My cat keeps sneezing, won't eat due to smell. Is a vet visit needed?
There are various causes for sneezing, bacterial or viral infection, a fungal infection or sometimes other causes. If pus is present, your cat will not eat as her food will not smell familiar as food. Usually these infections are not life-threatening, however, as they keep your kitty from eating is a serious concern as this alone can make your cat seriously ill potentially causing hyperlipidemia. Please take Tinker to your veterinarian ASAP. If it is indeed a bacterial infection, your vet will prescribe an antibiotic which should clear up the infection soon. If there is a polyp or foreign body in the nasal passages, removal is necessary. If the cause is viral or fungal, your vet will prescribe an antiviral drug or antifungal medication. Please take her to the vet ASAP. In the meantime, remove any nasal discharge as soon as you see it with a tissue. Warm up her food (wet food) to make it more attractive and intensive in aroma.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025