-pak in humans) does wonders for snot levels. But it is only available in a human pharmacy and it is about twice the cost of the Clavamox (at least in the DC region).

[mon]

I was thinking it might be the litter that she is sensitive to, not sure what you use.

[emily_the_spoiled]

Sometimes going with one of the bio-degradable litters will reduce dust and tracking significantly.

[Jessika]

A vast majority of shelter cats or cats "on the street" (some experts dare to say about 90% of them) all have either calicivirus or herpesvirus. Herpesvirus can transpire as an "upper respiratory infection" that seems to come and go. Once they have been exposed to the virus, they have it for life, though symptoms may wax and wane or you can go years without a flare-up.

RARELY do cat allergies transpire as runny eyes/congestion. In dogs and cats, environmental allergies/food allergies/allergies in general transpire as skin related issues... ears, hot spots, chewing feet, with cats you may have hair loss/scabbing because of scratching around the ears/neck, etc. But rarely will allergies cause congestion like you're describing.

If you haven't already, PLEASE consider getting a second opinion from a different vet. There are a lot of options available to you, from minor stuff like using Viralys during flare-ups to even more major like nose biopsies.

[Digi]

I was thinking it might be the litter that she is sensitive to, not sure what you use.

Sorry I'm slow to reply, I don't have Internet and my phone is maxed out. I have to wait until my roomie gets home so I can mooch off his cells WiFi.

He was using something in a bucket. I'm using the green boxed litter from Costco.

What is a natural litter? I'm not well educated in cats.

[emily_the_spoiled]

Natural litters are things made from pine, corn, wheat, etc. These can be recycled but the good thing is they are much less messy than clay litters. You can get them at any pet store, but I don't think they have them at Costco.