Clinical signs of Upper Respiratory Disease (URD) including sneezing and nasal discharge are very common in cats. 

Discharge can be Serous (Clear Fluid) or Mucopurulent (Milky thick fluid).

Common causes include Viral (the most common), bacterial, and fungal infections.  Chronic Rhinosinusitis (inflammation of the nasal cavity and sinuses), foreign objects, tooth root disease, tumors, nasal polyps, nasopharyngeal stenosis (narrowing of the nasal and airway passages), and trauma are the less frequent causes.  A complete diagostic workup is important to determine the cause and the appropriate treatment can be given.

Physical exam and history provide the Doctor with the best information about the likelihood of the agent or cause.  Many times an antibiotic will be prescribed.  The more chronic causes may need a complete blood count and/or x-rays and cultures for bacterial or fungal infections.  Tumors/Foreign objects, and unresponsive infections may require more advanced imaging techniques such as CT scans and endoscopic exams.

The most common cause of Sneezing and Rhinotracheitis are caused by Feline Herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV).  These are air borne and highly contagious between cats.  Usually brought in by a cat that may be a carrier with no signs or a sneezing kitten that may have subtle signs.  Often accompanied by discharge from the eyes as well.  These cats become infected and usually recover but are persistent carriers.  Vaccination is the best prevention.

Recently, 3 cats have been diagnosed with the H1N1 virus from humans.  Testing has been done to confirm the virus.  These were cats where the owners or family of the owners have recently been infected with the virus.  Fortunately, it is not that common and most cats will recover with appropriate treatment.

Call us if you have concerns or questions.