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My 5-month-old cat has runny eyes & sneezes. Allergies or serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 5 months and 8 days old | 5 lbs

My 5 month old cat has runny eyes (clear color) and sneezing a lot. Is it allergies or something more serious?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 16th, 2017

You are correct that Leia could have allergies, but it could also be a respiratory infection. I would have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning. The vet may prescribe her some medications that may help with her symptoms, and I can give you some things you can do at home for her. 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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Marlow Ball, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 29th, 2017
I am suspicious of upper respiratory and this could be contagious to other cats. Would recommend you quarantine Toonces from other cats and bring him to see your vet Monday. Make sure he is eating and drinking.

If this is viral then he may not need antibiotics but it could come back during stressful events in the future.
Hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 27th, 2020
Poor little girl! 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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 15th, 2018
Marsha could have a upper respiratory infection (basically a cold) or could have something going on with her heart or lungs. I'm assuming she's young based on her weight, and that, in combination with her watery eyes and sneezing, makes me more suspicious of the respiratory infection (but she would need a physical exam and possibly chest x-rays to be sure).

Young cats get viral infections very commonly, and sometimes a bacterial infection starts after the virus is replicating. If it gets bad enough, she might need antibiotics, but sometimes just supportive care is enough.

If she's lethargic and not eating, I would recommend a vet visit tomorrow. If she's unable to rest comfortably tonight, I would recommend going to an emergency clinic to make sure she's getting enough oxygen.

Best of luck! I hope Marsha is feeling better soon. Let me know if this was helpful information and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 8th, 2019
It sounds like Mikasa could have a respiratory infection. I would take her into the vet in the morning, as she will need medications to treat it, especially for her eyes. At home, there are a few things you can do. 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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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