5 year old long-haired calico, has just started sneezing repeatedly. She is placid when left to do as she wants but will not let me, nor a vet examine her. She gets wild. 2 vets have said they cannot handle her. I don't know what to do. I'm afraid it's serious and she could infect my other cat.
Hi there,
It sound like a simple URI:
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/feline_upper_respiratory.html
All cats carry upper respiratory virus on their own fur. Cats that live together become immune to the carried strain but as soon as the bacterium is exposed to another cat it will infect them. If this baby was exposed to other cats she likely contracted it from them or stress.
Feed her very odorous food so she can smell it and will keep eating. If she gets dehydrated, give her a few droppers of unflavored pedialyte througout the day to hydrate her and balance her electrolytes.
She can have an OTC called clortrimeton - a quarter tablet every 12 hours if she is congested. Just put it in her foodYou can also take her in a steamy bathroom where you have run a hot shower to break it up.For teary eyes get Terramycin ointment. some pet supplies have it but call first or order from http://www.revivalanimal.com/
If she develops any colored mucus that means the infection has turned bacterial and will respond to an antibiotic.Some vets script one even if it is viral to prevent secondary infections like pneumonia.This is contagious but adult cats can overcome it.
Please let me know how she is feeling. If you get worried I will always be here to help further.
I hope she feels better very soon.
Very sincerely,
Terri