Hi everyone, I got my persian kitten about 3 weeks ago and this forum has already been really helpful to me. I would put a picture up of little Sophie but I can't figure out how

So when I picked out Sophie at the breeder, she was wheezing a little when she was playing and the breeder said that it was normal and that she would probably grow out of it. If she didn't there was a surgery available.

So when I got home, she continued to wheeze (little squeakies) and she also snorted a lot. After a couple of days and some obviously abnormal discharge, I took her to the vet and found out she had a really bad URI. After eye ointment and two different antibiotics for 17 days, we decided that she was better even though she is still squeaking and snorting. She still gets a booger every once in a while. I the hard part for me is that I don't know what is normal for persians or for her because she was sick when I got her. I know persians can snort but she sounds so phlegmy when she does! So I guess the biggest worry for me are the boogers and wet snorts.

So my question is: Is this normal? Do I need to get more antibiotics? I would appreciate any input at all. Thanks.

If she is still not better it is probably a good idea to have the vet recheck her. That breeder should never have sold you a sick kitten.

Let us know how she does.

Susan

Some Persians do snort and sneeze more than other cats. Some will pant while or after playing. Depending on the nose, this may be normal.

Phlegmy sounds, boogers, wet noses, abnormal discharge from nose or eyes, repeated sneezing, breathing through the mouth when resting -- these are NOT normal Persian things and would indicate an URI As Susan suggested, if your kitten is still doing any of these, she needs to go back to the vet. URI in. a kitten is not to be triffled with.

All of my Persians are extreme faced and some have better nasal passages than others. However, I find a nasal lavage routine to help a lot. Basically lavage is cleaning out the nasal passage. I use saline and a few times a week on all of my Persians to keep bacteria and yeast to a minimum. I also want to keep the passages unblocked. Usually they sneeze some after and get some mucus and/or debris out.

URIs are a virus and the only thing antibiotics will do is kill secondary bacterial infections if there is one. Be careful about giving too many antibiotics and not replacing the healthy bacteria in her digestive tract as well. Studies show that a healthy immune system relies on a healthy digestive tract. They also help replenish healthy bacteria which keep infections to a minimum. She may have residual sniffling and discharge for some time even when she is over the URI. If she is eating and drinking and acting like a normal kitten then you are fine. Persians seem to take longer getting over colds than some other breeds.
However if she seems tired, lethargic, not eating or drinking and miserable then you want to take her back in to make sure she is not spiking a fever, does not have pneumonia or a sinus infection.

Good luck, I hope she gets better.

Thank you everyone, you have been so helpful! After posting last time I just started her again on her previous antibiotics until I can get her into the vet (there was a bunch leftover). When I called in to ask my vet about it, they said she was gone until the 4th and another doctor told me I needed nose drops, eye drops, AND a new antibiotic. It seemed a little sketchy (and expensive) because I don't believe in just throwing unnecessary meds at her so as long as she is eating and playing and acting normal I am just going to wait until the 4th to see what is up. I know antibiotics aren't great either but her poops aren't runny so I am just going to finish them off. I hate being in this limbo for another week but I really don't trust other vets so waiting is all I can do!

Thanks again, I will post updates.

I am dealing with something similar with my little Kitten Willow. She too makes all these crazy nasal noises.
But, at one point it was very obvious that she was congested and needed more than what I could do with her at home. She ended up on an antibiotic, and althought she still makes breathing noises now, it is different. She is not congested like she was before. It was like she needed the antibiotic to help her kick whatever was in her system on top of a possible virus.

Like you I am still not sure what normal for her is. She is very noisy and I can tell where she is in a room by listening for her. I will be talking to the vet the next time I am in to see what we can do to help her breath better.

Another suggestion I have used is taking her in the bathroom with me when I am showering, just to use the humid air to help her nasal passages and breathing. (Although she now thinks she needs to be in the bathroom with me anytime I am in the shower - silly little thing)

My Humphrey snuffles a bit. He also has more eye discharge than his brother. He often accompanies me to the bathroom when I go into have a shower. I assume the steam helps him breathe a bit better. Last night I decided to take a bath, bubbles and all. He jumped on the tub rim and dipped his paw in the warm bathwater. I didn't want to deal with a soaking wet and stressed out cat, so I gently discouraged him from joining me in the tub.

Hehe, that is too funny. We have a claw foot tub, and Willow likes to sit under there, I think she just enjoys the warmth.

So Sophie took a turn for the worse this morning She started to get the eye discharge again so I knew that the antibiotics weren't effective anymore. I am now giving her a THIRD type of antibiotic. But the dosage for this antibiotic is A LOT bigger than the last two! It is 1.75 cc or something instead of a couple milliliters. Her first dose went horribly. Instead of just shooting it in her mouth with no problem from her, she keeps on screaming like a banshee and spitting it up. I am guessing the new amount and raspberry flavor are not popular (when she spat it in my face I tasted some... I can't blame her). This stuff is hot pink and her front is entirely white. If the rest of the doses go like this I will have a cat with a hot pink beard!!!

Any tips for getting as much into her as possible? Do I go little by little and wait for her to swallow? My mom says I should try to hold her mouth closed but that sounds awful!

I just want her to be better! I feel SO horrible that I didn't start the new antibiotics earlier... now I feel like I am back to square one with her health and three weeks have gone down the drain!

even the doll face ones snort or sneeze sometimes. the rule of thumb is if they have a discharge then you need to follow up with your vet , it may be an allergy but it is still better to be safe than sorry. If you want I will put her picture in for you.. just pm me for my email address. sounds like you have a real sweetheart..