Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My new cat is sneezing and has black bugs on his ears. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

Hi I just adopted a cat. He is sneezing allot and also has little black beetle like bugs on his ears. Plz help

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Amber Da Silva, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 2nd, 2017

Many cats who have been in a shelter situation could catch an upper respiratory infection. This may cause sneezing, discharge from the eyes and nose, and even sores in the mouth depending on the type of infection it is. If he is still acting normal, eating and drinking and playful, you could monitor him at home. If his appetite is affected or he sounds very congested or there is green or yellow discharge from the eyes and nose, you should have him evaluated by a veterinarian. Little black bugs in the ears could be ticks, mites, lice or fleas. I would have him evaluated by a veterinarian to identify the bugs and choose the correct medication to treat them.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Why is my shelter kitten sneezing, stuffed up, and scratching ears?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would actually be more concerned about an upper respiratory infection. This is common in young cats and in most cases it responds to antibiotics. I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment. They would be able to check for this and start therapy accordingly. Good luck and have a good night!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my new shelter cat sneezing so much? Is it allergies?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mickey. Cats can develop allergies that result in respiratory symptoms. However, with his history of coming from a shelter, it is more likely that he has an upper respiratory tract infection. If his symptoms persist, he will need to see a veterinarian as he may require a medication. In the meantime, encourage him to eat and drink. I hope this information helps and congratulations on your new cat!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten sneezes after grooming. Is this normal or a concern?

It could be normal for her since often times when they groom they are getting allergens off their fur. If she does not have discharge from her nose and she is only doing it when grooming, I would just monitor it. However, if you are noticing discharge, or it becomes more frequent, I would take Love Bug to see her veterinarian as it could be allergies or and upper respiratory infection. Hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my recently adopted kitten sneezing? Is it a shelter URI?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My new cat is sneezing, now my other cats are too. Should I see a vet?

It's highly possible that they're all experiencing a flare-up of feline herpesvirus, which tends to produce mild upper respiratory signs such as sneezing and ocular discharge. Most cats already have the virus in their bodies but don't have symptoms, but living in a stressful environment (shelters) or going through stressful events (having a new cat brought home) can trigger recurrence of the active infection. If it's been a week and a half they likely do need to see the vet, however most of them will improve with supplementation with the amino acid lysine and supportive care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my recently adopted kitten sneezing but still playful?

Sneezing is common in cats and can be a sign of mild allergies. I wouldn't be too terribly concerned, unless you start seeing nasal discharge, decreased appetite, or wheezing. Let it run its course and if things don't improve or seem to worsen after about 3-4 days, then you should get Dale seen by your vet for some allergy medication and other treatments (i.e. antibiotics) if needed. Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Take care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my shelter cat sneezing, has eye gunk, and not gaining weight?

Poor girl. It is likely that she caught a bug from the shelter. Phoebe has symptoms of an upper respiratory infection and the best way to help her is to get her on a short course of antibiotics. If she also has yellow or green discharge from her eyes, then a topical eye ointment is needed as well to cure her symptoms. Make sure she is up to date on her vaccinations, and if she isn't, then get her updated and this can help fight off future infections.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share