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Lilahkat (Duffield, Ab) on 08/08/2013
5 out of 5 stars

Finding a stray kitten, I took him in and was raising him until I could find a new home for him. Recently he came down with an upper respiratory infection that had me worried for his life. He was having a hard time breathing, mucus was covering his nose and drying making it hard for him to breath or eat.

I knew steaming could be helpful, but I thought perhaps the 'cure-all' of apple cider vinegar would help as well. I added about a cup of pure Apple Cider Vinegar (with the mother) to a liter of boiling hot water and steamed him for approximately 20 mins in the cat carrier. Immediately afterwards, he went and drank a lot of water (which was an improvement as he was refusing to eat or drink previously). This morning when I went to look to see if I should steam him again - his nose was encrusted, so I cleaned it but after that, there is no more mucus and he's eating.

I've steamed kittens in the past with just plain water but have never had the fast turn around that I've had with little Frankie. He's resting now, more social with my other cats.

EC: Please, of course use special care in using steam treatment on pets and children. It's not always clear when they are in pain, and even adults burn themselves with steaming much too often!

REPLY   5      

Replied By Bengalmom (Nb, Texas) on 12/29/2013

Instead of steam, which sounded effective, I tried my nebulizer. Same idea, put my cat in her carrier and approximated a 1/8th dilution in the medicine cup of raw apple cider vinegar and distilled water. I affixed the "pipe" mouthpiece and med cup with twist ties to the door and gave her a 20-25 minute treatment. I put tape over the opposite side of the mouthpiece to direct all the mist to her side. She looked better after the first treatment this morning, but her eyes were still looking junky. Repeated this afternoon and she is already acting more energetic immediately after the second treatment. This was just easier for me because I wasn't sure how to go about "steaming" her and this way no worries about burns.
REPLY   7      

Replied By Bengalmom (Nb, Tex) on 02/14/2014

Just wanted to add an update: I would guesstimate the strength I used was closer to a 1/4 dilution the first time and used probably a 1/2 dilution the 2nd time not realizing at the moment. It was effective and caused no distress on my pet's part. All better after second treatment.
REPLY   4