Question:
I recently adopted a kitten from the local SPCA. He started sneezing when I got him home and Friday night when I got home from work he was drooling. I took him to the emergency vet and they gave me an antibiotic and said it was a virus. He is still eating and drinking but absolutely miserable. Is there anything I can do to cure this quicker? The last cat I got from the SPCA had the same thing and it took 3 weeks to go away. I am also giving him Lysine crushed in his food. But after a day on antibiotics and a day on the Lysine he seems worse. What can I do to make him less miserable? And cause the healing process to kick in quicker? Thanks for any help you can give.

Cindie

Answer:
Sounds like rhinotracheitis, which your kitty probably caught in the shelter, as it is quite contagious and very common. The stress of the shelter often starts outbreaks of this illness, which is comparable to a cold in humans.

The antibiotics should work, but make sure he continues to eat and drink. If he is not better in 2 weeks, or gets worse - stops eating, has green discharge from eyes or nose - take him back to the vet. Feed him smelly canned food to spark appetite.

I don't know what Lysine is for.

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