Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 9 lbs
Hi- My 8 yr old cat has been sneezing and had congestion for the past week+. I am not able to take her to the vet because she’s EXTREMELY jumpy and won’t get in a carrier (which is not new). She’s eating, drinking and going to the bathroom normally, but I don’t know what to do if her congestion gets worse. She hasn’t been breathing out of her mouth and is still able to breathe from her nose, Ive also had a humidifier on near her to help.
1 Answer
Published on May 18th, 2020
Sneezing can be due to a number of different conditions, including upper respiratory infections (most are viral), allergies, nasal polyps, or other conditions. It sounds as though you're monitoring Raven closely, which is great! I'm glad to hear that you've been using a humidifier. Warm mist humidifiers tend to be a bit more helpful than the cool mist varieties. Likewise, a steamy bathroom can have a similar effect. If Raven starts to have any discharge blocking her nostrils, you can use a damp wash cloth to clear them. There aren't any other home remedies that are safe or effective. If her condition continues or worsens, she will need veterinary attention. Consider looking into house call or mobile vets in your area if she's really resistant to a carrier. For the future, consider training Raven to acclimate to her carrier. This involves leaving the carrier out all of the time so that it just becomes a normal part of her surroundings. You can also try putting high-value treats inside while leaving the door open for her to explore. I hope that this helps and that Raven is on the mend soon!
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