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Cat sneezing, stuffy, lethargic: Is it a respiratory infection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Snowshoe | Female | spayed | 1 year and 3 months old | 7 lbs

My 1 year old cat, Carmella, whom we adopted from a shelter about a week ago has suddenly fallen ill, but I guess you could say she's ADR. Her symptoms include drainage in the eyes and nose, lots of sneezing, stuffy nose, sudden lethargy, isolation, always seeking a dark hiding place, and not wanting any contact. Just a few short days ago she was bouncing around playing with the mouse on a string etc. She will be seeing a vet tomorrow, but I'd like to know what I'm dealing with here.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 13th, 2018

It could be that Carmella is suffering from a respiratory infection causing her symptoms. It's very a good idea for her to see a vet tomorrow, but tonight, try gently warming really smelly wet food, such sardine or fish based. When cats are stuffy, they won't eat and by warming up some food, that can may tempt her to eat. 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. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on August 14th, 2020

    Some shelters offer medical assistance with their adoptive pets that are sick, it's worth calling them and seeing if they will see her or send you to their vet. Make sure she keeps eating by wetting her food with low sodium chicken broth, mixing in wet food, warming it gently before feeding or some combination to entice her to eat. It's vital that cats eat, if they don't in just a few days they can develop liver disease. If the shelter doesn't offer assistance, I recommend getting her in to see your vet as soon as possible since she's feeling under the weather now. If she has nasal discharge, keep her nose clean by wiping it gently with a warm damp cotton ball to keep her nostrils clear and help her breathe. And when you shower, put her in the bathroom with you with the door closed so the steam helps moisten her nasal passages and keep the mucus thinned so she can get rid of it.

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