[GhostUser]

Hi guys, I'm new to Veggie Boards. I have a little issue, and I'm not sure if it's a problem. I have a 5 mth kitty, and he sneezes constantly. In fact, he was sneezing when I adopted him. I'm not sure if he's a sneezy cat or if he is sick. Of course I will take him to the vet, but is sneezing a common thing for a kitten? I haven't had a kitten for several years, so I really don't know. At first I thought it was because he keeps going into dusty places (behind the fridge, behind the stove, etc), but now I'm not sure. Any thoughts?

 

[GhostUser]

How's he acting? If he's eating and playing normally, it's nothing to be concerned about. If his eyes get all goopy and gross, take him to the vet and they'll give him a course of antibiotics. All in all, it's nothing to worry about. He'll be fine.

 

[Thalia]

A lot of cats have a herpes virus that makes them sneeze both when they first contract it, and then again when they are in a stressful situation. I've seen it many times.

 

[majake]

majake will refrain from making comment about pussy(cats) and herpes. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/grin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[GhostUser]

Thank you Majake for showing a bit of class <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""> (and respect)

 

[LadyFaile]

is he coughing as well? do his eyes and nose run? if so, go read my thread here about cat litter and tell your vet you want him checked for a respiratory infection (cold-like symptoms and not real serious if you get it treated right away, but if you leave it be it can get serious very easily). if that's what it is they'll likely give you antibiotics if the kitten is old enough to take them safely. they're not very expensive and should clear it up if it's viral. but i also suggest avoiding clay and clumping cat litter. if it's what you use i strongly recommend switching to an alternative like yesterday's news or swheat scoop. the litter thread goes into more detail about it, it's a lot to post twice<br><br><br><br><br><br>
if it's not an infection and he has no other symptoms, he could just have dust allergies. cats do sometimes have allergies just like we do, so it could be like you first thought and he's just sneezing from getting into dusty areas of the house. try to block off those areas if you can, inhaling too much dust could also give him a respiratory infection<br><br><br><br>
good luck <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/smiley.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title=""><br><br><br><br>

 

[GhostUser]

Maybe my cat is allergic to me? haha<br><br><br><br>
His eyes have not gotten gloopy and gross yet. Every now and then, I'll see a little kitty booger (sorry, had to say it), but that's about it. He sneezes, but acts perfectly normal and eats very well. I will follow your advice about switching litter brands. And, of course, see a vet to make sure. Thanks to all.<br><br><br><br>
Majake - shame on you, but I'm glad you have a sense of humor <br><br><br><br>
By the way, what is the dollar amount under your ID, or should I ask?

 

[majake]

that is the value i have put on my life

 

[GhostUser]

I'll give you $450 and not a nickel more....

 

[majake]

$450.04 and you have a deal.

 

[GhostUser]

I'm sorry, that's a little steep. I had to deduct $5.16 from your retail value because of the aforementioned pussy/herpe joke.

 

[majake]

ouch, now that hurt. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="/images/smilies/sad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="">

 

[GhostUser]

Awww....do we have deal, then?

 

[GhostUser]

At the animal shelter I volunteer at we see a lot of respiratory infections. Unforunately the antibiotics do NOT cure the infections - they only prevent the animal from getting a worse disease like pneumonia. Respiratory infections are like colds in humans, they are caused by viruses and so can't be killed. The best solution is to get your kitten a lot of fresh air (take her outside in your arms or in a carrier if it's not too cold) and make sure she doesn't get dehyrdated (to check for dehydration, pull the skin of the back up - if it pops back into place, she's fine, if it sticks there for a while before going back she's dehydrated). Respiratory infections usually involve sneezing to the point where mucous actually shoots out of the nose, eyes running, crusty green mucuous around the eyes and nostrils, and congested breathing. It's really important, especially with a baby, to keep the eyes and nose clear of this mucous because leaving it in the eyes can lead to an eye infection and if the kitten can't smell through its nose because it's clogged, it will stop eating.<br><br><br><br>
This time of year allergies are not uncommon for cats, I had to take my cat in to the vet the other day for allergy induced fever and sneezing. They gave her a steroid shot and some antibiotic pills to help. She's still sneezing a lot but it's really just a cold, like humans get.<br><br><br><br>
Also, some cats actually have asthma which makes them sneeze a lot. One of our house cats at the shelter has this, he'll often stop in the middle of doing something and have a sneezing fit. There's not anything we can do about this, and the cat isn't really harmed by it, so it's nothing to worry about.<br><br><br><br>
I would take her to the vet, especially if it's a small kitten, and make sure everything's alright. A respiratory infection in a kitten can lead to dehydration and even death if it's not taken care of right away and the kitten stops eating/drinking. Please let us know how she does, and what it's diagnosed as.