My older cat is sneezing frequently. Is it heart failure?

Poor kitties. Coughing and sneezing in cats usually is caused by a viral infection which often is coupled with a secondary bacterial infection. You can start them on Lysine powder/gel over the counter at your local pet store to help with the cough. However most cats need oral antibiotics as well from the vet to treat this properly. You can also try to break up any mucous congestion by placing the kitties in the bathroom with a hot shower running for 5-10 minutes. This allows the steam to enter their airways and helps alleviate congestion. Perhaps one of these financial resources is able to assist you with your kitties and get them further care. carecredit.com redrover.org I wish you all the best.

Unfortunately it’s impossible to say if Carol is sneezing due to allergies, a viral infection or something is stuck in her nostril. You can start her on a cat supplement called Lysine. Carol should take 500mg twice daily. This can help if it is viral. Keep a very close eye on her. Constant sneezing can be the first sign of an upcoming full blown respiratory tract infection. Watch for any nasal or ocular discharge. Watch for lethargy, squinting eyes or not eating well. If you end up needing to go in, there are two companies who may be able to provide financing: Care Credit and Scratch. You can find more information and an application on their websites. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Kidney failure isn't contagious and is relatively easy to diagnose on blood work based on elevated BUN, creatinine and sometimes phosphorus. I doubt it was diagnosed by mistake. Your other cat sounds like she has an upper respiratory tract infection. It tends to be viral usually in cats but we worry about secondary bacterial infections. It usually runs it's course but if she isn't eating then she should see your Vet. i wish you the best with both cats!

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.

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to say exactly what the cause of the sneezing and coughing, decreased eating/drinking may be without examining her first. However, it could be an upper respiratory infection (which can be contagious to other cats), due to dental disease or another oral health issue, feline asthma, or certain heart conditions. I would recommend Pickels's see her veterinarian soon for an exam to determine a diagnosis so she can get the proper treated. Her veterinarian may want to take chest x-rays to get a better view of the heart and lungs or suggest other diagnostics as needed. I hope this helps!

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.

Poor cat. Over 90% of cats with acute sneezing discharge are infected with herpesvirus and calicivirus. These viruses are usually exposed to cats when they are young and cats seems to recover from them but they continuously cause irritation, erosions, and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract (nasal passages) over time which can lead to mild nose bleeds. However there is also a possibility that your kitty could have a coagulation problems that is causing the bleeding as well. Therefore it is best to get kitty seen by your veterinarian for a coagulation profile in case kitty needs more extensive treatment to resolve this. If kitty is negative for any bleeding disorders or any other potential causes of nose bleeding (i.e. fungal, allergic, etc), then the extent of treatment will most likely be 1) Anti-viral medication (Lysine-availlabe over the counter at your local pet store or at your vet clinic), 2)Antibiotics- to treat any secondary infections present, 3)Steroid or NSAID therapy to help ease inflammation of the nasal turbinates. I would recommend scheduling an appointment with your cat's veterinarian soon to get the proper testing and treatment your cat needs for his care.