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Stray cat sneezing, eye discharge, not eating. What can I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male

A stray cat I feed is sneezing with eye discharge and their appetite has gone from lessened to not eating anything but still drinking water. I dont believe he's eaten anything in 24 to 48 hours seems weak. I have been taking care of another cat who I took to the vet but do not have more money to help this one. Is there anything I can do to help him? He is sleeping in an outside cat house we have

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on March 8th, 2020

It sounds like an upper respiratory infection. They are common in cats and can be incredibly contagious to other cats. Make sure to wash your hands and change your clothes after dealing with Tom. Many of these infection are viral and simply have to run their course. Occasionally antibiotics are used to treat secondary bacterial infections. Cats don't like to eat if they can't smell, so if you can give him smellier foods, like tuna or some varieties of wet food, he may eat a little.

8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 24th, 2017
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on January 7th, 2020
This is a medical emergency and Nany has to see a vet now. Antibiotics are prescription only, and she looks extremely bad in your picture. I'm concerned she could die without veterinary care. Please see if you can borrow money from family and friends to afford the vet, and take her into one right away.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 1st, 2019
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on November 17th, 2017
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My cat won't eat and is sneezing a lot. Is this an emergency?

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