Does a water vapor session in your bathroom while you shower, or under a towel with a bowl of steaming water, really help to relieve the nasal congestion of a cat suffering from a bacterial and viral infection, which has blocked his nose with snot? The theory is to loosen the snot so that it flows out. It is also a technique recommended for people.
Sometimes people add a decongestant to the water to make the process more effective. Dee says “add a dollop of mentholatum to the water”. My vet said don’t add anything to the water but I totally trust Dee because she has years of hands-on experience.
I have two veterinary sources which say steaming is good so I am doing it to try to help relieve the discomfort for my cat who is very ill with suspected herpes virus or calicivirus or some other nasty cat virus combined with a horrible secondary infection. My vet recommends it and so do the books I have.
The downside is that cats don’t like it. People know what is happening. They understand that there will be steam or water vapour in the bathroom but cats don’t. For them it’s strange and unsettling. Also you have to put your cat in a carrier to control him. This downside offsets the potential benefits I feel.
Also a cat will learn to be wary of you if you constantly make him do things which he finds unpleasant because he does not realise it is for his benefit.
I will continue to do it at least once per day as I have to try everything I can to promote a return to health. I am giving him L-lysine when I can.
Me too Ruth, never give up on an animal that is fighting to survive, never write a cat off, and never take away someone’s hope, above all be kind to people who are hurting like Michael is hurting at this moment.
Positive thinking can’t hurt, Dee, sorry but the last thing someone with a very poorly cat wants to hear is that he’s dying. If you don’t have hope you have nothing!
I’ve seen cats given up on but their spirit and will is strong, if Charlie is fighting to survive he will. If he is surrounded by doom and gloom and stops fighting, nothing can save him.
He’s back in his old home now, surrounded by love and care, I will keep thinking positive.
No, no.
I’m so sorry, but Charlie is dying.
Just looking at the video after he even had “speed”, ie. a steroid shot, he’s not going to survive.
Your last and only hope is to take him to a feline only vet.
R, I’m sorry; but positive thinking can’t help right now.
How is Charlie today? I hope you both got some sleep.
Its great to hear he’s doing abit Better. Also that hes going outside too. I’m sure the fresh Air will Help clear his nasel conjustion. I Prob Smelt that wrong. I hope he will approve. I hope you have some time to not worry so much. It’s best that you take some time out. We will Survive a few days at least 🙂
I agree because it should lift the spirit which should help to fight the infection.