My cat is sneezing, itching, and has boogers. Is it an infection?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 13th, 2017

  Hi Courtney and Hunter! It could be that he is suffering from a respiratory infection if he is sneezing. It could also be allergies, but without seeing him in person, I can't say for sure. I would recommend having Mac seen by a vet tomorrow for this. The vet can diagnose what is causing his symptoms and can prescribe medication to treat them. In case he does have a respiratory infection, I can give you some home remedies you can use in conjunction with medications from the vet. First, you can try starting him 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 he's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing him 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. I hope this helps!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on December 29th, 2016

  Congrats on your new cat, but I'm sorry Felix isn't feeling well! Vaccines won't clear a respiratory infection, and in cats, a common cause of respiratory infections is a virus. I suspect that your vet may have given Felix an antibiotic shot in the hopes that the respiratory infection was caused by bacteria, but if it is caused by a virus, antibiotics won't help either. I can suggest some home remedies to see if that helps with his symptoms. First, you can try starting Felix 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 he's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing him 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.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 18th, 2017

  I'm sorry Miles is sick! You can see some symptoms of the disease a couple of days after the vaccine was given, but they should be temporary. I can give you some things to try at home for him. First, you can try starting him 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 he's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing him 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. If his appetite decreases, which can happen with a cat can't smell their food, try giving him gently warmed really smelly wet food such as sardine or fish based. If his symptoms get worse or he doesn't get better in the next 48-72 hours, then I would take him into the vet. Good luck, I hope this helps!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful