Why is my cat sneezing, lethargic, squinting, and not eating well?

I am sorry to hear about Luna. Since she is lethargic and has a decreased appetite, I would recommend she have an examination by her vet. She may have an upper respiratory infection that requires treatment, and reasons we recommend veterinary care include lethargy, decreased appetite, trouble breathing, coughing. She is exhibiting some of these symptoms now. You can read more about respiratory infections at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951489

Respiratory infections in cats are commonly viral, which means that they have to run their course. Antibiotics can help prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections, but they do not do anything to help with the virus. Supportive care is needed during these times to help Chesney feel better. Consider taking her into a steamy bathroom a few times a day for humidification. Suction her nostrils with a baby bulb syringe if they are really stuffed up. If she isn't eating well consider warming up her food so that she can smell it a little bit easier. Sometimes cats need subcutaneous fluids or IV fluids from the veterinarian to stay well hydrated the first several days of an upper respiratory infection. You may want to consider taking her temperature. Normal for a cat is 100-102. If she is 103 or higher I would encourage you to call your veterinarian to discuss medictions to help with the fever. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Vomiting several times a day for a week along with not eating or drinking much is certainly concerning. The sneezing could indicate a respiratory infection. There are lots of health reasons for her symptoms and Lilly really should see her veterinarian as soon as possible to have her evaluated and treated. Your veterinarian will do an exam and may recommend additional testing such as blood work or x-rays to pin down a cause so Lilly can get the treatment she needs and start to feel better.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Bunny. Sounds like she is suffering from a mild upper respiratory infection. Not sure how old she is but both kittens and adult cats suffer from these infections. Kittens get infected from their mothers who start shedding the viruses thus infecting the kittens. Many cats live their whole lives carrying these viruses. They will occasionally develop signs of upper respiratory infections during times of stress at any point in time. We vaccinate for a few of these upper respiratory viruses but we still see many many cases. The vaccines should provide some protection and usually adult cats develop very mild signs. Signs range from sneezing, runny eyes, runny nose, coughing, fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, decreased water intake, etc. Treating these infections can range from very simple to very complex cases that take weeks to months to improve. If signs remain mild, monitoring is sometimes appropriate. If the signs progress to not eating, lethargic, thick discharge from the nose and/or eyes, then you should get her evaluated by your veterinarian. They can gather a history, perform an exam, and advise you on possible diagnostics and treatment. Treatment can involve antibiotics to protect or treat secondary bacterial infections, antiviral medicines, a good deworming program, and vaccination program, eye drops/eye ointments if the eyes are involved, nose drops, a nutritional supplement called L-lysine added to his food may help, and probiotics are all things to try. Sometimes kittens have a nasopharyngeal polyp which can present as chronic upper respiratory disease which doesn't respond well to treatment. This is a polyp in the nasal passageway and back of the throat. These can be found by using sedation/anesthesia and evaluating the back of the throat and thus removed if found. Good luck.

Sunshine probably has an upper respiratory infection, or cold. As this is a viral infection It will run its course in a week or so. As long as she's just quiet and resting, eating a drinking some then you do not need to bring her in. If she should stop eating, the eye and nose discharge turns green and she becomes very lethargic then she may have a secondary bacterial infection that would need to be treated by your veterinarian. Sunshine is an older cat so if she's not recovering well then don't wait too long to bring her for an exam. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Sunshine.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

This may be just an upper respiratory infection which can be viral and last a good two weeks. If B isn't eating or isn't acting right then I would recommend going back to the veterinarian. When you shower you can take him in the bathroom and have the steam help with the congestion. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.