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Why are all my cats sneezing with red noses? Is it contagious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My new cat is sneezing and has a red nose, now my other cat are sneezing with red noses

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura E. McRae

Veterinary Technician

Published on February 24th, 2015

It sounds like they might have a viral upper respiratory infection. Initial symptoms appear 2-17 days after exposure and reach maximum severity about 10 days later. Typically, your cat will have severe bouts of sneezing lasting 1-2 days, followed by conjunctivitis, watery discharge from the eyes and nose, fever, apathy, and loss of appetite. Some cats may have only mild symptoms, while other cats can become quite ill. Most cats with an uncomplicated upper respiratory infection can be treated symptomatically at home.

Home care includes keeping your cats warm and comfortable and making sure they are eating and drinking. Offer highly palatable foods with a strong smell, such as fish-flavored canned foods or strained chicken or turkey baby food. Clean secretions from the eyes, nose, and mouth with moist cotton balls as often as needed. Humidify the air with a vaporizer or humidifier.

Seek prompt medical attention for any cat that has mucoid or purulent discharge from the eyes or nose as it may have a bacterial infection. Also seek veterinary attention if one of your cats is refusing to eat or drink, is losing weight, has a high fever, seems weak, develops vomiting or diarrhea, or is having trouble breathing.

33Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 7th, 2019
Hello. Frida has an upper respiratory virus, but as long as she is not acting sick, eating & drinking well, playing normally, then there is no need to worry very much. Most of these viruses run their course in 10-14 days. If, however, she quits eating, develops a mucopurulent nasal or eye discharge & becomes lethargic, then see your vet, but sneezing is not unusual in a young cat. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 21st, 2017
I would be worried about an upper respiratory tract infection in your cat. Cats can commonly be afflicted by upper respiratory viruses that can cause sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. These viruses can be latent in a cat's system and then in times of stress (like moving in to a new environment or a change in household dynamics) they can cause illness. This is what I suspect is going on with your cat.

Oftentimes cats can overcome a viral flare up on their own but sometimes they need antiviral drugs, eye medications, and possibly antibiotics to help them get over the virus. If the illness lasts more than 3-5 days, or if your car stops eating then I would take her in to the vet.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My new cat is sneezing, now my other cats are too. Should I see a vet?

It's highly possible that they're all experiencing a flare-up of feline herpesvirus, which tends to produce mild upper respiratory signs such as sneezing and ocular discharge. Most cats already have the virus in their bodies but don't have symptoms, but living in a stressful environment (shelters) or going through stressful events (having a new cat brought home) can trigger recurrence of the active infection. If it's been a week and a half they likely do need to see the vet, however most of them will improve with supplementation with the amino acid lysine and supportive care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my cat sneezing a lot without a runny nose? Is it serious?

If she is young or is undergoing a lot of stress (moving, new animal or person in the house, change of schedule) the most likely cause is a viral upper respiratory infection. Many cats will get by with the following support - lysine supplement- try Vetoquinol Viralys (L-Lysine) Oral Gel for Cats - treat all cats as directed on the bottle until all cats are well - try wet food or soaking kibbles and then very slightly warming the food. Cats are very smell-driven and warm wet food is smellier and more likely to be eaten by a stuffy nosed cat. - recommend a probiotic such as purina Fortiflora for every cat in the home. Odd as it sounds, we’ve found that probiotics actually speed recovery from URI’s - if any cat is squinting an eye or thick eye discharge, refuses to eat, or becomes lethargic, it’s time to see your vet. These are signs of eye ulcers and/or secondary bacterial infection. These cats will need eye ointments or systemic antibiotics. Occasionally, nebulizations or more aggressive treatment is needed. If Mama is lethargic, has decreased appetite, or the nasal discharge is thick, yellow/green, or bloody, or she is breathing with her mouth open, she needs to see the vet as these could be something more serious such as fungal infection, cancer, or secondary infection. Best of luck to you and Mama.

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My 5-year-old cat is sneezing a lot and has a red eye. What's going on?

The most common cause of sneezing and red eyes in cats is actually a viral upper respiratory infection. Many cats are exposed to these viruses when they are very young, and they can then have 'flares' during times of stress. If you notice any thick or colored nasal discharge, if there is eye discharge, or if the eye redness seems to be getting worse I would recommend seeing your veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis.

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Cat sneezing, watery eye, sleeping more: Is it an upper respiratory infection?

Hello. I would say you are exactly right, that Simba has an upper respiratory infection, essentially a cold. If he is eating & drinking fairly normally, then you probably do not need to rush him to the vet as colds often just need to run their course. As to why your female seems fine? Well, there is a good possibility she could start sneezing in the next week or so. Again, if the symptoms are mild, you may not need to do anything, but if either kitty quits eating or the ocular nasal discharge becomes thick or green, or you detect any problems breathing, then you will need to have them treated by your veterinarian. If your kitties have not had a full series of kitten vaccinations, which include the most commonly encountered upper respiratory infections a cat can contract, please make sure you complete the series as soon as everyone is feeling better. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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My cat sneezes with white discharge. Is it an allergy or infection?

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What can I give my sneezing cat with watery eyes? Is it contagious?

Frisbee's sneezing and watery eyes could be due to viral infections (such as calicivirus or herpesvirus - not contagious to humans), bacterial upper respiratory infections, or topical irritation/mild allergies. I'm glad to hear that he's still eating well and active! Fortunately, none of these possible issues are contagious to humans and viruses are most commonly specific to a single species. You can try an over the counter L-lysine amino acid supplement (Viralys is one example) to attempt to help with any shedding from some of the viruses mentioned. Ideally your vet should examine Frisbee to assure that he does not have a bacterial upper respiratory infection that may require antibiotics for treatment. Your vet may also discuss antihistamine options for Frisbee. I hope that he's on the mend soon!

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Why are my cats sneezing, coughing, and one has an eye rash?

Hello, and thanks for your question about Nautica. Upper respiratory viruses are very common infections in cats, and if both cats are sneezing then that would be my first thought. However, in some cases upper respiratory infections can lead to secondary bacterial infections or pneumonia, and sometimes they do need medication to get back on track. Additionally, there are some other less common causes of coughing/sneezing such as parasites. The rash in the photo looks pretty mild - I wonder if Nautica was rubbing or scratching at his face and caused a little trauma or irritation to the skin. Often respiratory infections cause some irritation of the eyes and face, which may have made him rub/scratch there. Since you mentioned that he's not quite acting like himself, I would recommend bringing them in to the vet. Your vet will do an exam, and if they are concerned that this is something more serious than a mild respiratory virus they will discuss any medications that might benefit your cats, or if any follow up diagnostics are necessary, such as a fecal exam (to look for parasites that can cause respiratory symptoms), or x-rays of the chest. Hope this helps and they feel better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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