What causes an elderly cat's sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes?

Sneezing and eye tearing in cats is often the result of a viral upper respiratory infection. Symptoms may include sneezing, eye or nasal discharge, nasal congestion, eye squinting, lethargy, and inappetence. Common causative agents include herpesvirus and calicivirus. The fact that he is eating and drinking normally is a good sign. However, because he is an older kitty, it will definitely require close monitoring to ensure his signs are not worsening. An exam with your veterinarian is recommended to make sure that his vital signs are normal, including a normal temperature. If he'll let you check his temperature at home, you can. I suggest lubricating a thermometer and checking his temperature rectally. Normal temperatures for can range between 100.5 to 102.5. If his temperature is 103 or higher you should consider bringing him in to your vet. Additionally, if you see yellow/green discharge from the eyes or nose, increased frequency of sneezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, or open-mouth breathing I suggest bringing him to your vet right away. Viral infections, just like in people, can weaken the immune system allowing bacterial infections to occur, which requires veterinary prescribed antibiotics. If there are any other cats in the house, I recommend temporarily isolating them from your sneezy cat until his signs resolve. Minimizing environmental stress is also recommended for his recovery. If you have any other concerns or are interested in additional information I'm happy to follow-up with an online consultation.

You are correct that Leia could have allergies, but it could also be a respiratory infection. I would have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning. The vet may prescribe her some medications that may help with her symptoms, and I can give you some things you can do 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.

The desire for running water is normal in cats and you can even purchase recirculating water fountains for cats. As for the cold like symptoms (sneezing, runny nose / eyes) many cats can get herpes virus that can flare up and cause these symptoms. I would ask your vet if you can pick up a Lysine supplement for cats to start Zinnie on as this will lessen the flare ups. One product we use here for this is Duralactin with Lysine. You may be able to find this online. If the symptoms are worsening, I would get her in to see your vet sooner rather than later as some infections need antibiotic therapy. Hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me with any further questions / concerns you may have.

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.

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.

Megz most likely got an upper respiratory infection from the new cat. There are several strains so even if she is vaccinated she can still catch a cold. Usually they will recover without treatment but if she develops yellow or green discharge or stops eating you should take her to your veterinarian for an exam. They will probably give her a course of antibiotics.

If your kitty has no problems breathing, and if the discharge stays clear, then you do not have to do anything. The next time she has that discharge, take her temperature and if it is 102F or higher you should monitor her for lethargy or not eating, as she may have a viral infection. If the discharge is purulent (yellow or green) she needs to be seen by a veterinarian.