Hi all.
I’m having quite a time with my cats these past few months…
On October 3rd, I found my 3rd kitten outside this year (female, 3months). I planned on fostering her, but my fiancé became super attached and we decided to keep her. We already have two adult cats (female, 5) (male, 4.5) and a 6 month old male. The shelter provided all her vaccines and dewormer, and we got her tested for FIV/FeLV (negative).
She was spayed on Nov 1st at the shelter and we finalized her adoption that day. Despite having multiple collars, surgical recovery suits, etc. we were not able to keep any of them on her… so I kept a close eye on her spay incision, checked her temp daily and made sure she was recovering well. She was doing well for about a week when I noticed she was sleeping more and her temp was slightly elevated- 102.8-103 on saturday. I also heard her sneeze a few times, so I called the vet first thing yesterday (Monday) and they fit us in for an urgent visit.
It turns out, while her spay incision looks great, she must’ve caught an upper respiratory infection at the shelter. She didn’t have a fever at the vet and per their evaluation, it seems to be a very mild infection. She isn't coughing and her eyes are clear, only symptoms so far are sneezing and nasal congestion. The vet sent us home with amoxicillin to prevent any bacterial infection (since she felt it was most likely viral).
Today, I noticed my 6 month old male sneezing and sounding congested. I called, and got him antibiotics and will start them this evening.
My 5 year old female is currently on prednisone for suspected flea allergy dermatitis (yes, I dealt with potential fleas last month too
) and will be finishing her course around the same time the other two end their antibiotics.
So, I have 3/4 of my cats on meds right now, I’m worried about my other two who don’t have a URI and one is on meds that could suppress her immune system (although the vet assured me at only 5mg, it shouldn’t be too immunosuppressant and more for anti-inflammatory).
Thankfully all of my cats are good patients and I’m able to get their meds in fairly quickly and easily. I just feel horrible they are sick and feel like it should’ve done more to prevent it… my 3 month old kitten was being kept separate until she recovered from her spay but her 6month old brother broke into her room a couple times, which is how I think he caught it. He is out with the rest of the cats and eats from the same bowls, drinks the same water, etc. I’ve been keeping separate food and water for him and trying to separate as much as possible, but it’s been difficult. I feel like damage has already been done and the other two have already been exposed.
Anyone else been through this and can provide some reassurance or advice? I know URI is common and treatable but I’m a wreck when it comes to my cats being ill, especially with everything else going on it’s just a lot to deal with. I just want them all to be happy and healthy.
I’m having quite a time with my cats these past few months…
On October 3rd, I found my 3rd kitten outside this year (female, 3months). I planned on fostering her, but my fiancé became super attached and we decided to keep her. We already have two adult cats (female, 5) (male, 4.5) and a 6 month old male. The shelter provided all her vaccines and dewormer, and we got her tested for FIV/FeLV (negative).
She was spayed on Nov 1st at the shelter and we finalized her adoption that day. Despite having multiple collars, surgical recovery suits, etc. we were not able to keep any of them on her… so I kept a close eye on her spay incision, checked her temp daily and made sure she was recovering well. She was doing well for about a week when I noticed she was sleeping more and her temp was slightly elevated- 102.8-103 on saturday. I also heard her sneeze a few times, so I called the vet first thing yesterday (Monday) and they fit us in for an urgent visit.
It turns out, while her spay incision looks great, she must’ve caught an upper respiratory infection at the shelter. She didn’t have a fever at the vet and per their evaluation, it seems to be a very mild infection. She isn't coughing and her eyes are clear, only symptoms so far are sneezing and nasal congestion. The vet sent us home with amoxicillin to prevent any bacterial infection (since she felt it was most likely viral).
Today, I noticed my 6 month old male sneezing and sounding congested. I called, and got him antibiotics and will start them this evening.
My 5 year old female is currently on prednisone for suspected flea allergy dermatitis (yes, I dealt with potential fleas last month too
) and will be finishing her course around the same time the other two end their antibiotics.So, I have 3/4 of my cats on meds right now, I’m worried about my other two who don’t have a URI and one is on meds that could suppress her immune system (although the vet assured me at only 5mg, it shouldn’t be too immunosuppressant and more for anti-inflammatory).
Thankfully all of my cats are good patients and I’m able to get their meds in fairly quickly and easily. I just feel horrible they are sick and feel like it should’ve done more to prevent it… my 3 month old kitten was being kept separate until she recovered from her spay but her 6month old brother broke into her room a couple times, which is how I think he caught it. He is out with the rest of the cats and eats from the same bowls, drinks the same water, etc. I’ve been keeping separate food and water for him and trying to separate as much as possible, but it’s been difficult. I feel like damage has already been done and the other two have already been exposed.
Anyone else been through this and can provide some reassurance or advice? I know URI is common and treatable but I’m a wreck when it comes to my cats being ill, especially with everything else going on it’s just a lot to deal with. I just want them all to be happy and healthy.
