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My new kitten is sneezing and coughing. Should I take them to the vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 5 lbs

i just got two kittens from a shelter, and they told me they might have some slight respiratory issues because of the stress of a new environment. i’ve had these cats two weeks, and one is still sneezing all the time, and one has this weird hacking cough (i’ve given hairball meds, don’t know if it’s working yet), and mucous coming from her eyes and nose. i’m wondering if what they told me is true, or if i should start to worry and take them to the vet. they have no litter/mood issues yet.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Harrah White

Veterinary Technician

Published on November 27th, 2017

what the staff at the shelter told you is true about the possibility of forming respiratory issues due to stress. the symptoms that you are describing are indeed symptoms of a respiratory infection and antibiotics are needed. The coughing you are hearing likely has no connection to a hairball issue and is likely the infection progressing. My best recommendation to you would be to have them seen by your veterinarian at your earliest convenience to have them treated before their illness progresses into something worse than the "simple kitty cold"

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on April 10th, 2019

    You should have them examined by a veterinarian to diagnose and treat a possible respiratory infection. If it is viral in nature, it will have to run its course, but antibiotics may prevent secondary infection. Keep them warm and as stress free as possible. Make sure they continue to eat normally and stay hydrated. if there is nasal discharge, use a warm washcloth to keep the nose(s) clean and clear.

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