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Why is my recently adopted kitten sneezing? Is it a shelter URI?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten has been sneezing a lot lately,I adopted him 4 days ago from shelter, could he have an uri ? No discharge from nose,eyes,mouth, seems normal

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on November 28th, 2015

Yes, URI's (upper respiratory infections) are very common in kittens and cats that have been living in shelters. They typically are caused by viruses and most of them resolve without treatment, but they turn into bacterial infections that make the cat feel pretty awful, and need antibiotics.

I would recommend calling the shelter from which you adopted the kitten and see if maybe he was treated for a URI while he was there. If so, perhaps it's resolving normally. If not, he may just now be showing the signs and he may need to be checked out (by the shelter or a private vet) before things get worse.

14Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 22nd, 2018
It does sound like Archer is suffering from an upper respiratory infection, but without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain. It's likely not kennel cough, that's very rare in cats. When cats live in close contact in places such as shelters, respiratory infections can be common. It's good that he is eating normally, but he does need to see a vet for his symptoms. There may be medications the vet can prescribe to help him with his symptoms. I can also give you some home remedies to try, but please keep in mind this does not replace a visit to the vet. First, you can try starting him on an L-lysine supplement - this is an amino acid that has been shown to help the immune system fight off respiratory infections more effectively. Enisyl and Viralys are both good brands, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription - just follow the dosing instructions on the label based on your cat's weight. If he's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing him 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. Good luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on May 28th, 2018
Congratulations on your new addition!
The most common reason that we will see sneezing 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
If Rosie was adopted from the shelter, it is very common that those cats will be exposed to upper respiratory viruses. It will likely pass on its own, but if Rosie 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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on May 26th, 2018
Congratulations on your new kitten. The most common cause of sneezing in kittens 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
If Tillie stops eating, does not feel well, has yellow or green eye or nose discharge, I would recommend having her examined again. Otherwise, hopefully the sneezing will slowly resolve.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 25th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Brownie. Sneezing is a common sign of an upper respiratory tract infection in a cat. As her symptoms are not resolving on their own, I recommend that she sees a veterinarian. She will likely need to medication. If it is not a respiratory infection, she could be experiencing seasonal allergies. In the meantime, encourage her to continue eating and drinking. Clean any discharge off of her nose. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Why is my recently adopted cat's eye watering, even if clear?

This may be a symptom of an upper respiratory infection, typically herpes. Most cats are exposed to the viruses that cause URI and flare ups are quite common, especially in rescue cats that get stressed. I have attached a link regarding URI in cats for more info. I hope this helps and thank you for using PetCoach! https://www.google.com/amp/s/mobile.petcoach.co/amp/article/5-things-you-should-know-about-feline-respiratory-infections

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Why is my recently adopted kitten sneezing but still playful?

Sneezing is common in cats and can be a sign of mild allergies. I wouldn't be too terribly concerned, unless you start seeing nasal discharge, decreased appetite, or wheezing. Let it run its course and if things don't improve or seem to worsen after about 3-4 days, then you should get Dale seen by your vet for some allergy medication and other treatments (i.e. antibiotics) if needed. Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Take care.

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Why is my adopted kitten sneezing, not eating, with watery eyes?

A lot of cats have viral infections such as influenza, herpes and calici, that come and go. They hide in the system and recur usually in times of stress. The move has likely caused a virus to reemerge. It should clear up by itself but if she becomes very unwell it would be worth a vet visit. The initial viral stage has likely caused a high temperature which could be putting her off food.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my shelter kitten sneezing, stuffed up, and scratching ears?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would actually be more concerned about an upper respiratory infection. This is common in young cats and in most cases it responds to antibiotics. I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment. They would be able to check for this and start therapy accordingly. Good luck and have a good night!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My new cat is sneezing with snot and had a URI. What should I do?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Upper respiratory infection in cats is often a chronic disease, it can flare up for example because of stress or concurrent disease process. As long as Scooter is bright, has good appetite and does not have any breathing problems, you should monitor him at home. You should clean the discharge from the nose (and the eyes if necessary) with baby wipes. Offer him warm, tasty food as with runny nose cats can not smell very well. Typically, uncomplicated cat flu symptoms go away after 7-10 days However, if Scooter starts breathing heavily, goes off his food or the discharge from the nose turn green or yellow, you should take him to your local vets for an appointment.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My fostered kittens are sneezing and have runny eyes. What can I do?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding the kittens and thank you for fostering! I worry that the kittens have an upper respiratory tract infection and need antibiotics. I do not understand why the shelter will not treat them. They are young and I assume otherwise healthy kittens. If their symptoms can be treated, they would be highly adoptable. They need to see a veterinarian. Perhaps the shelter can reimburse you for their visit? In the meantime, encourage them to eat and drink. You can place them in the bathroom while you shower. Close the door and let the steam build up. Breathing the warm humid air can lessen any congestion they may have. I hope this information helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my new kitten making noisy breathing sounds after adoption?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds as though he might be congested. An upper respiratory tract infection (URI) due to a viral or bacterial infection is the most common reason for congestion in kittens. Common signs of a URI are: congestion, raspy throat breathing, nasal or eye discharge, sneezing and coughing. Herpes virus is the most common cause and usually runs it's course but it can lead to a secondary bacterial infection. If the nasal discharge is yellow or green, he is lethargic and not eating well that indicates a need to be seen by your Vet. If he is eating and drinking then you can watch him since it has only been 2 days since you adopted him. If his symptoms persist for a week or more then he should be seen. Have a good day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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