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My cat is sneezing, mouth open, and twitching. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | unneutered

My cat tigger has been sneezing for 2 days now and now his mouth stays open a bit like he's about to sneeze but doesn't and his mouth twitches.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on July 19th, 2016

It sounds like Tigger may have an upper respiratory infection - this is a common cause of sneezing in cats, and may also cause them to breathe with an open mouth for short periods because their nose is congested. I would recommend having him examined by a vet when you are able to - he may need antibiotics to treat the infection. You could also try supplementing him with an L-lysine product such as Viralys - these supplements are available over the counter and can help respiratory infections resolve more quickly in cats.

9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
This is probably an upper respiratory infection. it's very common in cats and is very contagious to other cats as well.

It is treated with oral antibiotics for about 2 weeks. if left untreated many cats will end up blind or even die from the disease.

I advise going to your vet asap to start the treatment right away.
7Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 10th, 2018
Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. If he is otherwise doing well with no other symptoms and has no energy, I would recommend continuing to keep an eye on him for now. Many cats will get a viral respiratory infection such as feline herpes virus, but this infection will typically resolve on its own. Sometimes with these viral infections a secondary bacterial infection can occur. If you begin to notice green or yellow discharge at the eyes or nose then I would recommend having him examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate Diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. If this is a viral infection, you can give him a lysine supplement such as duralactin with lysine which can be found online quite easily. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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