Sneezing - when to call vet?

My Simon has been sneezing for a day or two. He is eating a drinking fine and acting normal. For these reasons, I have not called the vet. If everything else is fine, should I just wait it out and hope he gets over whatever this is on his own?

I'm only paranoid because he got really sick and had a urinary blockage about a year ago. (He was much sicker then, obviously!)

Thanks!

My kitten Freya has been sneezing since we brought her home from the shelter on Thursday. She has an appointment at the vet for just a basic checkup to see if the shelter vet missed anything on Tuesday or Thursday of next week ((Grandfather is making the appointment)).

But like your Simon, Freya's otherwise very healthy-looking and energetic, and is actually eating more than she was two days ago. :3

It could be an upper respiratory. I would take him to the vet if it's still going on tomorrow.

Cai, a lot of times kittens from the shelter do "come home" with respiratory infections. I am not sure why they don't take care of it at the shelter, but I have heard of it happening quite a bit.

Just bumping for more answers!

I'd just have to say I agree with Lauren (AniSkyofTrent)... my Baylee was sneezing quite a bit when I got her, but at her first vet visit I was told it was probably an upper respiratory infection and that'd it go away.

She still used to sneeze every once in a while, was healthy and so on... eventually it went away.

If you are concerned, though, it doesn't hurt to make a trip to the vet - if only for peace of mind and in case it does turn out to be something that needs to be dealt with.

Gross question, I know - but the answer could save you time, trouble, money and of course, even more stress on an already-stressed kitty ... what color is the mucous? If it is clear or white, there is no need to take her in, it will pass on it's own. If it is yellow, it is viral and antibiotics won't touch it - again, has to either pass on it's own or it can also go into a bacterial infection. If it is green, it is bacterial and must be treated with antibiotics.

~gf~

Originally Posted by gayef

Gross question, I know - but the answer could save you time, trouble, money and of course, even more stress on an already-stressed kitty ... what color is the mucous? If it is clear or white, there is no need to take her in, it will pass on it's own. If it is yellow, it is viral and antibiotics won't touch it - again, has to either pass on it's own or it can also go into a bacterial infection. If it is green, it is bacterial and must be treated with antibiotics.

~gf~

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I was reading this thread because my cats will occasionally sneeze. But it's funny you should mention the mucous "color-chart". My mom taught me that early on with us kids and her question, "What color is your snot?" If it was green, then off we'd go to the doctor (usually for a shot!).

Originally Posted by gayef

.. what color is the mucous? If it is clear or white, there is no need to take her in, it will pass on it's own. If it is yellow, it is viral and antibiotics won't touch it - again, has to either pass on it's own or it can also go into a bacterial infection. If it is green, it is bacterial and must be treated with antibiotics.
~gf~

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This is actually really helpful, Gf . This may actually save my, extremely paranoid self, from future unnecessary immediate panic

My baby sneezes too and he has an upper respiratory infection. The vet said it could go away on it's own and he should outgrow it.

my cat started sneezing when we put our christmas tree up about 2 weeks ago, but yesterday she sneezed and (sorry guys) all this green mucus came out i'm taking her to the vet on tuesday do you think she will be ok. she's happy, eating well and her coats nice and silky. i'm just worried

Originally Posted by pink19

my cat started sneezing when we put our christmas tree up about 2 weeks ago, but yesterday she sneezed and (sorry guys) all this green mucus came out i'm taking her to the vet on tuesday do you think she will be ok. she's happy, eating well and her coats nice and silky. i'm just worried

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Hi, welcome to TCS! You are very smart to be taking your kitty to the Vet to be examined and treated for any possible illness. I'm so glad to hear she is still acting as if she feels well and continuing to eat well. If she should show any signs of distress between now and your appt, you would probably want to get her in sooner. Please do keep us updated how she is feeilng!

Thanks everyone! We had the "green" rule in my house too when I was a kid! I never thought about it in terms of the cat! Everything seems to be a nice shade of clear, so I'll just watch him for now.

I love this site!

We love you being here with us, Cheryl! You are doing such a wonderful job monitoring your darling Simon, please keep us updated how he is feeling!

Originally Posted by gayef

Gross question, I know - but the answer could save you time, trouble, money and of course, even more stress on an already-stressed kitty ... what color is the mucous? If it is clear or white, there is no need to take her in, it will pass on it's own. If it is yellow, it is viral and antibiotics won't touch it - again, has to either pass on it's own or it can also go into a bacterial infection. If it is green, it is bacterial and must be treated with antibiotics.

~gf~

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Sorry Gaye! But I'm going to disagree with your snot-o-gram!
As far as I am concerned yellow and/or green snot requires antibiotics. This indicates the presence of white blood cells and bacterial growth and will not get better without treatment.

This comes from my own personal experience with the last (and worst) flu I had. Once I realized that, if I was caring for a cat with as much yellow snot as I had -I would treat it with drugs . I got myself to the doctor and after the first dose I felt 100x better!

White and clear discharge is normal with a viral infection and at that point only supportive care is necessary. Lots of fluids, good food and a steam bath to clear the sinuses.

Usually green or yellow snot is indicative of a superficial infection, not usually serious in and of itself. But it is difficult to tell with cats if they have a sinus infection so it makes sense to treat with antibiotics.
If a kitty has URI symptoms they should always see a vet, though. You can't tell what their lungs sound like at home and it is difficult to check their temperature. Vets also look in their mouths to see if they have the classic lesions of calicivirus or the gum inflammation of herpes virus. The vet will check their hydration status and advise regarding nutritional support. If kitty is just sneezing and has a clear discharge and is eating, peeing and pooping without problems some owners will wait and see. But any cough or purulent discharge or decrease in appetite or symptoms of dehydration definitely need a vet to check.
Becky

i'm pleased to say Jess has stopped sneezing green stuff its now clear and she seem's to be sneezing less, she's still happy and bright as well. i'm keeping my eye on her and will still take her to the vets this week just to get her checked out.

Good to hear... and I'm glad you're still taking her to the vet - let us know how it goes!