My cat is sneezing. Could he catch my chest infection after I was sick?

Congrats on the new kitten and being pregnant, but I'm sorry Milo isn't feeling well! Luckily you cannot catch a respiratory infection from cats, so there is no concern for you and your unborn son. Respiratory infections can be common in cats, and are frequently caused by viruses so antibiotics won't help. First, you can try starting them 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 they are congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing them 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. Depending on their symptoms, a vet may be able to prescribe medications to help with them so a vet visit would be a good idea. I hope this helps!

Sneezing is a very vague sign in the sense it only means there is irritation to the nasal passages. So you are completely right in not jumping to the conclusion of an infection. It is more likely due to an irritant such as dust or pollen, or even cold air annoying the sensitive tissue. Do keep an eye as it could be the start of a touch of cat flu, but these things tend to be viral anyway.

This may be from an allergy or a sinus or upper respiratory infection. It is common in cats and quickly can progress to a decreased appetite and lethargy. Most respiratory infections in cats are from viral infections that can be contagious to other cats. If he is eating still, then you can make an appointment with your vet and do no need to get him treated as an emergency

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Butter cup. I'm sorry to hear that she isn't feeling well. She likely has an upper respiratory infection with her sneezing and decreased appetite. I would recommend that she sees her veterinarian to confirm this and determine if she needs medication. It is unlikely that she acquired it from you. I hope this information helps!

Hello. I would say you are exactly right, that Simba has an upper respiratory infection, essentially a cold. If he is eating & drinking fairly normally, then you probably do not need to rush him to the vet as colds often just need to run their course. As to why your female seems fine? Well, there is a good possibility she could start sneezing in the next week or so. Again, if the symptoms are mild, you may not need to do anything, but if either kitty quits eating or the ocular nasal discharge becomes thick or green, or you detect any problems breathing, then you will need to have them treated by your veterinarian. If your kitties have not had a full series of kitten vaccinations, which include the most commonly encountered upper respiratory infections a cat can contract, please make sure you complete the series as soon as everyone is feeling better. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Cats don't usually sneeze when it is cold outside. I think an upper respiratory infection is more likely. They are common in cats. Most are viral and must run their course. Sometimes they can get a bacterial infection that causes poor appetite, thick nasal or eye discharge, coughing, etc. These need antibiotics. Other possible causes for sneezing include something stuck in the nose (like a blade of grass) or a nasopharyngeal polyp. If the sneezing seems to bother Habla, then I would recommend that you have her examined by a vet. You can put mama and babies in a small box or cat kennel for the trip so they can stay together.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear that your cats are having issues with sneezing. Sneezing in cats can have a variety of causes, such as allergies or an underlying upper respiratory infection. As Annie is having nasal discharge now with her sneezing, I would recommend she be evaluated by her regular veterinarian, as she may have an infection or some other underlying condition that would need to be treated in order to resolve it. Good luck!