Cat coughing and sneezing

Question
My cat is about 11- 12 years old, her mother apparently had some kind of disease when she was pregnant and so my cat was born with some brain damage (she has no balance or coordination) - she has almost always had a slight cough but it has gotten worse, and now she also is sneezing - her eyes are runny and she has alot of mucus, sneezing fits can last 20 seconds or more. Any suggestions as to what this might be? I have made an appt with a vet but the waiting to find out is aggrevating - thanks - Tricia

Answer
Hi Patricia!
I am unsure as to whether or not the symptoms you are seeing now are related to her life-long ailment, but the symptoms you have described (runny eyes, coughing, sneezing, mucus) are all symptoms of an upper respiratory infection.  Your veterinarian will prescribe some antibiotics like Clavamox or Baytril to get rid of this infection.  Within a few days on the antibiotics, your cat should be feeling much, much better!
Please keep me posted!
Hilary