TLC for Cats from the Humane Society
Adopting a cat from the Humane Society can be a very rewarding experience, but it can be stressful at the same time. Your new cat could develop an upper respiratory infection. If you’re a new cat owner, it can be daunting because you don’t know what to expect. Make sure you find an excellent veterinarian with an excellent staff as well who can help you every step of the way.
Upper respiratory infections in cats from the Humane Society are common. Why? Cats are constantly handled by people, and they are in and out of their cages daily. If the air quality is not that great, they’ll be more susceptible to catching the upper respiratory infection. This can be mild or severe to the point your new pet could develop pneumonia.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a humidifier so your cat can breathe. Having a stuffy nose is not fun. A humidifier can alleviate some of the stuffiness for your cat. This is one household item that will pay for itself;
- Keep your new cat away from its new siblings. Some people will allow their cats to be together; it’s better err on the side of caution. Nursing two or more cats can cause you and them unnecessary stress. Keep you new cat in a spare bedroom or bathroom until she’s feeling better;
- Do your best to open your cat’s mouth to dispense the medicine. It may not be easy to get the medicine into your cat. Take small steps because she’s probably scared. You would be to if someone was pointing a syringe filled with pink liquid that you didn’t know what it was. Try to enter from the side of your cat’s mouth. Get someone to help you if you can;
- Patience is a virtue. The upper respiratory infection is just like the flu and it must run its course. This can seem like forever, but you cat will start to feel better in 7-10 days. Make sure your cat finishes the medicine and stops sneezing before you allow her to around other cats.
When your cat develops an upper respiratory infection, don’t panic. Cats may develop it because of stressful situations like introducing a new cat or you have a baby. You cat may be given nose drops and some form of antibiotic. It will take a good 7-10 days to work itself out of your cat’s system. If you have other cats in your house, it’s a good idea to isolate the new cat from them.
If your cat starts to “gag” don’t panic, unless it is severe. They do this because just like humans their noses drain and that drainage goes down their throat and they try to clear it. Gross! Unless your cat does this each day, there’s no need to rush her to the emergency vet.
The upper respiratory infection will soon be over in 7-10 days. If symptoms progress, take your cat to the vet. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Give your cat lots of TLC because that is just as important as the medicine from the vet. Be patient and keep the faith! Your cat will be purring away in no time.
Rebecca
What experiences have you had with adopting a cat from the humane society?
