Congested Cat? Should You Give Lysine? Learn All About Feline Upper Respiratory Infections | Dr. Em

[@pattyg1901]

You have provided very helpful information in a thorough, clear discussion; and this new cat owner. Thank you!

[@VetMedCorner]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! ☺️

[@judithb4202]

Thanks for the video. I thought all the points were very clear. You’re a great educator

[@VetMedCorner]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting! I really appreciate hearing feedback 💜

[@MagicMelodysMeadows]

I love the information, but it doesn't help me. I have a small farm were cats are always left on my porch. I do have them fixed, but can't afford the vet bills to help them all when they get upper respiratory infections. I have 36 cats now and they just keep spreading the virus. Any suggestions on how to give so many medication? 10 cats have it now and being retire on a fixed income doesn't help. I have one cat that has cost me over $5000 for UTI he had PU surgery twice and large bladder stones removed, but I just can't afford much more. Please any advise would help. The last cat I took to my vet in January didn't survive on the antibiotics they subscribed for URI and I so miss my Wendy. 😢I love my cats and would spend ever cent I have to save them, but I don't have a cent anymore.

[@muhammadsyahinsamsudin8558]

Then stop having cats. Simple as that. If you know that you can't take care of them financially its irresponsible to continue having them as your pets and worse getting more and more cats. 36 cats and being retired is crazy. Give some of them away to a shelter or someone you trust who can take care of them. Please. Put a sign on your farm or something. You have to do something about it. If you truly love your cats, then giving them away to a place where they can be better taken care of even if it means them not being your pet anymore is the right thing to do.

[@MagicMelodysMeadows]

@@muhammadsyahinsamsudin8558 You have know Idea what it is like living on a farm in Ohio. My neighbors shoot their cats when the get to many. I do work with a recue that supplies me with TNR and antibiotics. I spend $200 a week just feeding them. We have a fenced in yard about a forth an acre with 2 barns and a warm house to come into. I just can't hardly afford the high prices of the vets anymore. The cats are protected from the wild life and being shot at by the neighbors. It's just hard to rehome cats here there is so many stays, I did find 3 wonderful homes in the spring for 3 kittens. I would find it more irresponsible not to try my best to take care of them.

[@rikityrik]

⁠@@MagicMelodysMeadowsit’s not just you, probably 85% of the population can’t afford the sky high costs of vets anymore. This by no means is normal or acceptable. They want $300 to $500 just to fix a cat nowadays. No wonder there’s a crisis and shelters are so full. It’s really sickening. People can talk smack online all they want but must be ignorant to the fact of how many people are dumping unloved pets into the lives of caring people who want nothing more than to help but little money to do so when it comes to exorbitant and outrageous vet prices. I feel bad for all these animals left to die. Thank you for trying and thank others who are out here trying🙏

[@channahranck8738]

Are you blind? Did you read her message before you commented? The cats were DUMPED on her porch. She is caring for animals people dumped there. Smh. Some people do not entirely read comments then act like they can judge her situation with superiority. Just go away.

[@Michael-o5o9g]

​@@muhammadsyahinsamsudin8558exactly 👍 it's not helping to get overwhelmed with them like that ...ask me how I know 😂 I rescued two mother kittens in 2019 now I have 10...one was struck by a motor vehicle... broken tail and not able to have bowel movements ...vet charged $469!!! That's after I said no to blood tests !!!! Gave me a handful of meds most of which she didn't need ...very disappointed 😞 I assumed the vet wouldn't take advantage of my concern for the poor kitty 🐈 but that's what see they did...all she needed was her bladder expressed once ever couple days and some miralax with her food ..$8 at Walmart!!!!!! No more Vet visits!!!! Shit happens...animals get sick and injured and having multiple is just not smart nor humane ...have one and love it all you can !!! One is manageable but make sure you have the funds Incase it needs treatment

[@maximeriviere4276]

Hello, i can only speak for my experience but Lysine worked incredibly well for my cat. He had conjunctivis due to FHV and Lysine at 500mg x2 per day had an incredible impact. I trust scientific studies but I am seeing countless people online saying that Lysine worked like a miracle for their cats.

[@VetMedCorner]

The thing with these viruses is that they tend to be transient... So the reality is that they would have resolved anyway, and that the lysine didn't do anything. People just attribute the resolution to it because they feel that 'doing something' will make a difference.

[@maximeriviere4276]

@@VetMedCorner Then we can say exactly the same thing regarding the efficacy of Famciclovir to treat FHV ?

[@VetMedCorner]

Incorrect. We often use proven anti viral medications when the cat is struggling to clear the virus they have (ETA or if the cat is very ill). The difference is that these anti viral medications are proven to work.

[@maximeriviere4276]

@@VetMedCorner I really believe in scientific studies but I am also shocked by the number of people online who say that Lysine worked better than anything else for their cats who had recurring URI/FHV....

[@VetMedCorner]

People also say that ivermectin treats covid... Unfortunately, what non experts say online has zero bearing on reality.

[@NurseHallauer]

Hello again! Was really excited to see the lysine part addressed. I feel like it was just the other day that I asked about this. :) Thank you for taking the time to answer questions in an easily understood, evidence-based way. Your videos are an excellent service and resource for pet lovers!

[@VetMedCorner]

Hi!! Your suggestion was a great one so I just had to research/film/edit it next! It took a couple weeks, but here we are! If you have any other suggestions, feel free to throw them at me! I truly want to get the information that is wanted/needed out there. ☺️

[@MelodieAnn1986]

Lysine is great. I have three cats and when I went to APA and got a new kitten found out she was sick, but she made them sick as well. Lysine helped sometimes it can take some time, but it will help and boost the immune system back up and make it easier for the cat to eventually get better.

[@VetMedCorner]

Unfortunately, that's not correct. The research indicates it does not 'boost the immune system'. What happens is that the cat gets better in spite of the lysine...

[@Michael-o5o9g]

​@@VetMedCornerhahaha 😂how can people make such bold claims 😂 it's all anecdotal 😂

[@Islamophobiaisalie]

This is an excellent video. Super helpful! Keep up the fabulous work.

[@VetMedCorner]

Thank you 🥰

[@GS-br8nq]

I heard another Vet say that Lysine was very helpful. I would want to know who paid for the study and was it somebody who was vaccinating and supporting the vaccines I just don’t trust a lot of studies that come out but that’s me but I’m I would keep doing lysine if it helps it’s not gonna hurt.

[@VetMedCorner]

Feel free to use the link in the description to find additional information on the lysine research

[@StephanieSunde]

Thank you so much! I truly appreciate the detail you've provided since it will help me with my kitty, who has FHV flare, that has him struggling the last couple of days. Yes, I'l be getting him to the vet (hopefully tomorrow since he hasn't really eaten or drank much the last couple of days).

[@VetMedCorner]

I'm glad that you will be consulting your veterinarian - I hope your cat recovers smoothly 💜

[@gigigeegee]

Such a helpful video! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge ❤!

[@VetMedCorner]

I'm so glad you found it helpful - thank you for the lovely comment ☺️

[@janinestreeter2477]

Great page thanks for your wisdom sharing, whats your thoughts on echinacea for cats?

[@joeyd.OEF.2010]

EXCELLENT VID.....All the info I needed ....and more.....love it!!

[@VetMedCorner]

Thank you! Your comment just made my day ☺️

[@zakiyacarter3714]

Thanks for the video. I've been taking care of my cat for the past couple of days and trying to help her congestion with a vaporizer.

[@VetMedCorner]

I hope your cat recovers well 💜 thank you for the lovely comment, it's very appreciated

[@zakiyacarter3714]

@@VetMedCorner Thanks for the well wishes. She recovered from her URI and so energetic

[@sylviagierasimczuk9556]

Thank you for sharing this information it’s very helpful ❤

[@gsdalpha1358]

Thank you so much for your video! We're caring for an 8-year old semi-reformed feral cat. It took him 4 years to tolerate us, another year before we could pet him. He's always been outside, so we bought him a heated cat house. He disappeared for two weeks then came back a week ago, sneezing, gunky eyes, significant weight loss (TNR in 2022 listed 10 lbs, he's now 8 lbs). He let us put him in a carrier and go to the vet who prescribed Erythromycin (eyes) and Doxycycline. He's since been quarantined in my computer room. He's adapted beyond belief. The sneezing has lessened and his eyes are clearer but he only eats a tablespoon of stinky food at a time 3-4 times a day. He does drink water and uses a litterbox. We're just worried since it's been a week, and he's still very docile... no exactly lethargic since he leaves his bed for pets, talks to me, and purrs. But he hasn't ventured beyond a small alcove. It's just weird that a feral cat is so calm being inside. Do some cats just take longer to recover? Thank you for any insight. We're retired, fixed income. It's $150 a visit to our only local vet. If we need to talk him back, we will! Hoping maybe he just needs more recovery time. Thank you again.

[@VetMedCorner]

If you're unsure you should update your vet clinic and ask them when a recheck might be reasonable if your cat continues to display URI symptoms. I'm glad you found VMC - welcome!

[@gsdalpha1358]

@@VetMedCorner ❤ Thank you!

[@KneisslWill]

Thank you. Informative video.

[@VetMedCorner]

Glad it was helpful! 🐱🐾

[@Peekaboo-Kitty]

Thanks to all the Vets who made me waste my money on Lysine!

[@VetMedCorner]

There was a period of time where we thought it might be helpful, but as with so much of medicine, that changed as we got more data from more studies.

[@Peekaboo-Kitty]

@@VetMedCorner I understand. Thanks for clearing it up.

[@VetMedCorner]

I'm glad you asked, and should have made it more clear in the video. Don't hesitate to ask if you have any other questions! 🐾

[@maryseibel6103]

Oh my, I just kind of found this video and listened. My cat has had drainage from her eyes for years and all the vets that have seen her basically said oh it just happens with some cats and there's really nothing to do about it. Except on my last visit, the that that saw her said put her on l-lysine. So I've just finished a first tube of it. I think it might be a little bit better. I don't see as much drainage. But from watching your video now I'm thinking wow she's not even on the right medication for this. She is 16 years old now. And a wonderful kitty.

[@VetMedCorner]

It would likely be worth consulting a veterinary ophthalmologist for your cat. I'm so glad you found VMC - welcome ☺️

[@rachelgilchrist6731]

Thank you. This was very helpful. I was very worried ☹️. I found kittens outside and one of community cats had them. I am working with a local organization to get them trapped and fixed. I will be taking the kitties to the vet next week when I believe they are old enough for vaccines

[@VetMedCorner]

I'm glad you found VMC - welcome!

[@iceangel587]

Hello lysine was recommended from my vet for feline herpes. 14 yrs old. What are side effects of lysine use? Anticipated and adverse. Ive been giving it, he doesn’t seem to like it. Does it need to be given with food?

[@amc5936]

i got lysine treats off amazon and it clear my cats cold and or herpes virus just fine vet would not give antibioatics just told about the treats

[@joeycoll007]

Thank you so much for this video! I have a feral cat colony that took up residence here and I have more cats than I can afford to take to the vet, and my area does Nothing for these cats, so I have to do it alone and I picked up many helpful things in this video and others, bless you

[@VetMedCorner]

Thank you so much for this incredibly kind comment. I am very dedicated to getting people access to free, best practices, research based info and the fact that you've told me it helps you makes all the work worthwhile. Thank you for helping to care for the ferals that you can.

[@booksale5]

Hi Dr Em, I really appreciate evidence. Based medicine, as a human physician, I’m off and struggling with individuals latching on to some sham treatment, and a lot of the videos on KZbin, talk about lysine, and I was thinking to myself along with carnitine, how those are such gimmicky type of recommendations, because unless you have some underlying innate metabolic disorder which would lead to a deficiency in any of those particular, amino acid, how would adding more of that amino acid suddenly increase the rate of whatever biological process? It wouldn’t because the animals body is already metabolizing whatever amino acid at its max. Keep up the good work, and one thing that I wish was mentioned was when you were talking about vaccinations, I live in New York City, and I brought home a stray who I thought was a bit differently, but the vet didn’t think so, but I think he’s also freshly out of that school, in any case my resident cat ended up developing this really bad URI, but I’m not familiar with any vaccines for those two viruses you had mentioned and it’s definitely not any of the vaccines my resident cat or the stray was given are the vaccines which are only upon special request?

[@VetMedCorner]

Welcome to VMC, doc! It also really bothers me how much misinformation is on social media, that was a huge reason why I pushed myself *way* out of my (quite introverted) comfort zone and started learning how to edit video and all the rest of it... The vaccine is the FVRCP combination vaccine that protects against feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, and feline panleukopenia. This vaccine is generally considered to be part of the basic feline vaccines (alongside the rabies vaccine) so I would presume that your veterinarian does vaccinate (and give boosters) with FVRCP. If you ever have a topic that you'd be interested in having covered in a future video, don't hesitate to say so! I am always happy to add it to my list of future topics.

[@opalpearl3051]

Really terrific information. It is interesting how Lysine has been studied and determined ineffective, yet you find it on the shelf's in abundance. I guess it is buyer beware. I had a Vet recommend echancia for my cat (glycine based only) and it seemed to reduce his flare. Have you heard of this remedy.

[@VetMedCorner]

Thank you - I appreciate it! Yes, I'm aware of echinacea, but to the best of my knowledge we don't have any research demonstrating it's effectiveness in cats.

[@seemaspicer1050]

Thank you

[@Chickpea-15]

Ugh, I had read awhile ago lysine wasn’t helpful and was possibly harmful so I stopped giving it to my kitten with a URI. Now my adult cat has very bad congestion and weepy eyes and it is probably herpes. I just took her to a new vet for a second opinion and they assured my lysine is safe and very effective. Assuming I know less than the vet, I bought a tub of lysine. I don’t understand how they aren’t all up to date on this very common issue

[@VetMedCorner]

It's unlikely to cause harm, but it's most likely a waste of money/not helpful with the research that we currently have. I hope that your cat recovers quickly and smoothly 💜

[@jj9501]

Since we've had our 2 kittens a year ago we've been at the vet many times for respitory issues. It's so sad that one of them had a chronic stuffy nose and small eyes from a cold. We were advised to give lysine and they got rounds of anti viral. Nothing seems to work but they never told us if it should be herpes or something else. Gonna try to test them for all the other options you gave in this video!

[@VetMedCorner]

There are times where a GP veterinarian has done what they are able to, so you may need to consult a veterinary ophthalmologist and a veterinary internal medicine specialist for the next steps of a diagnostic work up. I hope a successful treatment plan is able to be implemented for your two cats.

[@amc5936]

@@VetMedCorner what if you can not efford a vet, how do you treat them

[@waterlogged3450]

Thank you so much for covering this in an easy way to understand from someone who helps strays. Question: A stray I feed had kittens in my yard 4 and they are 7 weeks now. I noticed the mom having weapy eyes sneezing then some trouble breathing so I took her to the vet. He gave her the antibiotic shot that lasts 14 days (I guess to be safe) and lysine. He said to separate the mom & kittens so I did. Kittens are coming down with it 2 at a time. I have them separated and mom is over it but can mom catch it again from kittens? Also I'd like to verify that the lysine hasn't done anything and you are right. The worst symptoms are the first 3-5 days and when they start improving ppl think it's the lysine when in reality the cats are just getting better at the end of the virus. Thanks so much!

[@lindadasilva8728]

Boarding a cat , i was told to give my cat 1/8 of a teaspoon of lysine 14 days before boarding. My question is does the boarding place continue giving lysine or do i give my cat llysine when coming home from boarding for another 14 days

[@pilarq7886]

What is URI, you should have explained

[@VetMedCorner]

URI is Upper Respiratory Infection

[@kendraa7013]

Thank you for this. My cat has FCV and I've been struggling on finding good information on how to handle this. The vets seem to be a bit back and forth on whether this is going to be a virus that sticks around in my cat's system forever (like the herpes virus) or if it'll clear out, so I'm happy to hear that it normally clears itself. I have some friends with cats and we haven't been seeing each other for fear of me transferring the virus to their cats. Do you have any scientific articles that you'd recommend I read regarding this? Thank you for taking the time to share this information in a concise, easy to understand way.

[@VetMedCorner]

Thanks for asking the question! I apologize if my video wasn't perfectly clear, but what your vets have told you is correct as many cats will shed the virus for a few weeks, but some cats seem to become long term carriers and can intermittently shed calicivirus. The Cornell Vet School has a pretty good article with additional information in it. I would start there! If you can't find it, let me know and I will get you a link, I'm just short on time at the moment. All the best to you and your cat!

[@Anna-sq7cn]

We were given elderberry syrup and L-lysine ( or however its spelled 😂) for a stray kitten and day two the severe symptoms lessoned. As well as breathing treatment of lavender twice a day. Of course I know there's no way of us knowing the onset of the virus with this kitten because it is a stray but all I can say is that is poor thing with severe. Wasn't really able to breathe swollen eyes sneezing runny snotty nose and looked and acted like death worn over. Now it is playing, eating, drinking and no longer has the runny nose . Like I said it's only been 3 days now today being the fourth I'm going to go ahead and continue treating as instructed.

[@Anna-sq7cn]

It's upsetting to think my vet is misleading me though...vet treatment is extremely expensive, no one wants to be taken advantage of in this day and age. Very upset

[@VetMedCorner]

Unfortunately, you've been given some bad advice. There's no reason to think the first two things you mentioned will help at all. As the video mentions, breathing treatments can be helpful. However, lavender is toxic for cats and is not recommended. Here's info from the CVMA about it: www.canadianveterinarians.net/related-resources/cats-and-essential-oils/ I hope that your cat continues to improve.

[@freebird7057]

How long would it be active on their food they have been eating or should it be thrown away,?

[@VetMedCorner]

Hello! Thanks for the question - but I can't try answer with the information given in your comment. What are you referring to?

[@vtsien]

I started to have a bit cough now.

[@VetMedCorner]

As cats can get SARS-CoV-2 it would be advisable that you talk with your physician and test yourself for that virus. Here's additional information about SARS-CoV-2 in pets: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4Cwdn-Fi7WGadUsi=-i4AuH1i-JRwmPEq Remember that if using a rapid test they are more accurate when the back of the throat, cheeks and both nostrils are swabbed. Testing should also be done on every day of symptoms because initially lower levels of virus may not be enough to show a positive test result. I hope that you and your cat recover quickly and smoothly from whatever is going on and causing the symptoms.

[@vtsien]

I checked several times if I got SARS-CoV-2. The results were negative. My feline never steps out of home. I still suspect I got cat's flu.@@VetMedCorner

[@vtsien]

my cat has the upper respiratory infections. I helped to suck out the discharges from her mouth. Will I get her URI?

[@Geraldine.kittens.cats.48]

MY VET INJECTED 400ML OF IQ FLUIDS INTO MY CAT. please confirm this is way too much especially because he had pneumonia and this caused more pressure on his lungs AND more fluid absorption into his lungs.

[@hamsterchacha2157]

What should i do ? What medicine should i give my kitty which is 3 months old . My vet isnt helping at all . One of my kitties even died..

[@VetMedCorner]

If your veterinarian has done what they are able to, then you may need to see another veterinarian or an internal medicine specialist.

[@hamsterchacha2157]

​@@VetMedCorner thanks a lot for for your respond . Vets here said my kitties are fine as they are vaccinated . Anything you might want to suggest .

[@leahbowmanbui]

My four month old kitten got a upper respiratory infection from the shelter, we got him a month ago and symptoms started coming on about a week later. It’s been a couple weeks now and most of the symptoms have cleared up, but he still seems to be a little congested and sneezy, but he is totally normal Otherwise. I wanted to get him some lysine to hopefully help with those lingering symptoms, but is there anything better that you would recommend for mild symptoms that aren’t clearing up?

[@ashpags]

Thank you! We watched this while giving Little Miss Marmalade* her morning eye drops and weirdly even though she now knows a lot more about the science, it didn't make her suddenly love getting the eye drops--so strange! 😹 I do now actually remember watching this in the past and of course forgetting about it because my brain is a sieve, but it was the lysine that reminded me! I only know of it from human medicine (in Europe, maybe Canada too, you can buy ibuprofen+lysine that's marketed as faster acting and maybe it's placebo but I swear it works better). It's good to know there have been enough studies now in animals to show that it isn't necessary/helpful for URIs. Always nice to be able to stick with only what works...and cheaper, too! *She is one of the somewhat rare orange girl cats, hence the name! She's so pretty and soft, and once she's big enough for her enucleation and spay, she's gonna thrive in her forever home. She's sweet and beautiful and so soft, I can't wait to see her glow-up! 😻

[@VetMedCorner]

I think that's an amazing name for her! I hope that she grows and heals well and I hope that her pain medication is keeping her comfortable throughout the process too. She's lucky to have you caring for her!

[@charliesmith9528]

Today because of 8 week old kittens scatching fleas even after baths i put small amounts of flea powder on all 3,,the calico which is runt of litter is now making a wheezing sound when i pet her,usually she makes the motor running sound as she loves to be brushed,,is it possible that she injested some powdwer and it has irritated her lungs or nasal cavity,,vet is closed until mon so im hoping it isnt serious,,these are feral kittens a mom left and we normally dont take ferals to emerg vets on weekends because of ridiculous cost,,would a nebulixor work or help..can you reccomned a good nebulizr for cats thats not loud

[@ArtizanMetal]

Do you believe L-Lysine is not effective for feline leukemia?

[@VetMedCorner]

No, lysine is not effective at treating cancer. If your cat has leukemia then you should consult a veterinary oncologist for your best treatment options.

[@patrickhite3026]

So I just wasted $26 on a tube of maple flavored lysine because there's no benefits....Thanks..LOL

[@VetMedCorner]

You can ask your veterinarian about trialing it, but it's unlikely to make a significant difference. I'm sorry!

[@vtsien]

from her nose not mouth. Sorry

[@keiths8370]

PCR test??? You gotta be kidding, OOOOHH MY GOD. go to sleep

[@PinkFlowers365]

Thanks a lot!

[@VetMedCorner]

I'm so glad that you found the video helpful 😊

[@GS-br8nq]

And it wasn’t incredibly informative video. Thank you so very very much for that. I have four kittens and a mother that have iron infections and they’re scheduled for the vet in two days. I am certainly hoping it is not the herpes.

[@DianeMarotta]

Can you not whisper

[@VetMedCorner]

I am not whispering. I am, however, soft spoken and always have been. Additionally, at the time this video was made I was still saving up for a somewhat decent microphone. In my current videos I am using a microphone and so you may find that better.

[@irenadurakic-edwards9577]

Omg can you whisper more?😂

[@VetMedCorner]

At the time of recording this video, I was still in the process of saving for a microphone that could sit close to me. It took me 18mo ish to save for the equipment I had to record this video... You should find the more recent videos have louder/better quality audio.

[@redcougarjgw]

This was absolutely no help whatsoever.

[@VetMedCorner]

This comment wasn't either... What were you expecting from the video? Would you like to offer some kind, constructive feedback?

[@ravenindulgedfurries4263]

Excellent video. One awkward phrase jumped out at me regarding lysine. You say, "However, now we have a bunch more research into how effective lysine is, and the preponderance of the research does not support the use of lysine." Using the word "effective" in that sentence is the opposite of the point you're making. Editing the script a bit could give you something a little clearer. "However, now we have a bunch more research, and the preponderance of evidence does not support the use of lysine." I know that's super nit-picky, it's just something that caught my attention. You produced a seriously valuable video.

[@VetMedCorner]

Thank you so much for commenting with your feedback! I appreciate it!