Cat Sneezing & Eye Drainage

It is not uncommon for cats to develop symptoms that seem like a human cold or allergies. In reality, they are suffering from a virus specific to felines, feline upper respiratory disease complex (or rhinotracheitis), which can manifest in a variety of symptoms including sneezing and discharge from the eyes. Paying close attention to your pet and seeking a veterinary opinion can help determine and treat the underlying condition affecting your cat.

  1. Feline Herpes Virus

    • Feline herpes virus, or FHV-1, is the cause of 80 percent to 90 percent of the cases of upper respiratory problems in cats, according to Foster and Smith's website for pet owners, www.peteducation.com. Although it shares the same name, feline herpes is not the same as the herpes virus in humans. FHV-1 is not sexually transmitted and can affect any cat that comes into contact with an infected cat's secretions during an outbreak. It generally infects young cats, and it can remain dormant for years. Symptoms will often reappear when your cat has feline leukemia virus or a feline immunodeficiency virus infection, is stressed or is taking corticosteroids. FHV-1 is also the No. 1 cause of conjunctivitis in cats and causes a cat to have clear or cloudy discharge in one or both eyes. Corneal ulcers are also common to cats with feline herpes and can be very painful for your pet.

    FCV

    • FCV stands for feline calcivirus, and symptoms range from sneezing and discharge from the nose to lethargy and loss of appetite, according to vetinfo.com. Like the feline herpes virus, FCV is spread when one cat comes into contact with the secretions from the eyes, mouth or nose of an infected cat.

    Bordatella Bronchisceptica

    • Bordatella bronchisceptica is a communicable illness more common to dogs but which can also cause respiratory issues in cats. It is easily passed from one cat to another through sneezing or coughing, and an infected dog can also give it to a cat. Symptoms include sneezing, eye discharge and nasal discharge.

    Chalmydophila Felis

    • Chalmydophila felis is a bacteria that can cause eye infections in cats. It is commonly found in shelters or kennels, but it also causes less problems for owners than upper respiratory viruses. This illness is transmitted from the eye secretions of an infected cat. Symptoms include a watery discharge from the eye that can become a thick mucus.

    Treatment

    • A veterinarian can prescribe an antiviral agent or antibiotic if your cat doesn't get better on his own after a day or two, or if symptoms persist for more than a few days. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat appears to be in pain or if the discharge from his eye is green or pus-like.