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My cat is congested, sneezing, and can't breathe. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Bombay | Female | spayed | 3 years and 10 months old | 9 lbs

How do I help my cat who has a super stuffy nose and is struggling to breathe clearly? She’s been sneezing and congested since Sunday

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Elva Ma DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 31st, 2018

Hello, and thank you for your question. Emma sounds like she may have an upper respiratory infection, which warrants a visit to the vet to prescribe the appropriate antibiotics. In the meantime, you can try using a humidifier in your home. You could also try putting her in the bathroom when you are taking a shower (but not IN the shower!) - the steam produced may help clear her congestion a bit.

I hope this helps, and that Emma feels better soon!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 23rd, 2019
Lucy could have a respiratory infection caused by a virus, which will not respond to antibiotics. There are some things you can try at home. First, you can try starting her 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 she's congested, 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. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on May 12th, 2020
I'm sorry to hear that Cuey isn't feeling well! In some cases, viral infections can also predispose cats to secondary bacterial infections, which require antibiotics. (As a reminder, antibiotics do not treat viruses!) It's certainly best to take Cuey to her vet for an exam so that her vet can determine if medications are needed. Until then, you can try to help her congestion by using a humidifier or taking her into a steamy bathroom for 15-20 minutes at a time. I hope that she's feeling better soon!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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