Cat with a cold

My cat Autumn sounds like she haves a cold. I'm in the military pregnant and I can't really run across town to a vet to take a look at her. Is there something that I can give her that is OTC? Thanks Military cat

one of my cats had a temperature and the only thing that could be done was to take him to the vet for a shot of antibiotics, it was well worth it

She isn't running a fever. Autumn is just laying there with the sniffles. Then she'll run around with the little cat like there isn't a problem.

There really isn't anything you can do at home. If she is congested sometimes putting them in the bathroom with the shower on hot so its steamy helps.

She actually does need to see a Vet.  Cats with untreated colds can develop secondary bacterial infections which are bad, she can loose her appetite and stop eating, and this can lead to complications with her liver that can be life threatening.  Without taking her to a Vet it could easily progress to the point when you are forced to take her in later and then it will be harder and more expensive and longer to treat her.

An exam doesn't take long and the vet can dispense meds on the spot. Yes a steam in the bathroom will help loosen some congestion, but it doesn't address the underlying infection.  Whatever you do please do not administer any OTC medications to her, many are harmful and even dangerous to cat.  Please contact a vet. :-)

Good luck and keep us informed!

Stephen

I'm not a fan of giving antibiotics for viral infections :/. That's what causes antibiotic-resistant bacteria. There really isn't anything the vet can do for a virus, except provide supportive care (sub-q fluids, etc.) if that becomes necessary. Most viral infections will not progress into a bacterial infection, although of course it's something you should watch for. For a cold I just make sure they're eating and drinking enough, maybe give a little treat like homemade chicken broth (no salt. But if she at any point isn't eating or drinking enough, or runs a fever, you'll have to find a way to get her to the vet.

She really does need to see a vet.  Does the base have a vet on post?  I know some do.  Also, you might look at Care Credit.   Steaming in the bathroom is a good idea or running a vaporizer near where s/he sleeps is a good idea.  You need to make sure that the kitty stays hydrated and keeps eating.  To test for hydration, pinch the skin on the back of the neck.  If it stays up like a teepee, then the kitty is dehydrated.  It it snaps back down, then the kitty is hydrated just fine.  Feed wet food to help entice eating. 

None of us are vets, and that's why the best advice you can get here is to consult one!

Thank you everyone. Going to take her in.

Yay good going!  And thank you for your service :-)

It turned out to be her sinuses. To much Glade and febrezze. Lol

Thanks, my cat has been sneezing a lot more than usual. But he recently pooped on a section of the carpet, and I have been spraying it with febreeze. That must be it.

I'd be concerned about the inappropriate elimination.  Be sure to clean that very well with an enzymatic cleaner or it'll continue to happen.  Also, maybe increase the number of litter boxes you have in your home.