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Why is my recently adopted kitten sneezing? Is it a shelter URI?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My kitten has been sneezing a lot lately,I adopted him 4 days ago from shelter, could he have an uri ? No discharge from nose,eyes,mouth, seems normal

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on November 28th, 2015

Yes, URI's (upper respiratory infections) are very common in kittens and cats that have been living in shelters. They typically are caused by viruses and most of them resolve without treatment, but they turn into bacterial infections that make the cat feel pretty awful, and need antibiotics. I would recommend calling the shelter from which you adopted the kitten and see if maybe he was treated for a URI while he was there. If so, perhaps it's resolving normally. If not, he may just now be showing the signs and he may need to be checked out (by the shelter or a private vet) before things get worse.

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14Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 22nd, 2018

    It does sound like Archer is suffering from an upper respiratory infection, but without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain. It's likely not kennel cough, that's very rare in cats. When cats live in close contact in places such as shelters, respiratory infections can be common. It's good that he is eating normally, but he does need to see a vet for his symptoms. There may be medications the vet can prescribe to help him with his symptoms. I can also give you some home remedies to try, but please keep in mind this does not replace a visit to the vet. First, you can try starting him on an L-lysine supplement - this is an amino acid that has been shown to help the immune system fight off respiratory infections more effectively. Enisyl and Viralys are both good brands, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription - just follow the dosing instructions on the label based on your cat's weight. If he's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing him into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

    Published on May 28th, 2018

    Congratulations on your new addition! The most common reason that we will see sneezing in young cats is an upper respiratory infection. I am attaching a handout with more information about that below. https://www.vin.com/apputil/project/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=19239&SAId=1&id=4951489 If Rosie was adopted from the shelter, it is very common that those cats will be exposed to upper respiratory viruses. It will likely pass on its own, but if Rosie is not eating normally, does not seem to feel well, or develops green or yellow nasal or eye discharge, I would recommend consulting your veterinarian. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

    Published on May 26th, 2018

    Congratulations on your new kitten. The most common cause of sneezing in kittens is an upper respiratory infection. I am attaching a handout with more information about that below. https://www.vin.com/apputil/project/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=19239&SAId=1&id=4951489 If Tillie stops eating, does not feel well, has yellow or green eye or nose discharge, I would recommend having her examined again. Otherwise, hopefully the sneezing will slowly resolve. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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