VetWel®
Cat Health • Respiratory

My cat is sneezing and has a runny nose: what could it be?

Upper respiratory infections are common, but nasal discharge can also result from irritation, dental disease, foreign material or other problems. Appetite and breathing effort help determine urgency.

Veterinarian reviewedUpdated Aug 20, 2026
Quick answer

Mild sneezing in an otherwise bright cat may be monitored briefly, but difficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing, marked lethargy, eye pain or refusal to eat needs prompt veterinary care.

Common upper respiratory signs

  • Sneezing
  • Clear or colored nasal discharge
  • Watery or sticky eye discharge
  • Reduced smell and appetite
  • Fever or lethargy

Why appetite matters

Congestion can reduce a cat's sense of smell and therefore appetite. Because cats should not go prolonged periods without food, reduced intake is an important reason to contact a veterinarian.

Emergency: open-mouth breathing, blue/gray gums, marked breathing effort or collapse requires immediate care.

Related VetWel guides

See cat not eating, cat coughing versus asthma and routine veterinary checkups.

Veterinarian Nazif Oben Akşemsettinoğlu
Veterinarian Nazif Oben AkşemsettinoğluVetWel Founder & Veterinary Consultant

Veterinary sources

Cornell Feline Health Center