Can I use a baby aspirator on my kitten’s cold and stuffy nose?

Our question this week was:

Our new kitten has a cold and has a stuffy nose. Constantly sneezing and drippy nose. Can I us a baby aspirator on his nose?

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Connie Myers

Answer

Hi Connie– thanks for your email. You wrote that your kitten has a “cold” and stuffy nose. Many cats will be born with or acquire an upper respiratory infection.

You can try to use a baby aspirator on his nose but in my experience it is not very effective and most cats don’t like it (unless they are too sick to care).

The best thing you can do is to make sure he is eating and drinking well. Cats will often eat based on their sense of smell. You may need to heat up food (to release the aromas) and clean his nose to help encourage his appetite. If he is quite stuffy, you can use a humidifier or taking him in the bathroom with you and expose him to the moist warm steam from the shower. Many times the humidity can help loosen his secretions.

If he acts lethargic, weak or won’t eat – take him to your veterinarian. He may also need antibiotics or something other treatment.

An article that might be helpful to you is Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI).

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra

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