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

Neutered kitten lethargic, heavy breathing, nasal discharge. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 5 lbs

Hi, My kitten was neutered two days ago - and has been on and off fine since then. He has committed twice, but at the moment is having trouble breathing and is very lethargic. It is 12am where I am and can't travel to a vet. Discharge can also be found from his nose and heavy breathing also. Is this a respiratory disease of sorts? Any help would be appreciated.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 29th, 2018

Oh my. THese are symptoms of a severe respiratory infection. After surgery, some pets immune system will decrease, making them more susceptible to getting bacterial infections. Also while at the hospital he may have been exposed to another sick pet, especially if Kovu is not fully vaccinated. He really needs to see a vet as soon as possible. I would recommend taking him in to your local vet as soon as they open in the morning. In the meantime you may be able to get a pediatric syringe and clear out his airway. Also you can use a humidifer or place him in the bathroom with a hot shower running for 15 minutes twice daily to help break up any mucous and help clear up his airway a bit for tonight until you can get him seen!
I hope that Kovu is able to make a full and speedy recovery. Best wishes and take care.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Why is my 10-week kitten lethargic, breathing fast, with crusty eyes?

From your description, it sounds like Ivory isn't feeling well at the moment, and his symptoms could be indicating a possible respiratory infection. Make sure he is eating and drinking, keep him warm, and bring him into the bathroom with you when you take a shower, The steam may help with his breathing and clear up any congestion. Take him into the vet first thing in the morning. Now if he won't eat or drink, he appears to be in respiratory distress (difficulty breathing), and/or becomes very lethargic, I would take him into an ER vet immediately. Best of luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My kitten is lethargic, congested, and won't eat. What's wrong?

I am so sorry to hear that the kitten is so sick. Most URIs in kittens are viral, however it is common to treat with antibiotics to help prevent secondary bacterial infections. Pneumonia is certainly possible but typically they are coughing with pneumonia. I would also be suspicious of a nasopharyngeal polyp that typically could be adding to the congestion, but doesn’t usually cause lethargy. I am glad you are going back to the veterinarian. Perhaps they can prescribe a nebulizer to help her more than steam. Also you may want to discuss using saline drops to help loosen the congestion. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My kitten is vomiting and lethargic after neuter surgery. What's wrong?

Hi there. I would recommend getting Shoebox to a veterinarian as soon as you can. These signs are not normal after a neuter and he needs to be examined. He could be having an adverse reaction to the medications or have something else happening but with his small size the sooner he’s seen the better.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my neutered kitten acting sick and peeing after a bath?

I'm sorry to hear that Roxas is not feeling well. Most neuter incisions, especially in young cats, heal very quickly and a week would be the minimum I would wait to give him a bath. I don't think you did anything wrong there. I would look at his neuter incisions and see how they look. Most of the time at this point they just have small scabs on them. As for the symptoms you are describing, I would recommend that he be seen by a veterinarian so it's good you have an appointment. It may be related to the neuter since it happened so recently, but it could be a completely separate illness. Please don't beat yourself up. You are doing the right thing in taking him in tomorrow.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My new kitten is lethargic and not eating after neuter, is he okay?

Noodle might be sick. By this point, he should be completely recovered from the neuter. I recommend to ave him examined today if possible. He could have a fever, infection or a reaction to the anesthesia. Best to play it safe. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is my cat's crackling breathing normal after neuter surgery?

While being a little groggy and sore post-surgery is normal, what you are describing may be due to trauma from intubation (or keeping the airway open during surgery). I recommend having Winston seen by a vet as soon as possible to determine what is going on. However, if you believe that Winston is having trouble breathing (gasping for air, gums turning blue) he should be seen by a vet immediately.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why is my kitten so active and sniffing after neuter surgery?

Sometimes kittens can actually get hyperactive in response to the sedatives that are used during the procedure. You definitely don’t want Ginger jumping around or being too active. I recommend to shut him either in a small bathroom or a large dog crate. Make sure to provide his food, water and litter box. Hang out with him if you need to until he calms down. I suspect the sniffing is also just a side effect from the sedative. If he does not seem normal by tomorrow, call his veterinarian. If he seems ill or really out of it, go ahead and call his veterinarian today. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share