My cat was outside, now she's coughing and sneezing. What's wrong?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 10 lbs
my cat got out one night and stayed out when I let her in the was coughing and sneezing I am very worried why is she doing this?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 28th, 2019
It may be due to allergies or she may have developed an upper respiratory infection which can take up to 2 weeks to fully resolve. I would recommend bringing her to a veterinarian if she continues with coughing and sneezing or has any other symptoms. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 7th, 2018
She could have an upper respiratory infection, asthma, or allergies. Since it has been 2 weeks without any improvement, she should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. She may need an antibiotic and/or an anti-inflammatory to help treat the problem. Your vet can take an x-ray of her chest to evaluate her heart and lungs.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
Hi, My cat has had chronic sneezing episodes over the last week. They happen about 4-5 times a day and last approximetly 30 minutes each time. She is an indoor cat and has been in contact with no other cats. However, we do live in an airconditione
I would be worried about an upper respiratory tract infection in your cat. Cats can commonly be afflicted by upper respiratory viruses that can cause sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. These viruses can be latent in a cat's system and then in times of stress (like moving in to a new environment or a change in household dynamics) they can cause illness. This is what I suspect is going on with your cat. Oftentimes cats can overcome a viral flare up on their own but sometimes they need antiviral drugs, eye medications, and possibly antibiotics to help them get over the virus. If the illness lasts more than 3-5 days, or if your car stops eating then I would take her in to the vet. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Boop by Petco. Best of luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My cats started sneezing and coughing within a few days of each other. It sounds as though they're congested, but after a sneeze or a cough, their breathing goes back to normal. I'm not sure if it's related to a new kind of litter I bought, or if the
Hi there and thank you for using Boop by Petco to address your concern. What you are describing could be due to an upper respiratory infection, allergies or asthma. I would recommend starting by providing a supplement such as Lysine for cats to see if this is a viral cause. With viral infections, it may take time for the body to fight the infection but antibiotics typically will not help. If the coughing and sneezing continue, I would make sure that the air filters in the house are changed out regularly and I would also recommend providing them with some form of humidity such as a humidifier as the air can become quite dry in the winter. If the symptoms persist, I would recommend that a veterinarian examine them so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My daughter has an 11 year old long haired calico cat. Her name is Punky. She is an indoor cat. For the past 2 weeks she has been sneezing, coughing and not cleaning herself. They thought that it would pass, but she has not improved. Any advice?
She could have an upper respiratory infection, asthma, or allergies. Since it has been 2 weeks without any improvement, she should be examined by a vet to determine the cause and treat. She may need an antibiotic and/or an anti-inflammatory to help treat the problem. Your vet can take an x-ray of her chest to evaluate her heart and lungs.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
my 3 female cats have all been sneezing a lot lately. no other symptoms i hoped it was allergies. but now annie’s sneezes are really wet- when she sneezes clear snot shoots out of her nose. almost like water. she seems to be sleeping a little more al
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! I'm sorry to hear that your cats are having issues with sneezing. Sneezing in cats can have a variety of causes, such as allergies or an underlying upper respiratory infection. As Annie is having nasal discharge now with her sneezing, I would recommend she be evaluated by her regular veterinarian, as she may have an infection or some other underlying condition that would need to be treated in order to resolve it. Good luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
New Pet
My 12 week old kitten has paws that are cool to the touch. She was spayed a week ago and is currently sneezing and coughing. Her brother who was adopted by my cousin is also showing the same symptoms like her. He was neutered the same time Mimi was s
Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! I don't think her cool paws mean much. It sounds like both kittens have an upper respiratory tract infection, either from stress of the surgery and being at the vet or they picked up a virus. As long as they are eating and drinking the virus usually runs its course. Though they are at risk to develop a secondary bacterial tract infection. If the discharge from the nose or eyes becomes yellow or green or their symptoms persist longer than 2 weeks they should be seen. If they are currently lethargic or not eating then they should also be seen. Good luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My 7month old kitten has been sneezing coughing when do I k is it is serious. She got a intranasal bordattolla vaccine a week ago
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! Young kittens are very susceptible to upper respiratory infections and the vaccine could have lowered her immunity making the infection more easily acquired. I recommend taking her to the vet for antibiotics so the infection doesn't turn into something worse, like pneumonia. Good luck and kisses to Snow!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My cat has a cough and occasionally sneezes, he sounds quite congested, this has been going on for a day but today I found that he'd been sick as well I'm not sure what to do for him
Cats can commonly be afflicted by upper respiratory viruses that can cause sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. These viruses can be latent in a cat's system and then in times of stress (like moving in to a new environment) they can cause illness. This is what I suspect is going on with your cat. Oftentimes cats can overcome a viral flare up on their own but sometimes they need antiviral drugs, eye medications, and possibly antibiotics to help them get over the virus. If the illness lasts more than 3-5 days, or if Elwin stops eating then I would take him in to be examined by your veterinarian. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Boop by Petco. Best of luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
adopted a 4 year old cat recently, she's taking it very well, acting normally, i was told that she doesnt like air conditioning, when i saw her in the previous owners house she sneezed twice, and the room in my house she usually stays in is air condi
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! If Duchess is sneezing and having nasal discharge it is possible that she has an upper respiratory infection. If that is the case, she may need antibiotics to resolve it. Other possible causes could be allergies, asthma, a heart issue or another underlying issue. If it does not resolve or worsens, I would recommend she be evaluated by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause for her issue, have any necessary testing done (X-rays, bloodwork) and start any treatment that may be needed. Good luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Frida has been sneezing recently. There’s no eye boogers no booger’s no wheezing just sneezing. My allergies have been extra bad so I wonder if she has allergies too? Is there anything I can do?
Hello. Frida has an upper respiratory virus, but as long as she is not acting sick, eating & drinking well, playing normally, then there is no need to worry very much. Most of these viruses run their course in 10-14 days. If, however, she quits eating, develops a mucopurulent nasal or eye discharge & becomes lethargic, then see your vet, but sneezing is not unusual in a young cat. Thanks for using Boop by Petco.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
4 days ago our 6 year old cat started to sneeze which she hasn't done before. She is an outdoor cat, so pollen allergy might be a possibility. Remie has been adopted 11 months ago, so we don't know about previous years. She just woke up, sneezed abou
I would not be worried unless the sneezing becomes a constant problem. Could be an allergy or the start of an upper respiratory. As long as she is eating and drinking OK and there is no nasal/ocular discharge I would not be overly concerned. There is nothing you should give her for now. Hope this helps. If you have more questions you can always opt for a private consultation where we can chat back and forth. That way you can ask as many questions as you'd like. Best wishes.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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