My cat is sneezing after anesthesia but seems fine. Is it normal?

Hi Laila! It could simply be she has a respiratory infection, and I wouldn't get too worried about pneumonia just yet. Signs of pneumonia include labored breathing, loud respiratory sounds, lethargy, reduced appetite, and fever. If she doesn't have those signs as well, I would be more suspicious she has a respiratory infection. I can give you some things to try at home for Kitty. 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. Now if she does develop any of the signs I listed above, then I would be concerned about pneumonia, and in that case, I would take her into a vet right away. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

More then likely she is having a flare up of an upper respiratory virus with the stress of surgery. Most cats are exposed to these viruses, such as cat herpes, and stress can elicit a flare up. Sneezing, runny eyes/nose, congestion, etc. are common. If there is any discoloration to any discharge, cough, or she is not eating well a recheck with your vet is indicated. For most cats however the signs will run their course in 5 to 10 days. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It certainly is possible there was some trauma to Luna's trachea due to the ET tube leading to her sneezing blood today. I would keep an eye on her for now. If she keeps sneezing blood, starts showing other respiratory signs such coughing or difficultly breathing, lethargy, or anorexia, then I would take her into the vet.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While I am unclear what you are specifically referring to in terms of his behavior, it is fairly common for cats and dogs to feel differently and show signs such as lethargy and sedation for 24-36 hours following anesthesia. The fact that he ate is a good sign. Best of luck!

I'm glad to hear that Kiara is still eating and drinking well despite her sneezing. Cats can sneeze from time to time as a normal response to clear irritants out of the nasal passages, just as we do. More persistent sneezing can be caused by upper respiratory infections, allergic causes, or nasal polyps, among others. As long as Kiara continues to eat, drink, and act normally in the absence of any nasal discharge, it is ok to continue monitoring her at home. At 2.5 months old, I imagine that she is still going to her vet frequently for booster vaccines, so it is worth mentioning the sneezing at her next appointment. However, if she develops any nasal discharge or changes in her appetite or energy level, she should go to the vet more urgently. I hope this helps and that all goes well!

These may be signs of a upper respiratory infection or tracheal irritation if she was intubated for her surgery. Either can cause inflammation in their throat and affect their sinuses. IF this pattern is still occurring, then i would have your vet rechecked. SHe is likely already on an antibiotics since she had an infection prior to the c section, but they can add medication to help with the sneezing and coughing/retching to help her comfort and recover.

Allergens or irritants in the air that are inhaled perhaps during grooming (such as hair, grooming products, sprays, etc that become aerosolized can potentially cause sneezing for a day or so. If the sneezing is not accompanied by any other symptoms such as lethargy, decrease appetite, nasal discharge, vomiting, coughing, etc. then it may be due to the grooming and not too much to worry about.