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Why does my new shelter cat have diarrhea, sneezing, eye discharge, and fever?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 8 months and 7 days old | 14 lbs

Hello I adopted a cat from a shelter about a month ago. As soon as we brought him home and he used the litter box he had diarrhea. He also sneezes and wheezes frequently. He has discharge from his left eye 24/7. And can sometimes feel really warm like he has a fever. His diarrhea has gotten to the point where he sometimes cannot even make it to the litter box in time and has accidents. With the fever and diarrhea he drinks excessive amounts of water and pees more frequently than our other cat.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on March 27th, 2020

He needs to be examined by a vet. Common causes of diarrhea in a kitten from a shelter situation would be intestinal parasites (worms, coccidia, giardia). The sneezing and eye discharge are often caused by a viral upper respiratory infection. They generally run their course, but some of them respond to supplementing with L-lysine cat treats.

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    Answered By Jennifer Ladd, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 10th, 2017

    Poor Piper! I would expect this diarrhea is due to stress and possible food change. I would give her some time to adjust, and if she has not been dewormed, I would contact your veterinarian for some dewormer. In regards to the ocular discharge, it is likely due to Feline Herpes virus. This is very common in shelters and areas of high stress. It will go in to remission on its own as she remains in a safe, stress-free environment. Lysine is a supplement you can get as well that will help support Piper's immune system against the virus.

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