My cat has a cold, runny nose, and loose stool. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

I found my cat having loose stool(not liquid though) today. She's having a cold since last 3 days; had fever too but now that's over. Her lips and nose are scratched by her constant licking due to runny nose and mucous. What should I do for the time being??

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rebeccah Wood 178

Licensed Veterinary Technician, Registered Laboratory Animal Technologist

Published on July 25th, 2017

Hello there! I'm sorry to hear that Jojo isn't feeling well. Loose stool is not uncommon during times of stress in cats (such as when they are sick), but it could be caused by many other things as well. New or strange foods, parasites, and infections can also be culprits. Since Jojo is fighting off what sounds like an upper respiratory infection (runny nose with mucous), it's not all that surprising that she's also have some soft stool. Excess mucous that is swallowed can also cause some intestinal upset. I do highly recommend that Jojo visits the vet for her runny, irritated nose and loose stool. While most upper respiratory infections in cats are viral in nature and may subside on their own, it sounds like Jojo may be dealing with some other issues that are causing her to not feel well. In the meantime, keeping Jojo's nose clean with a soft cloth and some warm water will be helpful in preventing further irritation. Additionally, putting her in a small room that is humidified (like a bathroom with the shower running hot) can help keep these secretions fluid and moving, instead of getting all gunked up. I recommend doing this a few times a day for 15 minutes at a time. At the vet's office, Jojo will have her heart and lungs listened to. This is very important as some upper respiratory infections, even if caused by a virus, can cause a secondary bacterial infection in the lungs which can lead to pneumonia. She'll have her temperature taken (I'm glad that you are able to check this at home and that it has gone down), and they may want to collect a stool sample to check for parasites. Antibiotics and potentially some fluids under the skin (to help prevent dehydration from all the mucous and loose stool) may be in Jojo's future. These are all things that will help her on the road to recovery, but can only be administered by your vet. I hope that you can get an appointment for Jojo soon! If she becomes lethargic, starts vomiting, or seems to have trouble breathing, please bring her to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital right away. Good luck, and I hope she feels better!

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My cat has a cold, runny nose, and loose stool. What should I do?

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