Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat sneezes yellow snot. Is this a cold or something serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 7 lbs

my cat sneezed and yellow mucus came out of his nose, does that mean he has a cold?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 18th, 2018

He could have an upper airway infection or possibly an allergy. If his signs continue then he should be examined by a vet to determine the cause. He might need an antibiotic and other medications to help treat the problem.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on January 19th, 2018
I'm sorry to hear that Adek isn't feeling well. Sometimes an upper respiratory infection will start as a viral infection, but the cat can develop a secondary bacterial infection. If Adek's congestion is severe enough that he is breathing through his mouth and he is sneezing yellow mucous, then it is likely time for you veterinarian to examine him to see if he has a secondary infection and needs an antibiotic. I am attaching more information on upper respiratory infections in cats below.
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=613
Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Adek feels better soon. Thanks for using PetCoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on January 31st, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to an upper respiratory infection. This is usually treated with antibiotics and cats usually respond well to therapy. I recommend that you have Shadow evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If they agree that based on an examination, that seems to be the issue, they will likely prescribe medications to make him feel better. Good luck and best wishes!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH
Veterinarian
Published on May 16th, 2018
Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

If Zoo is sneezing and has yellow discharge from the nose, Zoo likely has a upper respiratory infection. These are typically treated with a course of antibiotics obtained from Zoo's veterinarian. I would recommend having Zoo seen by his veterinarian soon.

Thanks again for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

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

This may be from an allergy or a sinus or upper respiratory infection. It is common in cats and quickly can progress to a decreased appetite and lethargy. Most respiratory infections in cats are from viral infections that can be contagious to other cats. If he is eating still, then you can make an appointment with your vet and do no need to get him treated as an emergency

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my cat sneezing brown spots? Is it a cold or something serious?

Thank you for contacting Pet Coach with your question about your cat. It could be that she has a respiratory infection, and that could be snot that she is sneezing coming from her nose. It's good that everything else is fine, but if this sneezing continues, I would take her into the vet. Take her into a vet right away if she stops eating, becomes very lethargic, and/or has problems breathing. There are a few things you can try at home for her. 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. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why are my cats sneezing with wet snot? Is it allergies or infection?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear that your cats are having issues with sneezing. Sneezing in cats can have a variety of causes, such as allergies or an underlying upper respiratory infection. As Annie is having nasal discharge now with her sneezing, I would recommend she be evaluated by her regular veterinarian, as she may have an infection or some other underlying condition that would need to be treated in order to resolve it. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat is sneezing and has clear eye discharge. What should I do?

Sneezing and clear eye discharge can indicate the beginnings of something, or may be allergy related. Keeping the eyes and nose clear with a clean washcloth may help. If the discharge changes to yellow or green, Pinta becomes congested, or she becomes feverish, lethargic, or stops eating, those are all signs of something more serious such as an upper respiratory infection that requires veterinary care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has cold symptoms: sneezing, snot, and a low fever. What is it?

By your description, he could have an upper respiratory infection. This would need to be confirmed by your veterinarian after a physical exam. Boo Bear may need antibiotics to clear it up. There is nothing OTC that can safely be used for cats.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my cat sneezing a lot and has green snot? What should I do?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I suspect Charlie has upper airways infection. If the nasal discharge is green and thick, it is most likely bacterial infection and Charlie will need a course of antibiotics to get better. Please, take him to your local vets to confirm the diagnosis and to get treatment, possibly in form of antibiotics tablets or injections.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my cat violently sneezing with yellow discharge all the time?

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach. Apollo may have an upper respiratory infection which can be bacterial or viral. Or in some cases cats can have a polyp growing in their nasal passages. I recommend a veterinary visit for Apollo as many cases of Feline upper respiratory disease can require medication to clear up. Here's a bit more info. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951489 https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951824 https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952636

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share