Hi - This past Saturday I adopted a kitten about 6 months old from the local Humane Society. The day after I brought him home he started sneezing and ... I guess you could call it coughing. Its sort of a raspy heaving sound but he doesnt seem to be trying to throw up nor has he thrown up. His eyes glaze over a little when this happens and he becomes somewhat rigid. The coughing fits last about 10 - 30 seconds then he is back to his normal self. He still has a good appitite and is still very playful in the evenings. Yesterday I took him in for his 3 day vet check and he got his rabies and distemper shots as well as wormed. I told the vet about the breathing problem - he checked him over and couldn't find anything. The only suggestion he had was to do some expensive tests which I cannot afford at this time.
Does anyone have any idea what his problem might be? Other then sneezing and the occational hacking/weezing cough he seems happy and healthy. Help Please!

Sounds like kennel cough to me. If you described it to your vet, I have a hard time believing any vet wouldn't make that diagnosis.

It's a virus that they pick up in kennels. If it keeps on happening then call the vet again.

It can be treated with antibiotics but I think it usually goes away on its own.

Thank You! If it goes away on its own how long does it usually take? How long should I wait to see if it will go away on its own? He has no nasal or eye discharge and is still eating good.

Thank You,
Sharon

Also ask your vet about Rhinotracheitis. It is prevalent in cats that come from humane societies or shelters. Most cats with this disease sneeze and have watery eyes and sometimes develop a cough. If they have a cough it is usually due to a secondary bacterial infection.