Does my new kitten have a cold?

Question

I just got my kitten from the SPCA (yesterday), and she's 6-8 weeks old. Her nose is stuffed, and she sneezes. Her eyes are a little watery too. She still eats, drinks, uses the the bathroom fine, she sleeps, and she's very playful when she's not sleeping.

Should this kitten cold go away, or should I go see a vet?

Answer 1

Congratulation on your new addition  :)  Good for you!!

It is VERY common for kitties to come home from the shelters with a "URI" - Upper Respiratory Infection.  The symptoms are similar to when we have a cold.  The difference is that they can "go down hill" very quickly.  Especially the young ones.  Felines use their sense of smell to eat.  When they become congested, they stop eating.  They will also not eat if they have a fever.  Needless to say, this is quite dangerous for a young kitten.  

Definitely DO NOT wait to go to the vet.  I would go tonight if possible.  Otherwise first thing in the morning.   AND if you have other cats, do not let them near each other.  Wash your hands well - this is highly contagious.  So be sure when you take her to the vet she is in a carrier and you do not sit by other cats that may be in the waiting room out of courtesy to them.

I wish you both well and hope she feels much better soon :) xo

Answer 2

Did you ask the SPCA about it when you picked her up?  They should have all her medical office notes.  I would have the cat checked out completely by a vet, get her shots and get her spayed.  She could have an upper respiratory infection, or just a cold - either way, it needs to be treated.  Good luck with your new little buddy.

Answer 3

sneezing is generally associated with respiratory infections,sneezing is a reflex action brought on by irritation in the nasal passage,

has the kitten nasal discharge,if so it probably has an infection of the nostrils or sinuses.

are any cold or flu signs present,IE fever,breathing problems,nasal or eye discharge,or coughing.

possible causes for these are bacterial or fungal infection,viral decease,allergies or a nasal tumor.

take the kitten to the vets,but in the mean time keep her warm but in a well ventilated room

Answer 4

I'd see a vet right away.  Shelter cats often catch Upper Respiratory Infections from one another, and cats, as someone else mentioned, do NOT get colds like people do.  An Upper Respiratory Infection is MUCH more dangerous in a kitten than in a human, and she's likely to need antibiotics to get better again... don't take chances, see your vet now!

Answer 5

Give it a couple of days, or if her eyes and nose start to get gunky take her to the vet to be safe. Also she sounds a bit young to have been rehomed already.

Answer 6

Uh-oh.  Make an appt with a vet right away.  Kittens should not have stuffy noses.  She  may have an upper respiratory tract infection, which your vt can treat, or she may have herpes.  Herpes, per say, can not be treated, but its symptoms can (just like people).

Answer 7

It's not a cold, cat's don't get them. They get respiratory infections like cat 'flu, which can be fatal for kittens. Do NOT wait until the cat is no longer eating, take him to a vet now.

Chalice

Answer 8

Yes. And it is very common for kittens from the shelters to have a cold as it is a virus and is very transmittable. Be certain that she is eating well. If the discharge from nose or eyes becomes yellow or green go to the vet right away as this can signal a secondary infection that would require antibiotics. If she is otherwise healthy and eating well she should be able to shake it on her own. Keep in mind it could take a week or two.

Answer 9

It could be a contagious disease and could possibly kill the cat, I would just to be on safe measures go make an appointment for the cat . Good luck