Treating Cats with Cold/Flu

Question:
 ??? My cats have a cold or a flu. I am leaning towards bad colds over flu since they are not vomiting and do not have diarrhea. They have a low grade temp, sneeze and are stuffy nosed. Their eyes are a little weepy. Basically the same symtoms as a human cold. We have been treating them by mixing garlic with their food and they seem to like it and it helps, but where can we go to find more natural remedies for cats with colds? Two of my cats love the smell of Vicks, one is indifferent and two run like hell from it. Is it safe to give them vitamin c or zinc mixed with their food? I've tried giving them vitamins from the pet store in the past but it made them have runny stools and a bad smell. Any advice and or suggestions would be appreciated. Not to sound snotty, but if you are just going to say to take the cats to the vet, please don't bother replying. I was laid-off from my job before Christmas and taking five cats to the vet would mean either giving up food or heat or more. I don't know about vets around the world, but where I live the fees are astronomical. Even more expensive than a dentist or mechanic. Times that by 5 and you have bankruptcy.
Answer:
 [quote author=Pamby link=board=10;threadid=2002;start=0#msg8707 date=1104700363] ??? My cats have a cold or a flu. I am leaning towards bad colds over flu since they are not vomiting and do not have diarrhea. They have a low grade temp, sneeze and are stuffy nosed. Their eyes are a little weepy. Basically the same symtoms as a human cold. We have been treating them by mixing garlic with their food and they seem to like it and it helps, but where can we go to find more natural remedies for cats with colds? Two of my cats love the smell of Vicks, one is indifferent and two run like hell from it. Is it safe to give them vitamin c or zinc mixed with their food? I've tried giving them vitamins from the pet store in the past but it made them have runny stools and a bad smell. Any advice and or suggestions would be appreciated. Not to sound snotty, but if you are just going to say to take the cats to the vet, please don't bother replying. I was laid-off from my job before Christmas and taking five cats to the vet would mean either giving up food or heat or more. I don't know about vets around the world, but where I live the fees are astronomical. Even more expensive than a dentist or mechanic. Times that by 5 and you have bankruptcy. [/quote] So sory to herar of your sick kitties. I am familiar with the economical problems that you face also as I am on a limited income and have three cats. I was a pharmacist and can tell you mixing vitamin c with their food will not harm them. It actually has many advantages. It can help with many things including boosting the auto immune system. There is no problem with the zinc either. There is a new company http://www.apothepet.com/ that has free consultations with Vets and Pharmacists. This doesn't cost you anything but might be an excellent resource to direct you the right way. Their prices on medications are "Rock Bottom" they meet or beat anybody elses price. They don't charge for shipping even overight deliveries. I checked for safety also as this is always a concern of mine and found out that they follow more stringent guidlines than anybody else out there. They can explain this to you if you choose to call. It is too long to put down on this quote. They also have natural/ Homeopathic ,holistic and herbal consults and drugs. Hope this helps Chris Give them a call, it can't hurt and it won't cost you anything. Look on their website for their phone number.