Cat condition guide · Respiratory

Cat Upper Respiratory Infection (URI): Vet Care and Acupuncture

Sneezing, runny eyes and congestion in cats: when to see a vet, care at home and points commonly discussed.

Prepared by the PetAcu Team · Last updated October 7, 2026

This guide is educational and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis. Acupuncture is used alongside, not instead of, conventional care, and the evidence differs from condition to condition. See our Medical Disclaimer.

See a veterinarian first

Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately, and do not delay care to try acupuncture, if:

Your cat is breathing with an open mouth or struggling to breathe.
Your cat is not eating or drinking, especially a kitten or an older cat.
There is thick yellow or green discharge, mouth ulcers or squinting eyes.
Signs last more than a week or your cat has a fever.

This list is not complete. Cats hide illness, so if you are worried, call your veterinarian.

What is Upper respiratory infection (URI)?

Upper respiratory infection, often called a cat cold, is common, especially in kittens, shelter cats and cats carrying feline herpesvirus or calicivirus. It causes sneezing, nasal and eye discharge and congestion, and can make cats stop eating because they cannot smell their food.

Signs to look for

Sneezing and nasal discharge
Watery or crusty eyes
Congestion and snoring
Reduced appetite
Mouth ulcers or drooling

How veterinarians diagnose and treat it

Many mild cases are managed with supportive care such as keeping the nose and eyes clean, offering warm, strong-smelling food and fluids. Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics for secondary infection, eye medicine or antivirals, and can advise on vaccination and stress.

Where acupuncture may fit in recurrent URI

Some practitioners offer acupuncture as support for chronic or recurring upper respiratory signs. It is not a replacement for veterinary care.

What the evidence says: Evidence for acupuncture in cats with respiratory infections is limited.

Results vary from cat to cat and cannot be promised. To find a practitioner, see cat acupuncture near me in our directory.

Acupuncture points for cats commonly discussed for this condition

These feline acupuncture points are named in traditional charts for the signs described on this page. Each guide gives the location, traditional indications and safety notes. Listing a point is not a promise that it will help, and points are chosen by the practitioner for each cat.

See all points on the cat acupuncture points chart.

Next steps and resources

Find cat acupuncture near me

Browse veterinary acupuncture clinics and mobile vets by country, state and city, and check who treats cats.

Search the directory →

Books and learning

Acupuncture books, printable point cards, courses and learning resources.

See books and courses →

Cat acupuncture points chart

Browse cat acupuncture points by meridian with locations and traditional indications.

Open the chart →

Some resources are our own digital products, sold on Gumroad. Links to products from other makers may be affiliate links and are labelled. See our Affiliate and Product Disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

Can I treat my cat’s cold at home?

Mild signs may improve with supportive care, but cats that stop eating or have trouble breathing need a veterinarian.

Is a cat cold contagious?

Yes, many upper respiratory viruses spread between cats. Ask your veterinarian about isolation and vaccination.

Does acupuncture work for cat colds?

There is little evidence. It may be offered as support for recurrent signs.

Related cat conditions

Looking for a veterinary acupuncturist for your cat?

Browse clinics and mobile vets by location, and check who treats cats and what training they have before you book.

Find cat acupuncture near me All cat conditions