Why is my shelter cat sneezing, has eye gunk, and not gaining weight?

Yes, URI's (upper respiratory infections) are very common in kittens and cats that have been living in shelters. They typically are caused by viruses and most of them resolve without treatment, but they turn into bacterial infections that make the cat feel pretty awful, and need antibiotics. I would recommend calling the shelter from which you adopted the kitten and see if maybe he was treated for a URI while he was there. If so, perhaps it's resolving normally. If not, he may just now be showing the signs and he may need to be checked out (by the shelter or a private vet) before things get worse.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would actually be more concerned about an upper respiratory infection. This is common in young cats and in most cases it responds to antibiotics. I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment. They would be able to check for this and start therapy accordingly. Good luck and have a good night!

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!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Mickey. Cats can develop allergies that result in respiratory symptoms. However, with his history of coming from a shelter, it is more likely that he has an upper respiratory tract infection. If his symptoms persist, he will need to see a veterinarian as he may require a medication. In the meantime, encourage him to eat and drink. I hope this information helps and congratulations on your new cat!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding the kittens and thank you for fostering! I worry that the kittens have an upper respiratory tract infection and need antibiotics. I do not understand why the shelter will not treat them. They are young and I assume otherwise healthy kittens. If their symptoms can be treated, they would be highly adoptable. They need to see a veterinarian. Perhaps the shelter can reimburse you for their visit? In the meantime, encourage them to eat and drink. You can place them in the bathroom while you shower. Close the door and let the steam build up. Breathing the warm humid air can lessen any congestion they may have. 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.

This is probably an upper respiratory infection. it's very common in young cats and is very contagious to other cats as well. It is treated with antibiotic eye drops/ointment and oral antibiotics for about 2 weeks. if left untreated many cats will end up blind or even die from the disease. I advise going to your vet asap to start the treatment right away.