Feline Respiratory Infections: URI & Pneumonia Guide

Medically reviewed by Dr. Maria Chen, DVM — updated July 17, 2026. Dr. Chen specializes in feline internal medicine and the care of cats with infectious and chronic disease. Read Dr. Chen's author profile.

Sneezing and watery eyes often signal an upper respiratory infection (URI), while fast or difficult breathing can indicate pneumonia or another emergency. A "cat cold" is not the same as a human cold, and antibiotics do not cure the viruses behind most feline URIs.

"Watch breathing effort more closely than the amount of nasal discharge. A cat using the abdomen to breathe, holding the neck out, or breathing with an open mouth needs urgent veterinary care—not another night of home remedies." — Dr. Maria Chen, DVM

URI Versus Pneumonia

An upper respiratory infection affects the nose, throat, sinuses, and sometimes eyes or mouth. Feline herpesvirus type 1 and feline calicivirus are major causes. Chlamydia felis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and other bacteria may also contribute, especially in shelters or multi-cat populations.

Pneumonia affects lung tissue and can result from bacteria, viruses, aspiration, fungi, or parasites. It is more serious than a routine URI. Bronchitis and asthma can also cause coughing or breathing trouble, so a diagnosis cannot be made from sound alone.

Read our upper respiratory infection guide for more background. The European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases publishes evidence-based guidance on feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus.

Symptoms and Emergency Signs

A mild URI may cause sneezing, clear nasal discharge, watery eyes, mild fever, reduced appetite, and lower energy. Calicivirus can cause painful oral ulcers; herpesvirus can damage the eye surface. Thick discharge does not by itself prove that bacteria are the primary cause.

Seek same-day advice if a kitten, senior, flat-faced cat, or cat with chronic disease is affected. Arrange an examination when symptoms worsen, last beyond several days, recur often, or interfere with eating and drinking.

Go to an emergency clinic now for:

• open-mouth breathing or blue, gray, or very pale gums;
• obvious abdominal effort, neck extension, or inability to settle;
• collapse, extreme weakness, or altered awareness;
• a resting breathing rate that is persistently high and accompanied by effort;
• suspected aspiration after vomiting or force-feeding.

Do not stress a breathless cat by repeatedly handling it. Keep the carrier ventilated and call the clinic on the way.

In my own practice, the URI case I dread most is the one that starts mild. A four-month-old shelter kitten who is still eating and purring on Tuesday can be open-mouth breathing by Thursday if herpesvirus tips into bronchopneumonia. The tipping point is almost always appetite — when a kitten stops accepting food for even a few meals, I move them to the clinic the same day, not the next.

How Veterinarians Diagnose the Cause

The examination includes temperature, hydration, mouth and eye inspection, and listening to the heart and lungs. Fluorescein stain may reveal a corneal ulcer. Chest radiographs are important when pneumonia, asthma, fluid, or heart disease is suspected.

A PCR respiratory panel can identify pathogen DNA, but according to the ABCD feline herpesvirus guideline, a positive result must be interpreted alongside symptoms and vaccination history because some healthy or recovered cats can still test positive. Blood work assesses inflammation and organ function. Severe cases may need oxygen, airway sampling, culture, or hospital monitoring.

Costs vary by location and severity. Ask for an itemized estimate; an examination may cost less than emergency imaging, oxygen, and hospitalization. Delaying care when breathing is labored can make treatment both riskier and more expensive.

Treatment and Safe Home Support

Treatment depends on cause and severity. Antibiotics are used for suspected or confirmed bacterial disease, not automatically for every sneeze. Antiviral medication may be prescribed for selected herpesvirus cases. Pneumonia may require oxygen, injectable drugs, fluids, nebulization, and nutrition support.

At home, wipe discharge with a warm damp cloth. A humid bathroom or cool-mist humidifier can loosen secretions, but avoid hot steam, essential oils, menthol products, and human cold medicines. Warm aromatic wet food may improve interest, and separate water should remain available. Never force-feed a cat that struggles to breathe because aspiration is possible.

A cat that eats little or nothing for 24 hours needs veterinary advice; kittens and sick cats may deteriorate sooner. Follow every prescription exactly and complete rechecks even if sneezing improves.

Contagion and Prevention

Respiratory pathogens spread through droplets, direct contact, bowls, bedding, hands, and other contaminated items. Isolate a sick newcomer in a separate room, wash hands, and clean supplies before caring for other cats. Ask your veterinarian which disinfectant and contact time are effective and safe.

FVRCP vaccination reduces the severity and spread of the core viral URI diseases, per AAFP vaccination guidance, but does not prevent every infection or eliminate latent herpesvirus. The American Association of Feline Practitioners supports vaccination plans based on age and risk. Reduce crowding, improve ventilation, and use gradual introductions because stress can reactivate herpesvirus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can humans catch a cat URI?

The common feline herpesvirus and calicivirus are not human cold viruses. Some bacterial causes have special considerations, so immunocompromised owners should ask their physician and veterinarian.

Does green discharge mean my cat needs antibiotics?

Not automatically. Color can occur with inflammation; a veterinarian decides based on the whole examination and illness course.

Can I give human cold medicine?

No. Decongestants, pain relievers, and combination products can be toxic to cats.

How long is a cat contagious?

It varies by organism. Per the ABCD feline herpesvirus guideline, some cats shed virus after recovery, and herpesvirus remains latent for life.

Should I use a humidifier?

A clean cool-mist humidifier may help congestion. Keep it dry between uses and never add essential oils.

How do I count resting breaths?

When the cat is asleep and not purring, count chest rises for 30 seconds and double it. Effort and change from normal matter as much as the number.

Can a vaccinated cat still get a URI?

Yes. Vaccination usually reduces disease severity rather than blocking every infection.

When should a sneezing cat see a vet?

Seek care for poor appetite, eye pain, dehydration, fever, breathing changes, severe lethargy, or symptoms that persist or recur.

Sources and Medical Note

Sources cited: ABCD feline herpesvirus guideline, ABCD feline calicivirus guideline, American Association of Feline Practitioners, and American Veterinary Medical Association.

Medical disclaimer: This article is educational and cannot determine why an individual cat is sneezing or breathing abnormally. Breathing difficulty is an emergency; contact a licensed veterinarian immediately. Any automated guidance tools referenced alongside this article provide general information only and are not a substitute for a hands-on examination by a licensed veterinarian. Product features and account tools that appear near this content are separate from the medical guidance above and do not constitute veterinary advice.

Feline respiratory issues are part and parcel of owning a cat, but they don't have to be a disaster. Keep their stress low, their vaccines current, and your eyes peeled for that first sneeze. If you catch it early, most cats are back to their usual selves within a couple of weeks. When was the last time your cat had their FVRCP booster? If you can't remember, it might be time for a quick check-up.