Kitten Sneezing and Eye Discharge: Causes, Care and When It Is Urgent

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

A sneezing kitten with watery eyes can look pitiful, and it is very common. Many kittens, especially those from shelters and large litters, develop upper respiratory infections in their first weeks in a new home. Most recover with care, but kittens can go downhill fast, so it pays to know what to watch for.

Why kittens get colds

Kittens have immature immune systems. They are exposed to viruses such as feline herpesvirus and calicivirus, and to bacteria such as Chlamydia and Bordetella. Stress from moving to a new home lowers resistance, and viruses spread easily in crowded places. See upper respiratory infections in cats for details.

Signs

• Frequent sneezing
• Clear, yellow or green nasal discharge
• Watery, crusty or glued-shut eyes
• Squinting or swollen eyelids
• Drooling or mouth ulcers
• Fever and lethargy
• Reduced appetite, since the kitten cannot smell its food
• Noisy, congested breathing

Eye problems

Eye discharge in kittens can lead to ulcers and permanent damage if untreated. Kittens may have eyes that are sealed shut with crust. Gently bathe them with warm water and a clean cotton pad, but see a vet promptly. See cat eye problems.

When it is urgent

Take your kitten to a vet right away if it:

• Stops eating, or refuses food for more than half a day
• Has trouble breathing or breathes with an open mouth
• Is very lethargic, limp or cold
• Has a closed or cloudy eye, or severe squinting
• Has thick colored discharge or ulcers in the mouth
• Is under eight weeks old
• Has diarrhea or vomiting as well

Young kittens can develop pneumonia and become dehydrated rapidly. See the emergency warning signs guide. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

What the vet may do

Your vet will examine the kitten, check hydration, weigh it and may take swabs. Treatment may include:

• Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection
• Eye ointment or drops
• Fluids, under the skin or by drip
• Appetite support or tube feeding
• Nebulization
• Antiviral medications in some cases
• Isolation and nursing care

See kitten first vet visit.

Home care

• Clean eyes and nose with a warm, damp cloth, using a fresh area each time.
• Keep the kitten warm, in a quiet room.
• Tempt it to eat. Warm up wet food to enhance smell. See kitten feeding schedule.
• Use steam, such as in a bathroom with a hot shower, with the kitten supervised and out of the water.
• Offer water, and monitor for dehydration.
• Isolate from other cats.
• Wash hands and bowls, and clean bedding.
• Give medicine exactly as prescribed. See how to give cat eye drops.

Never use human cold medicines or eye drops. See cat poisoning what to do.

Prevention

• Vaccinate on schedule. See cat vaccination schedule.
• Reduce stress, with a quiet, safe room. See kitten-proofing your home.
• Quarantine new kittens before introductions.
• Keep the environment clean.
• Provide good nutrition.

Long-term effects

Kittens that recover from herpesvirus usually carry it for life and may have flare-ups during stress, with sneezing and eye discharge. Some develop chronic nose or eye problems. Keep stress low, and see your vet early at the first sign. Kittens with FeLV or FIV are more prone to infections. See FeLV and FIV in cats.

Kittens from shelters and large litters

Kittens that come from shelters, foster homes or large litters are exposed to more viruses and often arrive with signs. Ask the shelter about any current illness, and plan a vet check within a day or two of adoption. Having a plan in advance, including a separate room and a vet appointment, reduces stress for everyone. See adopting a cat from a shelter.

Dehydration check

Gently lift the skin at the back of a kitten's neck. If it snaps back quickly, hydration is probably fine. If it stays up or returns slowly, or if the gums feel tacky, the kitten may be dehydrated and needs a vet at once. Do not force water into a kitten's mouth.

Keeping a symptom diary

Note how often the kitten sneezes, what the discharge looks like, how much it eats and whether it plays. A short video helps your vet. Improvement should be steady, and any worsening should prompt a call to the clinic.

Protecting people and other pets

The viruses that cause kitten colds do not infect people, but they spread easily to other cats on hands, clothing and shared bowls. Wash hands after handling the kitten, and keep other cats away until the vet confirms the kitten is no longer contagious.

Sneezing that is not an infection

Occasional sneezing from dust, litter or a hair in the nose is normal. Use low-dust litter. See kitten litter training and why is my cat sneezing.