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Why is my adopted kitten so sick with severe sneezing and oral issues?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 5 months and 25 days old | 9 lbs

Hello! I adopted a male kitten about a month ago. He was a stray and is 5 months old. Here are his symptoms: - He has been sneezing violently with green snot shooting out. - Dry, bloody spots on paws and feet between toes - Puffy, swollen bottom lip - Sides of mouth are scabbed, and inside of mouth by gums is puffy, greenish-yellowish-white - Dried blackened snot area keeps showing under one nostril, although I keep wiping it clean it keeps coming back He has taken Clavamox with no result.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on April 26th, 2017

Poor Gus certainly sounds quite ill! The signs you describe make me concerned that Gus has a significant upper respiratory infection that is also related to underlying viruses, such as herpesvirus or calicivirus. There is a chance that any bacteria occurring may be resistant to Clavamox or if the entire infection may be viral in origin, in which case any antibiotic will be ineffective. If it hasn't already be done, Gus should be tested for FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and FeLV (feline leukemia). These are highly contagious viral conditions that he could have acquired from his mother or from another cat prior to adoption. Both of these viruses significantly weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to other infectious diseases. At home, you can try using an amino acid supplement, L-lysine (Viralys is one example) and taking Gus into the bathroom when you shower to allow the humidity from the steam to help ease some nasal congestion. These at home strategies alone will not be sufficient to resolve all of his signs and he will need to go back to his vet. Gus' vet will be able to examine him and perform this test, as well as discussing trials with other antibiotics or antiviral medications. I hope that he's feeling better soon!

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