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My cat is sneezing, tired, not eating. Is this an emergency vet visit?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 10 months old | 11 lbs

My cat has been sneezing, eyes are watery, he's very tired and won't eat anything. He ate this morning but not tonight. I suspect be has a respitory infection and needs medication. I plan to take him to the vet first thing tomorrow morning. Is this an emergency? Should he go to a vet now?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 13th, 2017

No, this isn't an emergency, and it's fine to take Dex to the vet in the morning. He's likely not eating because he can't smell his food. The sense of smell is very important to cats, and if they can't smell their food due to congestion, they won't eat. I recommend gently warming up really smelly wet food, such as sardine or fish based to try to tempt him to eat. It's a great idea to have him see a vet first thing in the morning, and I will give you some things you can do at home that may help in conjunction with treatment from the vet. First, you can try starting Dex 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.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 20th, 2019

    I would take Ashes into the vet first thing in the morning. She could have a respiratory infection causing her symptoms. She may not be eating because she can't smell her food. Try gently warming really smelly wet food like sardine or fish based to try to get her to eat. If she's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing her 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. Definitely have her see a vet in the morning. I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 1st, 2017

    It is concerning that Meow isn't eating! Given that she is sneezing and has some mucus coming from her nose, it could be she is congested and can't smell her food. When cats can't smell their food, they won't eat it. I would try gently warming really smelly wet food such as sardine or fish based. I can also give you some home remedies to try at home to see if that helps and keep her indoors until she is feeling better. First, you can try starting her 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 she's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing her 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. If she still isn't eating the warmed up smelly food, she become very lethargic, her balance issues become worse, I would take her into the vet in the morning.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 10th, 2017

    It sounds like Melman has a respiratory infection, and he soul see a vet in the morning. He may benefit from medications to help treat his symptoms, and I will also give you some home remedies that can be used in conjunction with medication from 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.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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