CATS · OWNER EDUCATION
Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats
Contagious respiratory infections commonly cause sneezing, eye discharge and nasal congestion, especially in kittens and multi-cat settings.
THE SHORT VERSION
Understanding supports better veterinary conversations.
Contagious respiratory infections commonly cause sneezing, eye discharge and nasal congestion, especially in kittens and multi-cat settings. The same outward signs can occur with several diseases, so an examination and appropriately selected testing are important.
What is this condition?
Contagious respiratory infections commonly cause sneezing, eye discharge and nasal congestion, especially in kittens and multi-cat settings. The same outward signs can occur with several diseases, so an examination and appropriately selected testing are important.
Which animals can be affected?
Risk factors, examination findings and management can differ between species and individual patients.
Why can it happen?
- Feline herpesvirus, calicivirus and sometimes bacterial organisms.
- Stress can contribute to recurrence in cats carrying herpesvirus.
What might an owner notice?
- Sneezing, nasal discharge, watery or crusted eyes.
- Reduced appetite, mouth ulcers, fever or low energy.
How is the problem investigated?
- History and examination of the eyes, mouth, nose, hydration and breathing.
- Testing is selected for severe, recurring or outbreak-associated cases.
What might treatment involve?
- Supportive care, eye treatment and nutrition support as directed.
- Antimicrobial or antiviral treatment only when the veterinarian considers it appropriate.
This is an overview, not a prescription or a recommendation for a specific individual animal.
What can owners do at home?
- Write down when the problem began and track appetite, drinking, waste, activity, breathing and medication use.
- Bring clear photos or short videos when they can be taken without stressing the animal.
- Follow the veterinary team's instructions for medication, feeding, isolation, environmental changes and rechecks.
Avoid actions that could make care less safe.
- Do not use human medication, leftover antibiotics or another animal's treatment without veterinary direction.
- Do not force food or water into an animal that cannot swallow normally, is struggling to breathe or may have an obstruction.
- Do not delay veterinary care when pain, breathing, appetite, urination, movement or responsiveness changes quickly.
What can the longer-term outlook involve?
The outlook depends on the underlying cause, severity, species and how quickly effective care begins.
Can risk be reduced?
- Provide species-appropriate nutrition, housing, sanitation and routine veterinary care.
- Learn the animal's normal behavior, appetite, body condition and waste pattern so meaningful changes are noticed early.
When should you arrange care?
- Contact a veterinarian promptly for sneezing, nasal discharge, watery or crusted eyes. or reduced appetite, mouth ulcers, fever or low energy..
- Arrange reassessment if signs return, worsen or do not improve as expected.
Seek emergency veterinary care if you notice:
SEEK EMERGENCY VETERINARY CARE- Open-mouth breathing, blue gums, severe eye pain, inability to eat, dehydration or collapse.
Sources behind this guide
VeterinaryPartner — client education from the Veterinary Information NetworkPrimary veterinary or veterinary-university guidance ↗Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: animal health topicsPrimary veterinary or veterinary-university guidance ↗Content last reviewed: September 17, 2026. Review status: veterinary-informed; independent veterinarian review not yet completed.