Cat Sneezing and Eye Running

If a cat is sneezing and its eyes are running or watery, these are symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, according to the ASPCA.

  1. Upper Respiratory Infections

    • A feline upper respiratory infection, or URI, is much like the common cold in humans. It is usually highly contagious.

    Causes

    • URIs are usually caused by viruses, including the calici virus and feline herpes virus. Bacteria, including chlamydia and bordetella, can also trigger URIs, according to the ASPCA.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of URI in a cat include runny eyes, nasal discharge and loss of appetite. A cat's eyes might also be red or inflamed.

    Treatment

    • Rest and plenty of fluids will help a cat with URI caused by a virus. For those caused by bacteria, a veterinarian can prescribe antibiotics.

    Considerations

    • Cat breeds with flat faces like Persians are at a greater risk for experiencing sneezing and runny eyes associated with URIs.