Sneezing + Clear Discharge

I adopted a 5 month old cat/kitten from the Humane Society on Friday (named him Lynk).  They had some sneezing going around the clinic and even made a note of it on the adoption paperwork.  There is ever so slight clear discharge and they (Humane Society lady who did all my paperwork) told me not to worry about it unless the discharge becomes colored, he has a loss of appetite or energy level.  Basically told that it was just a cold that he would get over in two weeks or so and to monitor and if it gets any worse then get him in to be seen by a Vet.

I need to get Lynk a FVRCP Vac this week and I can either go to just a place that does Vaccines or I can go to my Vet and ask them about this sneezing and discharge.  I know I was told by the Humane Society to not be worried unless other symptoms arise as well (which they haven't).

I had an appointment with my Vet for Thursday which because of work I had to push back to Saturday.  With this Vac clinic it goes on at a time that is perfect for me (later in the evening) and I could go tomorrow after I get off work.

Question is, how concerned should I be about this sneezing + minimal clear discharge?  I don't want to be that crazy over board cat/dog/animal person that gets super concerned over something that will go away on it's own.

Sneezing and clear discharge from the eyes are common symptoms of a uri (a cold). Healthy adult cats can fight them off naturally just like humans can. Kittens are more susceptible to a cold turning into something more serious, like conjunctivitis. 

I wouldn't vaccinate an animal while it is showing any sign of illness. Let your vet decide what is best to do since you have an appt on Saturday anyway. You could call your vet and describe the symptoms and ask if you should bring him in sooner.

I'd go with letting your vet decide on when to safely vaccinate, and do a check to make sure the sneezes and sniffles are just a cold. 

i was wondering the same thing

My cats get "colds" due to the illnesses they have - calicivirus and feline herpes virus, which are contagious and usually picked up at crowded shelters. If not kept at bay, they can lead to bacterial infections and/or conjunctivitis. I treat them daily with powdered L-lysine mixed with their wet food. Please keep watch for runny, goopy eyes or yellow nasal discharge. This can be serious.
 

Yes, that's why I was thinking good idea to see vet but didn't want to cause any panic - my boy was recently diagnosed with herpes virus after getting runny eyes, and sneezing sometimes (I always thought the sneezing was dust bothering him too).  I understand sneezing and runny noses are most common presenting symptoms. So, given history it would make sense to see vet.   I understand the herpes virus is really common in most catteries/cats, it just doesn't show symptoms in all cats. It may well just be a cold but best to know as the earlier you catch the viral infections the better for managing future occurrences and minimizing any damage e.g. to eye and lining of the nose in herpes. I'm currently looking at L Lysene like GoHolistic suggests as I'd noticed a lot of people on this site believe it helps. Calcivirus is easier to test for I've been told but a decent vet should be able to have a good idea from examination.

Let us know how you and Lynk get on, and if he gets his vaccinations. Hope it is just a cold, but if not there's loads of advice on this site. 

I came home from work last night and there was no discharge at all - so that cleared up. I think he sneezed all of once or twice from 6pm to midnight when we went to bed.

Still going to see a vet - appointment is already made and can't hurt at this point.

  Hope your vet's nice to Lynk and all well. 

Was able to sneak into another vet yesterday (I like two vets in my area, so take my dogs to one and my cats to support local small town business - that and if I have a crazy world schedule one or the other can get me in for what I need) for Mr. Lynk and everything went great.

He was a hit, had different Vet Techs come in and take pictures of him cause he's so 'handsome' but it was all 'awwws, he's so cute!'.  During the hour we were there he sneezed all of once, maybe twice and the discharge had cleared up so the Vet gave him the shot.  Said that she didn't think it was anything serious and to have me to just watch it and if it doesn't go away after 10 days to come back or if it gets worse to come back.

Also the vet told me he was going to be a big boy based on his paws - now I'm curious as to how big he will get!  He's currently 5 pounds, eating three meals a day.

Oh, that's so nice!    So good to hear you've found a good vet AND that your baby is well.  Will we get to see some pictures of your handsome boy?