My 6-month-old cat is lethargic with a runny nose. Should I worry?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear that Mini is having a runny nose. It is possible that she is suffering from an upper respiratory infection that may be viral and/or bacterial in origin. If you believe that she is not having difficulty breathing (ie, has a respiratory rate of less than 40 at rest and is not using her belly to help her breathe), she is eating normally, drinking, urinating and defecating normally, and has a normal energy level, you may be able to monitor her at home. Sometimes, keeping her in the bathroom while you run a hot shower can help clear her sinuses. If you notice any purulent (yellow, thick, foul-smelling) discharge from either her eyes or nose, I recommend having her seen by a veterinarian to be examined and treated. I hope this is helpful!

Max may have an upper respiratory infection. If he is really lethargic, has a decreased appetite, or the nasal discharge is yellow or green, he should get checked out by a vet. As with all viruses, they need to run their course. But there are some medications that may help with the symptoms, as well as supplements like L-lyisine that can make the symptoms go away a little sooner.

I am sorry to hear about Luna. Since she is lethargic and has a decreased appetite, I would recommend she have an examination by her vet. She may have an upper respiratory infection that requires treatment, and reasons we recommend veterinary care include lethargy, decreased appetite, trouble breathing, coughing. She is exhibiting some of these symptoms now. You can read more about respiratory infections at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951489

Sunshine probably has an upper respiratory infection, or cold. As this is a viral infection It will run its course in a week or so. As long as she's just quiet and resting, eating a drinking some then you do not need to bring her in. If she should stop eating, the eye and nose discharge turns green and she becomes very lethargic then she may have a secondary bacterial infection that would need to be treated by your veterinarian. Sunshine is an older cat so if she's not recovering well then don't wait too long to bring her for an exam. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Sunshine.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

As long as she is otherwise normal, you don't have to rush her into a vet right away. Now if she starts having excessive nasal discharge, eye discharge, coughing, becomes lethargic, and/or has a decrease or loss of appetite, then I would take her into the vet sooner. Best of luck.

Hi, It sounds like possible upper respiratory infection , "cat flu" . I would recommend to be mindful with weeping eyes which can quickly become more severe and may develop corneal ulcer. Also since it has been a week I would suggest to take her to the vet who can offer some supportive treatment to speed up her recovery (such as antibiotic adainst secondary infection , antiviral meds systemic or tropical ocular amd Pain relief ). Keep offering her soft, highly aromatic foods (as you are doing) that are gently warmed will help to tempt an inappetent cat and make sure she is hydrated and drinking. Cat flu is not usually serious in adult cats, although they can be quite ill so help by a vet would be advised at this point.