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My new cat has sneezing, eye mucus, and diarrhea. Is it cat flu?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Male | neutered | 10 lbs

My cat has sneezed one or two times this week. He also has eye mucus and sometimes has dhiarrea. Does he have a cold? His food consumption is normal. I just adopted him three weeks ago and they sent him home with meds. He also sometimes has gas.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 28th, 2017

It is most likely that he has a viral form of cat flu, this is really common especially in cats who have been in shelters. There is no treatment for the virus as such, if he seems particularly unwell it may have become bacterial so a trip to the vet and sone antibiotics may be required. The diarrohea could be infection or just inflammation from stress/ intolerance etc. If it is intermittent I would try a gadtroitestinal food and you could give a pribiotic. If it becomes regular you should go to the vet.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on December 22nd, 2017
Poor Chief. It sounds like he may be having some allergies or an upper respiratory infection. I would keep him separated from all other pets right now as he may be contagious. You can try some benadryl twice a day to see if this helps. See link below. If he doesn't improve, I would have you vet take a look at him. Your vet will be able to listen to his heart and lungs and even do blood work or x-rays if needed. Your vet will be able to get him started on the proper meds to help him feel better. I hope this helps!

https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/cat /benadryl
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 19th, 2017
Hi. These are signs most likely of an upper respiratory infection. These can be viral or bacterial infection nature. They could also be increased by allergies as well. I do recommend moving up your appointment so that treatment can get started before it gets worse.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 13th, 2018
Cats can commonly be afflicted by upper respiratory viruses that can cause sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. These viruses can be latent in a cat's system and then in times of stress (like moving in to a new environment) they can cause illness. This is what I suspect is going on with your cat.

Oftentimes cats can overcome a viral flare up on their own but sometimes they need antiviral drugs, eye medications, and possibly antibiotics to help them get over the virus. If the illness lasts more than 3-5 days, or if Elwin stops eating then I would take him in to be examined by your veterinarian.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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