Upper respiratory infection

My 2 yr old cat, Cody, has gotten a kitty cold from our new kitten. He seemed to be getting better then yesterday his eye started watering really bad. He's been sneezing for a few days. Anyway we took him to the vet this morning. The vet said some of the viruses that shelter cats being home can be deadly to the resident cat. Totally freaked me out. She said Cody had a fever of 103.5 and conjunctivitis and uri. She gave him a shot of antibiotic and we have ointment to put in his eyes. Now he won't come out from under the bed, won't eat. He does cuddle with his baby sister under the bed and if I can reach him I can let him. What should I do? 2 yrs ago my best buddy, my dog got either pneumonia or cancer and had to be put to sleep. That was November 4th, 2011 and then on Dec 13, 2011 we had to put our other dog to sleep. After that we got our kitty, Cody. I hate this time of year. I can't stop crying about Cody now and am so worried about him. Any suggestions to get him to eat would be helpful and anything else.

"Kitty colds" are very common among shelter cats. It's very contagious and spreads like wildfire. Keep his eyes clean and keep putting that ointment in his eyes. That will help clear them up. He should be fine in a couple weeks. He could have feline herpes though, which is like a cat having a chronic cold. My cat has feline herpes and I give him 500mg of L-Lysine mixed in with his wet food. It definitely curbs his flareups.

He's probably scared in addition to not feeling well.  Is there a way to block off the bed so he can't get under it?  It's important for you to keep an eye on him as you need to monitor him for side effects to the antibiotic shot.  Also, you need to give the meds time to work.  Since he's not feeling well, he will sleep more than normal.  His appetite may be off as well, but if he doesn't eat, you must syringe feed him as his body needs nutrition to heal itself.  Be sure to offer him wet food.  If he turns his nose up at it, add a bit of water to it and warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance the aroma and entice him to eat.  Lastly, I know this is difficult, but try not to stress out over it.  Your kitty will pick up on your stress and that will just exacerbate the problem.  He needs low-stress right now.

Thanks for the replies. I was just out in the kitchen and I heard a familiar meow behind me. Cody came out for a late supper. I have him some canned food and he ate it right up. He is now laying in the living room with me. My husband's right the whole trip to the vet was traumatizing to him, plus not feeling well. I will keep an eye on him.

Great news!  So glad he ventured out from his hiding place and also that he ate a little bit.  How's he doing today? 

He woke me up about 8 this morning for his breakfast and stayed out with me for awhile. Mad a feeble attempt at playing with the kitten, but then just sat around. He went back under the bed. I am at work now so i don't know if he came out for his supper. When i checked on him the he and the kitten were curled up together and she was actually using him as a pillow.

Showing an interest in food and play are both great progress markers!  Sounds like he's doing better.  Glad he and the kitten are snuggling.  The kitten may sense that he's not feeling well and is trying to comfort him.  So sweet!  You know this means we need some pics if you're able to provide. 

My baby Cody is feeling much better! I just came home from work tonight to see them chasing each other around the apartment. Cody still tires a little easier, but he is acting more like his crazy self. My husband had to give him eye ointment today and neither were thrilled.

Yay!!  So glad he's on the mend.