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 kitten is sneezing and mouth breathing. Is it allergies or a cold?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 2 lbs

My kitten has been sneezing (opening his mouth and blowing air out of his nose) every couple of minutes for the past day. He is breathing with his mouth open even when he sleeps. He still eats like normal and for the most part acts the same. Should I take him to the vet or is this a cold? Maybe allergies?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 2nd, 2017

Yes, I would definitely take Smokey into the vet, as it's not normal for a kitten to breath through their mouth. It sounds like she is quite congested, and I can give you a home remedy to try to help that. Please know that it should not replace a visit to the vet, as she may benefit from medications to help with her symptoms. I would take her into the vet in the morning. Tonight, you can 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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on February 7th, 2018
I am very sorry that Chucky is so unwell. I am sure this is very upsetting for you both. There are a range of possible causes for these clinical signs including a lung infection, respiratory virus, a heart condition or even a worm infestation. Unfortunately the clinical sign of breathing with mouth open means that Chucky is having respiratory distress and needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately. He could have a life threatening condition. The veterinarian will be able to stabilise him by providing oxygen and close monitoring while they diagnosis the issue and develop a treatment plan.

Please post any further questions you may have about Chucky. We at Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach are here to help you both.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 14th, 2019
First, you can try starting them 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 they are 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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why is my 3-month-old kitten sneezing with strange breathing sounds?

Unfortunately kittens are susceptible to many viruses that infect the respiratory tract and can cause noise, running eyes and noses and general ill health. There is little to do for a virus aside from administering antinflammatories which you would need to have prescribed by a vet. However I would recommend taking the kitten in for an exam as the viruses can make way for bacterial infection and the vet can give antibiotics if needed. In the mean time keep the kitten in stress and draught free environment.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 8-week-old kitten is sneezing, congested, and sleeping more. Is it serious?

I'd be a bit worried about Pringels. I can give you some things you can do for him at home. First, you can try starting him 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 he's congested, 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. If his symptoms get worse or continue, have him seen by a vet.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My 6-month-old kitten has loud, congested breathing. What should I do?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Nomi. It sounds like she could have a respiratory infection. You should have her seen by a vet for this, and I can give you some things you can go at home for her. Please know that what I'm giving you at home cannot replace a vet visit. 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. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My kitten's nose is blocked, he's sneezing, and can't eat. What to do?

It sounds like the kitten may have an upper respiratory infection. Often in young cats these are associated with viruses. I would take him to a vet asap in case his lungs are involved. Often treatment involves anti-inflammatory drugs as there is no bacterial involvement. Your vet will be able to advise more in this following an examination.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My new kitten is sneezing, mouth breathing, and has eye gunk. Vet now?

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. The symptoms you are describing could indicate that Carl has an upper respiratory tract infection. This could be due to a viral or bacterial infection. I would suggest having Carl examined by a veterinarian sooner rather than later so that the infection does not become more severe. Catching the infection early will typically result in a faster recovery in my experience. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions or concerns. You can always request a consultation with me if needed. Please remember to rate this post as helpful or not. Thank you!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten is sneezing, runny nose, and struggling to breathe. Home care?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Pongkoy! Most upper respiratory infections in cats are viral. If the discharge from his nose is clear then you can just monitor him. Hopefully he can clear the viral infection. If he is lethargic, not eating, and/or the discharge changes to yellow or green he would need to see a Veterinarian for antibiotics. I would clear his nose a couple of times a day and you can keep him in a steamy bathroom twice a day for 10-15 mins. Be sure that you start Pongkoys kitten vaccinations in the next 1-2 weeks. I hope this helps and I wish Pongkoy the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My 2-month-old kitten is coughing, sneezing, breathing hard. What now?

I am sorry to hear about Cali's current state. With her being a two month old cat, the most likely cause of her current symptoms by far is an upper respiratory infection. These are usually bacterial and/or viral in origin. Typically they require antibiotics, ophthalmic medications, and immunoboosters to resolve the issue. If she is having trouble breathing, the infection could be advanced and she might benefit from supplemental oxygen. While I can't physically see her right now, I would not recommend waiting until morning if you are truly seeing episodes of labored breathing. Cats have a way of exciting themselves more and more when they have difficulty breathing and can have disastrous consequences quickly if it goes untreated. Give a call to your local emergency hospital and describe to them what you are seeing. Once you tell them there is a respiratory element to the issue, I believe they will offer you the same advise.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share