My new cat is passive, hiding, sneezing, and not eating. Is she sick?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mya. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian to determine if she has an upper respiratory tract infection. If so, medications may need to be prescribed to help her feel better. I hope this information helps!

A lot of cats have viral infections such as influenza, herpes and calici, that come and go. They hide in the system and recur usually in times of stress. The move has likely caused a virus to reemerge. It should clear up by itself but if she becomes very unwell it would be worth a vet visit. The initial viral stage has likely caused a high temperature which could be putting her off food.

It may be a sign of sickness such as respiratory infection since he is sneezing. This is common in kittens especially from a shelter. However if there is no congestion or runny eyes I would monitor for further changes before getting worried. Since he is eating well, he may just be a calm cat or just getting used to his new home and may be a little scared still. Often times they become more active and have more personality after being adjusted.

She does not need to go to the vet at this point. These upper respiratory infections are generally viral, so there are no simple medications that will clear the infection. If she gets lethargic , stops eating, or the discharge becomes green or thick I would call your veterinarian for an exam. Hope Ariel is back to herself very soon!

How lovely of you to take in Winifred, but I'm sorry she is sick! She could be suffering from a respiratory infection, which can be common in shelters due to the large number of cats residing there. She should see a vet for it on Monday, and I can give you some things to try at home that would work well with any medication prescribed by the vet for her symptoms. Do not use these home remedies instead of going to the vet, she should definitely be checked out. 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. Sometimes a cat's appetite will decrease when they have a respiratory infection because they can't smell their food. Cats won't eat if they can't smell their food. Should you notice a decrease in Winifred's appetite, I recommend gently warming really smelly wet food, such as sardine or fish based. This will encourage her to eat. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Hello, and thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear that Sheeba has been unwell since arriving home. It is possible her behaviour is related to stress and anxiety. However, it could also be related to a medical problem. Whatever the cause, when a cat does not eat or drink for several days, this can lead to dehydration, weakness, and secondary liver problems, especially for a kitten. Because of this, I would recommend taking Sheeba to the vet within the next 24 hours. They can perform a full physical exam and run some tests to rule out a medical issue. They can also provide supportive medications to improve her hydration, appetite, and comfort. If the vet confirms she is in good physical health, you can try using Feliway, a feline pheromone spray designed to reduce stress in cats. Also ensure she has easy access to food and water in the place where she is hiding. You can gradually try interacting with her more and more, through offering treats, and speaking to her softly and gently. With time, she should start to open up and learn to trust you and be comfortable in her environment. I hope this helps, and that Sheeba feels better soon!

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!