Runny Eyes/Sneezes

I got a kitten from the shelter today-- and her eyes have been running and she's sneezed every now and then. It didn't start until about 4 hours after she got here, and since then it has been happening quite a bit. Can it be allergies or the change in environment? When should I worry? She is playing like mad still and seems pretty content, otherwise. Thanks!

Originally Posted by notme1295

I got a kitten from the shelter today-- and her eyes have been running and she's sneezed every now and then. It didn't start until about 4 hours after she got here, and since then it has been happening quite a bit. Can it be allergies or the change in environment? When should I worry? She is playing like mad still and seems pretty content, otherwise. Thanks!

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it very well could be the change in environment... or there could be something in your home that she is allergic to. give it a few days... watch her eating and bathroom habits, make sure they stay normal, make sure she drinks plenty of water. it is good that she still has energy, you dont want her to become lethargic... are her eyes clear liquid or yellow or green? is there discharge from her nose? if you want, tomorrow, call a vet just to ask, it couldnt hurt.

The discharge is yellow. Her nose after she sneezes runs a little clear.

yellow isnt necessarily bad... but i would still call the vet tomorrow just to ask

it is probably a cold, but it could be allergies

I work in a cat shelter, about 500+ hours per year. Your kitten has an upper respiratory infection, a cold. I promise you it isn't an allergy or dust bunnies. The kitten needs meds, and you must watch and make sure she maintains her appetite. The cold will get worse before it gets better. Get it treated NOW. Ask the shelter for support or contact your vet.

Depending on the age she needs either Amoxicillin or Clavamox and based on your description of her eyes she needs an anti-bacterial eye ointment as well.

If her appetite diminishes then you will need to either offer her stinky food to penetrate clogged nostrils (cats dont eat when they cant smell their food) or if that doesn't work you will need to hand feed her with a feeding syringe which your vet or shelter can instruct you in its use.

She'll be fine with treatment. Without treatment she will be in trouble.

Please take kitty to a vet she needs some antibiotics.

Originally Posted by WellingtonCats

Please take kitty to a vet she needs some antibiotics.

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I took her to a vet yesterday, but by then the sneezing and runny eyes had stopped. The vet said to keep an eye on her but that she seemed fine. It must have been nervousness that caused it the first night, because she is adjusting better now and not nearly as upset as she had been.