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Cat sneezing, watery eye, sleeping more: Is it an upper respiratory infection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 8 months and 11 days old | 9 lbs

My cat has been sneezing & has a watery eye. No discharge. He acts like his normal self, but he sleeps alot more. I was wondering if it could be upper respiratory?? His sister is completely fine so I was curious as to what could be wrong. Please help : (

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 12th, 2018

Hello. I would say you are exactly right, that Simba has an upper respiratory infection, essentially a cold. If he is eating & drinking fairly normally, then you probably do not need to rush him to the vet as colds often just need to run their course. As to why your female seems fine? Well, there is a good possibility she could start sneezing in the next week or so. Again, if the symptoms are mild, you may not need to do anything, but if either kitty quits eating or the ocular nasal discharge becomes thick or green, or you detect any problems breathing, then you will need to have them treated by your veterinarian. If your kitties have not had a full series of kitten vaccinations, which include the most commonly encountered upper respiratory infections a cat can contract, please make sure you complete the series as soon as everyone is feeling better. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

    Published on

    The most common reason that we will see sneezing and watery eyes in young cats is an upper respiratory infection. I am attaching a handout with more information about that below. https://www.vin.com/apputil/project/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=19239&SAId=1&id=4951489 It is very common that young cats will be exposed to upper respiratory viruses at shelters or breeders. It will likely pass on its own, but if Simba is not eating normally, does not seem to feel well, or develops green or yellow nasal or eye discharge, I would recommend consulting your veterinarian. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and answered your question. Thanks for using PetCoach.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 5th, 2019

    It could be allergies, or it could be Tigger has a respiratory infection. I would take him into the vet in the morning. The vet can diagnose what is causing his symptoms, and can treat him. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 7th, 2017

    The most common reason for cats to sneeze is a mild upper respiratory infection like feline Herpes virus. This particular virus is like the human cold sore and llves in the cat its entire life, presenting when the cat is under some kind of stress. Most cats have mild bouts of sneezing and ocular and nasal discharge. Over the counter Lyceine is the only treatment, and you can get this in a flavored form from your vet.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on December 14th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, this is most likely an upper respiratory infection which are usually easily managed with antibiotics and topical therapy. Otherwise, this may be due to allergies. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!

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