Cooper started showing hints of a cold Saturday at the breeders. He came home with me Sunday. His symptom is primarily that he sounds congested and makes sort of a snorting sound especially when he eats and drinks. He sneezes a couple of times a day. His eyes are clear - no discharge. I saw a tiny bit of thin, clear, water like mucous under his nose just one time since Sunday. He's eating and drinking plenty. He may be sleeping extra but its hard to say....he could be bored in his safe room and I might have forgotten how much kittens sleep. He does play too.
Vet saw him Monday and I mentioned it. He has no temp, is eating well and she commented on the lack of nose / discharge. She said she preferred not to give antibiotics if he didn't really need them. I should have thought to ask how long to let his snorting / congested sounds last before bringing him back. They aren't less today (Wed) than they were Monday but he's still eating well without obvious mucous from his nose or eyes. I just wonder if he could be helped to feel better.
How long should I give it to improve on its own?
I do have a call in to the vet (waiting to hear back).
I just spoke to the vet. She said if there isn't a lot of eye or nasal discharge and he's eating that she doesn't need to check him again (but to watch for it).
I'm still worried though because of the snorting noises and that every time I go in to check on him, he's sleeping. He wakes up and comes over to me and plays a bit but it takes a bit and I think his energy level is a bit low (again, maybe that's b/c his safe room is boring and small?)
I hope the vet is right about letting it run its course as long as there isn't a lot of eye vor nasal discharge.
If any discharge is clear, it's probably viral (or just his immune system adjusting to his new environment in your home), not bacterial. When i brought Winston and Oliver home, they sneezed for a week or 2. Just keep an eye on Cooper, his energy levels, and his food consumption.
He seems to be sleeping a LOT. The sneezes are very occassional but the snorting / congested sounds are frequent. I'm considering bringing him to another vet. I don't want to give him medicine he might not need and I did like this vet but I don't want days going by with him not feeling great if there's something that will help. I know he'll hate another car ride / vet visit... I really can't decide. I'm back to work tomorrow so it's better if we go today or Saturday (or maybe it really is okay to wait and he won't need to go)
I'm so unsure!
He is still a kitten and they do sleep or ours did. The vet told us they can get the sneezing from being stressed such as moving from where they were to our homes and etc. Do keep an eye on the baby for sure. I tell you I think I worry more about my furbabies than I did my human babies.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
The vet is probably right about the meds since this sounds viral. The lethargy is a concern and I would pay most attention to that and the congestion not getting worse/deeper. I would give it a while to see if there is improvement. If another vet visit is needed, then make sure you confirm the congestion is not dangerous and that there is no fluid collecting. Kittens will sleep a lot, but will also have multiple periods of very active play every day. You and your vet both recognize he is sick - and his lethargy is caused by that. Be sure to keep the breeder updated since she may be able to spot things in the other cats that give you an idea of how to approach this.
Sorry to know that Cooper is not 100%! I hope he will be like that in no time!
Sorry to hear of sweet Cooper's little cold. I bet he will be fine in no time, with all the loving care he's getting from his mama.
Charlie seems to sneeze a few times every day and has a little discharge around his nose (buggars) but otherwise is healthy and active. I wouldn't see a doctor and get meds if my nose ran or I sneezed so I am just watching Charlie. I am not a big fan of running to the vet with every hiccup. Sorry to be cynical, but they (and doctors) have an incentive to keep you coming back and prescribing drugs. A little common sense is useful. Just my opinion.
It was the snorting sounds and congestion that had me most concerned. Both seem better today. He's still sneezing a bit but eating well and more active. I think the isolation / safe room arrangement was starting to contribute to the lethargy I was seeing yesterday. Last night and twice today I've given him the run of the rest of the apartment for an hour or so and he covered a LOT of ground. He loves the cat tree and immediately took to the water fountain in the kitchen. He's not 100% but I think we're headed in the right direction.