My cat is sneezing with a runny nose after surgery. Is it serious?

More then likely she is having a flare up of an upper respiratory virus with the stress of surgery. Most cats are exposed to these viruses, such as cat herpes, and stress can elicit a flare up. Sneezing, runny eyes/nose, congestion, etc. are common. If there is any discoloration to any discharge, cough, or she is not eating well a recheck with your vet is indicated. For most cats however the signs will run their course in 5 to 10 days. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi Laila! It could simply be she has a respiratory infection, and I wouldn't get too worried about pneumonia just yet. Signs of pneumonia include labored breathing, loud respiratory sounds, lethargy, reduced appetite, and fever. If she doesn't have those signs as well, I would be more suspicious she has a respiratory infection. I can give you some things to try at home for Kitty. First, you can try starting her 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 she's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing her 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. Now if she does develop any of the signs I listed above, then I would be concerned about pneumonia, and in that case, I would take her into a vet right away. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Cornelius is a very handsome cat! It sounds like he picked up a cold which can be viral but can also have a secondary bacterial component. If it is just a virus it can take a full two weeks to get through his system. If he is lethargic, not eating, the sneezing gets worse or he has nasal/eye discharge I would recommend a veterinarian. At that point he may need antibiotics. I would try to call the spay/neuter clinic you had him neutered at to see if they have a veterinarian that would be able to look at him also. I hope Cornelius feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

As long as he is still eating and able to sleep comfortably then i would not be overly concerned. Bathing his nose with saline and cotton wool can help free any mucus and make breathing a little easier. If symptoms worsen or he starts breathing with his mouth open I would seek an emergency appointment

Poro Mau Mau! It could be that he is suffering from a respiratory infection causing his runny nose and bleary eyes, but it could also be allergies. Without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain. But the runny nose could be the cause of his decrease in appetite. When cats can't smell their food, they won't eat. I recommend gently warming really smelly wet food such as sardine or fish based to tempt him to eat. 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. Without knowing the cause of his systems, I do not recommend giving him any supplements as they may be the improper treatment for him. Have him seen by a vet first thing Monday. I hope this helps!

Poor guy. I would first suspect that he may have either a bacterial infection or a parasite infection. Have his stool tested by your vet to determine which is present so that he can get the proper treatment. Poor guy. I hope Sammy feels better soon. In the meantime offer him tuna and white rice to help settle his stomach and plenty of water to help prevent him from getting dehydrated. Diluted Pedialyte (non-flavored) can also be given via syringe. Best wishes and take care.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear about Belle's diagnosis. The upper respiratory signs are likely from stress after the Vet visit Friday. The most common cause is from a virus. Also her immune system is likely poor due to her condition. Since you are going back Monday have the Vet check her and see if she needs antibiotics. Good luck with everything.