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I have 2 cats. The youngest and thinnest started sneezing and it passed after about 5 days. Now the older, bigger cat is sneezing and he's not over it yet. What should I do?
Optional Information: Pet's Gender: MalePet's Age: 5Name of Cat: GizmoWhat have you tried so far?: I gave him a child's dose of Claritin (5mg)
Hi there,
I am sorry your kitties are not feeling well.
Did the young one completely stop sneezing?
Does either cat go outdoors?
Are both eating?
Any colored mucus?
Thanks,
Terri
Both are totally indoor cats. The young cat, Zappa, 3 yr old, appears to be completely fine. No sniffing, nothing. Gizmo, 5, overweight probably 5-10 lbs., is sneezing like crazy and is not feeling well because he doesn't seem to be "comfortable." Both seem to be eating as normal though and haven't seem to slow down a bit. They are also both drinking plenty of water (straight from the tap). I don't have live plants in the apt. either.
I've not seen any colored mucus, but Gizmo has a little red spot on his nose from wiping it with his paws.
Dear XXXXXty,
Thanks so much for your reply with very helpful information.
Poor Gizmo, I am sorry he is not feeling well.
Upper respiratory infections are airborne virus so a cat can catch it without direct contact.
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/feline_upper_respiratory.html
It is possible Zappa had it and gave it to Gizmo. This can also be an allergic reaction.
You can give him one quarter of a 4 mg chlortrimeton every 24 hours Or one mg per lb of benedryl every 12 hours.
http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/diphenhydramine-benadryl/page1.aspx http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/chlorpheniramine-maleate-chlor-trimeton/page1.aspx
Put a dab of plain neosporin on his little nose three times a day so it can heal up.It is mostly vaseline so safe if he licks some.
Feed odorous foods to keep then eating.
Run a hot shower to make a steam room and take Gizmo in for ten minute intervals. That should make him more comfortable.
As long as they both eat well and are drinking they should feel better very soon.I hope they do.
Please let me know how they are doing.
Best wishes for them,
Experience: Expert in feline health and behavior. 20 years experience with cats.
I gave Gizmo 5mg of Claritin this morning. Would that work? I also have Benedryl but they both hated that one! This is children's dosage and grape flavored.
I bet he hated liquid benedryl.
Try to get a tablet and just crush it up into his food. He won't detect it.
If Gizmo weights ten lbs you can give one half of a 25 mg tablet.
He should not have claritin if it has an additives for pain or sleeping.
Dear XXXty,
Thanks so much for your positive rating. I just want to mention,
pseudoephedrine can be harmful so do not give Gizmo any product with that.
Please let me know how he is feeling.
Best wishes for him,
So is my cat safe with a 25 mg. claritin? I gave it to him before I left for work. Do I need to check on him?
Was it regular claritin free of pseudoephedrine?
It's Children's Claritn loratadine 5mg/antihistamine (it shows Non-Drowsy) and nowhere does it show pseudoephedrine.
I'm sorry to keep bothering you, but I just want to make sure I haven't hurt my cat!
You are not bothering me one bit! It is my pleasure to help someone as wonderful as you! It is commonly dosed @ 5 mg every 24 hours.
The generic name of claritin is loratimine. Here is the recommended dosages of all these meds:
http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/214004.htm
If you gave Gizmo 5 mg just don't give anymore till tomorrow.
If you have more questions please do not hesitate to ask.
Thanks again Terri! I really appreciate your help!
Patty Henderson
You are more than welcome!
You are a wonderful person and great kitty "mommy"! It was my pleasure to "meet" you.
Please let me know how Gizmo is later.
Sending as an info request so you are not charged again.
Very fondly,