My Ragdoll cat recovered from URI, but still sneezes. Is this normal?

Yes, URI's (upper respiratory infections) are very common in kittens and cats that have been living in shelters. They typically are caused by viruses and most of them resolve without treatment, but they turn into bacterial infections that make the cat feel pretty awful, and need antibiotics. I would recommend calling the shelter from which you adopted the kitten and see if maybe he was treated for a URI while he was there. If so, perhaps it's resolving normally. If not, he may just now be showing the signs and he may need to be checked out (by the shelter or a private vet) before things get worse.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Upper respiratory infection in cats is often a chronic disease, it can flare up for example because of stress or concurrent disease process. As long as Scooter is bright, has good appetite and does not have any breathing problems, you should monitor him at home. You should clean the discharge from the nose (and the eyes if necessary) with baby wipes. Offer him warm, tasty food as with runny nose cats can not smell very well. Typically, uncomplicated cat flu symptoms go away after 7-10 days However, if Scooter starts breathing heavily, goes off his food or the discharge from the nose turn green or yellow, you should take him to your local vets for an appointment.

Depending on what type of upper respiratory infection Gotham had as a kitten, he may have some damage to his nasal pathways that will cause him to snore or wheeze when he is sleeping. Usually this is not a problem, but if it is getting worse or you notice any other clinical signs, I would certainly contact your veterinarian to make sure it is not something that needs treatment. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Teddy may have an upper respiratory infection. Often times these are viral and will resolve with time. If he stops eating or drinking, is lethargic, or has mucoid discharge, he should be taken to his veterinarian for treatment.

This may be just an upper respiratory infection which can be viral and last a good two weeks. If B isn't eating or isn't acting right then I would recommend going back to the veterinarian. When you shower you can take him in the bathroom and have the steam help with the congestion. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Batman may have some residual inflammation in the nose from the previous infection. I would recommend using a supplement called duralactin with lysine to help treat a viral infection such as herpes virus. This could have been the cause previously but could be lingering and causing continued symptoms. I would also recommend an anti inflammatory drug short term and see how he does. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sneezing in cats may be due to an upper respiratory infection (URI), rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages), a foreign body stuck in the nostril(s), or even something like a tumor or mass in the nasal cavity. Common URI's in cats include herpesvirus and calicivirus, which are often treated supportively with either anti-viral medications and/or antibiotics in case a secondary bacterial infection is present. Sometimes, steroids such as prednisolone are recommended when cats are sneezing to see if they can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. Iggie may benefit from steam therapy, which is as simple as keeping him in the bathroom with the door closed when you shower, to allow the steamy air to help moisten his nasal passages. If he continues to sneeze for more than a day or so, I recommend having him seen by your veterinarian, who can perform an exam and treat accordingly. If you can, try to get a video of his sneezing episodes to show your veterinarian when you go. I hope this is helpful - best of luck with Iggie!