Sinus Infection Remedies for Cats

According to the Cat Health Guide, what humans perceive as a sinus infection in cats is medically known as "upper respiratory infection tract disease." If your cat displays symptoms like those of a sinus infection in humans, you should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment. In addition, there are some things you can do at home to make your cat more comfortable.

Clean and Moisturize the Nose

Wipe your cat's nose with a clean, soft cloth or cotton ball to remove any mucus that accumulates or dries. If your cat's nose gets too dry, cracks can form. This will only add to your cat's discomfort. To prevent it, wipe your cat's nose with baby oil or petroleum jelly to keep it moisturized.

Encourage Appetite

Your cat will probably not eat normally when ill. This is not only because it feels so bad, but also because of the sinus congestion. A cat's appetite is stimulated by the smell of food. When your cat cannot smell normally, it will not want to eat normally. In addition to caring for your cat's nose as much as possible, you should buy strong-smelling foods such as fish and canned cat food. The stronger smell can still be perceived by your cat despite the congestion.

Vaporizer

Another thing you can do to make a sick cat more comfortable is to place it in a room with a vaporizer. The vapor serves the dual purpose of loosening mucus in the nose and aiding in your cat regaining its sense of smell. This, in turn, helps stimulate appetite.

Provide Plenty of Water

Make plenty of clean water available to your cat. Upper respiratory infections can lead to dehydration if your cat does not drink enough.

Keep Warm and Quiet

Keep your cat warm and as inactive as possible while it is sick. Inactivity while ill is not a problem for most cats because they will not be their normal, frisky selves. Do not attempt to play with your cat while it is ill, and do not allow other cats, dogs or small children to disturb it.

Be Watchful

Cats tend to hide when they do not feel well, which can make it difficult to keep an eye on them. If your cat hides while sick, try to check on it as frequently as possible to monitor its progress.

Follow Your Vet's Orders

As with humans, your cat must take all prescribed antibiotics. This is because, like humans, the infection can return if all the antibiotics are not taken. Your cat may appear to be well before taking all of its antibiotics, but the infection may not be completely destroyed. Follow your vet's orders exactly. If your cat does not appear to be making progress, or progresses and gets worse, visit your vet again.