I have a female kitten (my first ever cat) who's two months old and has cat flu and conjunctivitis. She's been to the vet who gave her a jab and prescribed some antibiotics and an eye ointment after cleaning her eyes with a specialised eye wash.
However, a few days later her first eye had cleared up, but then conjunctivitis started in the other eye (my fault, I used the same cotton pad for both eyes...). I've been applying the ointment every morning and evening, but the eye doesn't seem to be improving; it keeps closing up and sometimes gets stuck shut after a nap... She's also having a hard time taking her antibiotics; when I try giving her the daily half-tablet (doxycycline) on its own she won't take it, and if I hide it in her food (the stuff in jelly) she just leaves it aside... I called my vet because I felt like her eye was getting worse, but he told me there was no point coming back until the treatment is finished (Tuesday)... On top of that, she's still sneezing from the cat flu, but now she’s making weird noises like something is bothering her throat—I think she’s coughing... Is that linked to the cat flu? She’s still active, energetic and playful; she’s eating plenty and sleeping a lot. Thanks!
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Hello,
Conjunctivitis is frequently linked to cat flu. This illness affects all of the cat’s upper mucous membranes (throat, mouth, nose, and eyes) and can sometimes cause ulcers—either on the cornea or in the mouth, depending on the specific virus involved. This also explains the coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
The best treatment is simply time and a full course of antibiotics. It can sometimes be a long process because cat flu symptoms are quite stubborn, but they do eventually clear up. You should, however, keep a close eye on your cat’s breathing; if they show any signs of respiratory distress, they need to be seen by the vet immediately.
As long as their general condition doesn't deteriorate, make sure you finish the treatment until the very end. If you don't see any improvement once the course is over, you should head back to see your vet.
Best wishes,
Lucie
Hi, I have a two-year-old cat. A few days ago one of his eyes started watering, so we took him to the vet. They prescribed an eye ointment (Ophtalon). We’ve been applying it since we got home, but after two days both of his eyes have started weeping. I’m panicking a bit and I’m not really sure what to do other than wait a week.
Today her eye is looking quite open and the swelling is going down. I haven’t got any "before" photos, but her whole eye was red, swollen and really weepy... I’m carrying on with the ointment until tomorrow as agreed, and then I’m taking her back to the vet.
My 3-year-old cat had lost about 4.4 lbs, which is a massive amount for a cat. The first vet put him on a feeding tube, and I was syringe-feeding him six times a day. He’s eating a bit better now, but he’s still so thin you can feel his bones. I’m staying hopeful, though.
Hang in there, I’m keeping everything crossed for your cat too and I really hope things start to get better 😞
Hi everyone, her treatment is nearly finished (only two days to go) and her eye is looking so much better all of a sudden, I’m really surprised! She can open it now and it’s no longer red or stuck shut. I’ll try to upload some photos.
Hi, I’ve got a 3-year-old cat who has had cat flu since the 21st of April as well as bronchopneumonia. I spent a fortune and he wasn't getting any better, so now I’m going to a vet hospital – they’ve got a really good team and all the proper equipment.
My cat had lost about 4.4 lbs, which is a massive amount for a cat. The first vet put a feeding tube in, and I was feeding him six times a day with a syringe through the tube. He’s eating a bit better now but he’s so thin, you can feel all his bones. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
You’ve got a kitten and they’re much more fragile, so don’t hesitate to change vets or go to a specialist clinic. Best of luck. If your kitten isn’t drinking she’ll get dehydrated, so try giving her water with a spoon or a syringe.
Keep us updated!
but she isn't drinking any water (even though I leave plenty out for her), I gave her a bit of kitten milk which she drank loads of, and she isn't eating dry food, only wet food in jelly
Hi everyone,
I think my vet is really great! He’s advised me to finish the full course of treatment and said these are just typical symptoms of her cat flu... As for her eye, I’m carrying on with the ointment and eye cleaner; it’s looking a bit better today (the eyelid is less swollen). I’m taking her back to the vet later this week and I’ll keep you all posted.
Thanks so much.
She’s still eating loads, her poos are normal and she’s very playful.
Hi,
As Mariechatons said, get a second opinion from a vet if you're worried. You’re the best person to judge your cat’s behaviour and see if things are getting worse... then it’s up to the vet to do what’s needed. No vet will ever refuse to see you if your gut feeling tells you that something is wrong. Of course, you’ll still be charged for the consultation...
Hang in there, and keep us posted, thanks!
