What Causes URI?

Kri has just been diagnosed with URI and has been taking Clavamox drops. At first it was pretty hard giving him his drops but now I think he's getting used to it and realize that we're not out to harm him. He's getting better and has started to talk again. Anyway, can anybody tell me what causes URI and ways to prevent it? Also, does anyone have a better way of administering drops to their 'lil ones? I truly hate myself for scruffing Kri twice daily.

Thanks!

I tend to wrap my kitties in a towel to give the medication, then love them and scritch their ears so they are released feeling good and don't fight so hard the next time!

A URI is just like a cold we get, You just have to keep everything super clean. Of course if the kitty is indoor/outdoor it isn't so easy.

They tend to fight it off easier as they get older, it mostly affects kittens and seniors the worst.

Unfortunately, I have to do it the other way. If I don't grab the cat right off the bat, I've lost her for an hour or so. Princess Alexis is on Amoxicillin drops, beautiful pink......on the walls......on the floor......all over the cat.....

So, I grab her by the neck, twist her head sideways (just a little) stick the dropper in and gently squeeze. When we are finished, I pet her, tell her what a good girl she is, hug and love her. Usually she just shakes her head and meows at me.

She is really very good about this.

By the way, this is my first UTI ever in my family.

Originally Posted by KittenKiya

So, I grab her by the neck, twist her head sideways (just a little) stick the dropper in and gently squeeze. When we are finished, I pet her, tell her what a good girl she is, hug and love her. Usually she just shakes her head and meows at me.

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You know this is exactly how I did it this morning. I scruff while I hold his head sideways against a pillow. It works! In fact he stayed where he was when it was all over. He usually just runs off under the bed. Thanks!

I mixed the Clavamox in chicken broth or the gravy from a Nutro pouch.

Stress and exposure to other kitties with an URI can also contribute to an URI. I'm very fortunate that my kitty is small enough and compliant enough to sit on my lap and let me give her the drops. I do try to wrap her up in a towel (like a burrito!) just in case she decides to bolt. She's a trooper, though and doesn't usually fight me.

BTW, my Hannah is also recovering from an URI and is on her 2nd round of antibiotics. My Callie caught it, but she got over it very quickly and is doing fine now.

Stephanie

What causes an upper respiratory infection? An infectious agent -- a virus or a bacteria. Usually it starts with a virus and when the immune system is overwhelmed fighting the virus a secondary bacterial infection can start. There are several different viruses and bacteria that can cause a URI, and many different strains of each. So usually, you don't know exactly which is causing your cat's URI. The vet just treats them all pretty much the same. Antibiotics are given to fight a bacterial infection. And supportive care is given to fight a viral infection

Originally Posted by Chibby

Kri has just been diagnosed with URI and has been taking Clavamox drops. At first it was pretty hard giving him his drops but now I think he's getting used to it and realize that we're not out to harm him. He's getting better and has started to talk again. Anyway, can anybody tell me what causes URI and ways to prevent it? Also, does anyone have a better way of administering drops to their 'lil ones? I truly hate myself for scruffing Kri twice daily.

Thanks!

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Does anyone have suggestions for administering the ointment in the eyes? The vet and nurse made it look so easy but by myself, I'm afraid I might hurt the eyes. I called a friend today to help me but my kitten is very wiggly and hard to hold.

Wrap it up like a burrito in a towel, much like you would a baby. Make sure it's tight, but not too tight for the kitty. This only works if your kitty doesn't mind being restrained.

Stephanie

I've dealt with URI's twice now. The first time, Cupid was already sick and even though he was feeling better, he wasn't 100%, so the stress from moving (bringing him home) made him relapse--twice. The second time, with Opal, I was told that she probably had dormant bacteria from living with other kitties, and then the move upset her and she got sick. She was fine for a few days before she even had symptoms, but with Cupid, he was sickly from day 2 (after he got used to everything).

Cupid was really good with his meds, but Opal refuses to open her mouth at all and she pulls away. So I just set her on the counter (actually desk) and hold her under my arm, with my hand under her chin and work my way in with the dropper. I just have to be careful and hold her tight but not too tight.