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Why is my cat sneezing a lot and has green snot? What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 1 year and 7 months old

my cat is noted to be sneezing a lot with a lot of increased snot when sneezing. The cats snot is also noted to be green. What can I do for him?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

Published on August 18th, 2020

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I suspect Charlie has upper airways infection. If the nasal discharge is green and thick, it is most likely bacterial infection and Charlie will need a course of antibiotics to get better. Please, take him to your local vets to confirm the diagnosis and to get treatment, possibly in form of antibiotics tablets or injections.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on May 8th, 2017
Charlie is one handsome little guy! Many cats chronically carry herpesvirus and/or calicivirus, which can shed more and cause respiratory or eye issues during times of stress. It is not uncommon to experience these types of respiratory issues when bringing a new cat home due to the stress of the experience. However, in some cases these viral issues can develop secondary bacterial infections that require antibiotics for treatment. If Charlie's nasal discharge is yellow or green, he should go to the vet for an exam and will likely need a course of antibiotics. If the discharge is clear, you can keep any eye on him for the next few days and take him to the vet if the sneezing persists or worsens. Should you decide to monitor him for a few days, try adding an L-lysine supplement (Viralys is on example), as this is thought to decrease viral shedding. I hope that all goes well and congratulations on your new addition! :-)
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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