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My cat keeps sneezing, won't eat due to smell. Is a vet visit needed?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | British Shorthair | Female | spayed | 10 years and 5 months old

my cat keeps getting the cold only seems to clear up for a few days then she starts sneezing again going of her food because she can not smell, do i need to take her to the vet?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 22nd, 2018

There are various causes for sneezing, bacterial or viral infection, a fungal infection or sometimes other causes. If pus is present, your cat will not eat as her food will not smell familiar as food. Usually these infections are not life-threatening, however, as they keep your kitty from eating is a serious concern as this alone can make your cat seriously ill potentially causing hyperlipidemia. Please take Tinker to your veterinarian ASAP. If it is indeed a bacterial infection, your vet will prescribe an antibiotic which should clear up the infection soon. If there is a polyp or foreign body in the nasal passages, removal is necessary. If the cause is viral or fungal, your vet will prescribe an antiviral drug or antifungal medication. Please take her to the vet ASAP. In the meantime, remove any nasal discharge as soon as you see it with a tissue. Warm up her food (wet food) to make it more attractive and intensive in aroma.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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