Help Sneezing Kittens have cat flu

[Emily]

I posted yesterday about my four kittens who were sneezing. I hae just got back from the vets and they have the flu. he has given me some antibiotics for them but other than that said it was likely one of them who is the worst would probably die. Is there anything more I can do for them other than to keep them warm and give them the antibiotics. Also he said that it might make them vomit and have diahorrea but is this just going to weaken them further and make their chances of survival less? They are only ten days old and I don't want to lose them.

[Ash]

I'm sorry to hear this! Keep them warm at all times, windows closed. It is often advised by experienced kitten mommies to take empty soda bottles and fill them with warm (not too hot) water, and place them under towels in a square, so they can snuggle in there. Are they still with the mother? If yes, keep a watch that when she leaves the nest that they're not exposed suddenly.

Don't stop giving the antibiotics. If you feel they vomit or poo too much, call your vet and ask for further advice. Don't take matters in your own hands. Small kittens are very very delicate.

Other than that, pray. Maybe sing to them, give them lots of love. All the best!

[Traci]

Please keep your posts in one thread.

Get your kittens (and the mohter) to another vet, preferrably an emergency vet or a feline-only vet with more experience in kitten care.

Antibiotics are usually necessary for kittens with upper respiratory infections, but equally as important is nutrition and other supportive care. If the mother is still nursing, you need to determine if she has enough milk production to support them all...if she doesn't, you will need to be prepared to bottle-feed them with kitten formula, a good (new) vet will instruct you with that, and will offer you other care tips to keep them thriving. If you have one or more kittens who are not doing well, it is imperative you get them to an emergency vet or a competent vet who will treat accordingly and help them survive..don't wait on this, see a new vet or emergency vet NOW.

[Emily]

Thank you for the advice. Sorry for not posting in one thread, will avoid that in the future. I will follow all your advice and see if I can find another Vet in the area who can look at them asap.

I will keep you up to date.
Thanks

[Guest]

Ok I have rung round all of the vets that are feasible to get to and they are all advising me to just keep on with the antibiotics. Do you think they may have been misdiagnosed? Or is this not the correct medicine for them? I'm getting really frustrated with my local vets services. On the plus side we are keeping a close eye on them and they are all feeding ok and not crying unduly which is giving me hope. We have also put some warm water bottles covered in socks next to them when Esme leaves her nest which seems to be helping, lees sneezing going on. We are going to take it in shifts overnight to monitor them and in the morning I am going to try some more vets, however there are absaloutely no specialist cat vets in my area, just general ones. Is it worth trying to take them further afield or do you think the ca journey will just make the problem even worse? I did my best today to keep them warm going to th vets but even going form my fornt door to the car with them all wrapped up seemed to make them so much worse sneeing wise? Thank you so much for all your help. I will keep you posted.

[Traci]

What is the antibiotic the vet prescribed? Is it amoxicillin, and is it a liquid? If yes, then this is an appropriate antibiotic. It should be given up to 7 days.

Was the momma kitty examined by the vet as well? It may be that she might require antibiotics as well, but he needs to determine that, because some antibiotics should not be given to the queen while nursing.

Upper respiratory infections are common in most young kittens. The key is to ensure they are kept warm, getting sufficient nutrition, and that there are no other environmental problems, such as smoke, excess pollens, dust, etc. Also monitor their eyes and noses, keep any discharge gently wiped with a clean dampened, warm cotton ball or gauze pad. Be gentle, just gently wipe away any excess discharge.

Their eyes should begin to open about now, at the latest, in 14 days. If they have an upper respiratory infection, this could also affect their ability to open their eyes, so again, be sure any visible discharge is gently wiped free.

If you don't notice improvement within a couple days, get them back to the vet for a recheck, would be a good idea to get the mother cat examined as well. If any of them seem to "crash", such as lethargy, not moving, trouble breathing, pushed away from their siblings on the other side of the box, promptly get them to an ER vet for sub-q fluid support, nutritional support, and possible glucose administration.

[Ash]

If they're not getting worse I wouldn't risk another trip in the cold. Warm and quiet and rest is the best.

[Emily]

Kitties are doing great!! Was really worrying for a while but they've all stopped sneezing and are now making some wobbly attempts at walking. Gave the antiobiotics for the last week and that seems to have sorted them out. Just wanted to say a huge thankyou for all your advice, I will keep you posted on how they get on in the next few weeks, but for now I think the main problem is going to be letting them go when they are old enough, I want to keep all of them but thats not possible. One thing for sure Esme will be going down the vets asap for her op - one load of kittens is more than enough.

[Tambrey]

I am glad to hear they are all doing better adn getting around...they are sooo much fun...I understand how hard it will be...believe me!!