h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Spiggy, my 17 year-old cat has got a cold. He has been sneezing his head off for the last couple of days. Today he did a big one and... well let's just say that I had to wipe his nose for him!

He doesn't have any occular discharge so it seems to be limited to an upper respiratory tract infection, rather than viral cat flu (which would be unlikely, since he doesn't go outdoors anyway).

He sneezes so loud that is frightens the other cat and she runs out of the room.

Oh, the poor kitty!

I didn't realize cats could catch colds! Boy, am I dumb. I'm glad I know someone with so much veterinary knowledge.

I hope poor Spiggy is well again soon! 17 is a healthy age, he's certainly doing something right.

PS- Sorry to butt in on your journal, I was looking on Terri's space for an older convo she and I had, and recognized Spiggy's name on her convo list. I was concerned!

You are not butting in at all!

They don't get a cold like people do, but the symptoms are the same.
I think the cold weather hasn't helped, and with his age he probably has lower immunity, and opportunistic bugs have taken a hold.

It is sometimes less of a sneeze and more of a snorting sound followed by a sneeze.

Poor little boy doesn't understand what is going on!

Poor little guy.

Our cat (Herman) has asthma. So do I. It's really funny when he's sitting curled up on my lap, and we're both wheezing.

Spiggy sounds like such a sweet kitty. I hope he's feeling like his normal self again really soon.

How cold do you think a cat can handle indoors? We shut the heating down to about 60 degrees F during the day when we're not home. Herman never *feels* cold when we get in, but now I'm worried I'll make him sick, and we can't afford to get him to the vet right now. *worries*

What can you do to remedy a cat cold?

I don't think you have to worry.

I only have a gas fire in the living room so the rest of the flat is baltic. Being in Scotland, the temp has been dropping quite low.

Spiggy also has a growth deep in his left ear canal so that may be contributing to his problems. It has been really bothering him this week, so if that is inflamed then his middle and inner ear might be, which could have a knock on effect to his nose and throat.

Oh, that sounds awful! The poor little guy. What a trooper he is.

get well soon, Spiggy!

I hope he hasn't got earache as well - that can be painful!

poor spiggy , I was really concerned when I saw this.Glad it is a cold and nothing worse.Hope you are ok too Mort Oedipus is 16 now and looking very frail. He'd had a rough life before i got him and unfortunately i don't think the 4 years of good food and love he's had from me can make up for it. He seems happy though and he loves the new house because it has a cat door,
Take care and love to you all especially spiggy

Awww; poor spiggy! Give him an extra from me (i don't care aboutsnot on my sleeve!)& Yoda sends the following message:

"Demand cream; never mind your human saying it's bad for you, cream is called for. If in doubt hide, they get really worried when you do that & you will probably get the cream. Make sure you continue to look pathetic; never forget your human is a sucker. And make damn sure your bed is placed correctly in front of the heat source obviously. If you fail to get satisfaction, hobble over to the computer keyboard & sit on it sneezing"

zdt