Treating URI's, Conjunctivitis, Kitty Colds, Upper Respiratory Infections In Cats & Kittens
Please remember that eye infections & Upper Respiratory Infections can be very serious and it's best to see a vet. Keeping in mind that I'm not a vet, there are several things you can do to treat URI's & colds at home. These options might be helpful if you are looking for natural treatments or if you are not able to get your kitty to the vet right away.
Cleaning The Eyes & Applying Ointment
Be sure to wash your hands before and after cleaning the eyes, applying the ointment and also clean your fingers between treating each eye. That can be hard when kitty wants to run away so what I do is apply a dab of the ointment on 2 different fingers; for example, one on my index finger and one on my middle finger. That way each eye is getting a clean application. Are the eyes crusty around the lids? If so you'll want to start by moistening the eye area with warm water until it loosens up enough to be wiped off. You'll want to clean off the crust before applying the ointment so the ointment can actually get into the eye. I usually do this at the sink while holding the kitten with one hand (you can swaddle them if necessary) and repeatedly wetting my thumb under the faucet, then making gentle 'swipes' across her closed eye (let her keep her eye closed for this part, that's fine). Then gently hold her eye open and apply the eye drops. If you don't have eye drops try to find a dropper and use clean warm water. Try to flush out any gobs or strings of eye goo and pat dry. This is when I'd apply the eye ointment. Hold kitty's eye closed allowing the inner corner of her eyelid to peep open and apply the ointment to the corner. Then gently open and close her eye lid to help spread it across her eye. You would repeat this a couple times a day.
Around The House, Before The Vet, To Give Your Pet Relief
Now, on what to use for eye drops and ointments, please remember I'm not a vet. With that in mind, Colloidal Silver is a popular choice to use for eye drops. I've heard a lot of people use diluted green or black tea instead of plain water when they can't get to the vet for eye drops. If you do this I would make sure it's not sweetened or flavored. I prefer to use Oxy-Cat for a natural eye drop. I've also heard of people having good results using Coconut Oil when they had no antibiotic ointment. (I have personally had success with using it directly in my eye when I had a sty get infected. It has natural antimicrobial, antioxidant & antibacterial properties.) This can be very soothing to their irritated eyes. I have used coconut oil on kittens whose noses are getting gunked shut causing them to have trouble breathing and nursing. After cleaning the nose, I smear a very thin layer of the oil around, but not in, the nostrils. This helps keep the snot from caking their little noses shut with hard chunks (also helps keep the eyes from gunking shut as well). It can be helpful to take them into the bathroom with you when you take a shower. The steam can loosen up the mucus.
Eye Drops & Ointments
Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment, You can get an over the counter eye antibiotic ointment for about $15, online or at a local feed store.
Vetericyn Eye Wash, around $13 on Amazon.
Vira-X & Oxy-Cat, from The Two Crazy Cat Ladies. These are all natural supplements that are extremely helpful with URI treatment. They can be used as eye drops.
Coconut Oil, Can be used as ointment.
Colloidal Silver, can be used as eye drops.
If you happen to have 'human' antibiotic drops or ointment, I can't say if it would be safe but I can tell you that the types of medicine in cat vs human drops & ointment are very similar.
Supplements I Use and Recommend
I highly recommend Vira-X to be used at the first sign of any kitty cold or eye infection. Vira-X, Oxy-Cat & CATalyst have become cat health staples in our home because they just flat out work amazingly well. You can buy them online from The Two Crazy Cat Ladies. (This is not sponsored.)
L-Lysine can help cats with upper respiratory issues & conjunctivitis. You can buy human tablets, crush them and put them in the kittens wet food. Kittens get 250mg doses, twice a day. Adult cats get 500mg doses twice a day.
Viralys Gel L-Lysine, You can get some L-lysine in gel form made especially for cats.
Colloidal Silver: A lot of people use this to boost their healing and recovery time. You can use it orally, the the eyes or in a humidifier or nebulizer. Be sure to check the dosing. Some products are sold super concentrated and need to be diluted.
Colloidal Silver For Pets: This products has already been diluted.
Cool Mist Inhaler: Also known as a personal humidifier, vaporizer or nebulizer. This model has a removable medicine cup to add Oxy-Cat or Colloidal Silver.
Remember conjunctivitis is contagious so be careful if you have other cats in the house.
I hope this helps! Good luck and feel free to contact me if you have questions. You can email me, Missi, directly at FosterTheFelines@hotmail.com or you can reach me on my Facebook page, Foster The Felines, www.facebook.com/FosterTheCats.
When You Can't Afford The Vet Bills
I get a lot of questions about how to care for an illness at home when you have no access to a vet. There are some great home treatment options but sometimes the vet is just the best option. Period. I know how hard it can be when funds are low and you desperately want to do what's right by your pet. I understand that struggle. I'm including a few links here that talk about possible options for getting that vet appointment when you think there's no way you can afford it. There is no shame in asking for help with payment plans, etc. Your fur baby is worth it!
*Some of the product links featured in this blog post are affiliate links. Any earnings go toward helping out with foster care costs.
