My new 9-week-old kitten is sneezing and congested. How can I help?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 2 months and 26 days old | 2 lbs
Just brought home a 9 week old kitten last week from the shelter after he was neutered. He is now sneezing and sounds congested. Still eating drinking playing and peeing and pooping. Is there anything we can do to help him.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 27th, 2017
Aw poor Socks! It's pretty common to have a rescue kitten develop upper respiratory infections. I'm glad to hear he's acting normally otherwise. You can try to run a hot shower and steam up the bathroom while Socks is in the room. Sometimes this will help break up congestion. Make sure he continues to eat and drink normally. Warming some canned food up will often encourage a cat to eat more as they will eat more if they can smell the food. If Socks continues to be congested or at any point he stops eating, develops an eye issue, or becomes lethargic he should be examined by a veterinarian. It's best not to wait too long as kittens can develop pneumonia or labored breathing if the respiratory infection progresses. If necessary antibiotics can be prescribed or a supplement like lysine can be used. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Wishing Socks a speedy recovery!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 28th, 2017
It sounds like max could have an upper respiratory infection. These are very common in kittens, especially right after coming from the shelter. Most of these infections are viral so the antibiotics don't cure them. It just takes time for their immune system to do the job. The antibiotics just help with any bacterial component. It is great news that max is still playing and eating. Since it sounds like he is congested, I would put him in the bathroom when it is steamy to help moisten and open his airways. Provided he continues to feel pretty well, this may be all you need to do until he clears the infection. If he becomes lethargic , stops eating, or is breathing fast then I would have him evaluated by a veterinarian. Congrats on your new adoption. Hope he s feeling a little better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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