If you’ve found your cat sneezing, you may be wondering what’s the matter. Is it nothing but a friendly little sneeze, or something more serious? Coughing and sneezing in humans and cats can be caused by many things, from simple irritants to more serious health problems. In this article, we’ll cover what can cause cats to sneeze, when to be concerned, as well as how you can help your kitty feel better.
Why Do Cats Sneeze?
So sneezing is a normal reflex that clears irritants, dust or mucus from the nasal passages. Although occasional sneezing is normal, frequent or persistent sneezing may be a sign of something more serious. Most common reasons your cat may be sneezing:
Upper Respiratory Infections
One of the most common causes of sneezing would be upper respiratory infection (URI) in cats. These infections are often caused by viral agents like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus. Symptoms of a URI include:
Sneezing
Runny nose
Watery eyes
Coughing
Loss of appetite
Allergies
Cats Can Have Allergies Just Like Us Allergens ranging from pollen and dust to mold and specific foods. If your cat is sneezing because of allergies, you may also notice:
Foreign Objects
Small things like blades of grass or flecks of dust are sometimes known to lodge in your cat’s nose, and cause sneezing. If your cat is batting at their nose or appears distressed, a foreign object could be the culprit.
Dental Problems
Yes, you read that right, dental problems can make your cat sneeze. Infections or abscess in the teeth or gum can transit to the nasal passages, resulting in sneezing and nasal discharge.
Feline Asthma
Cat asthma is a disease that leads to airway inflammation and constriction. Coughing is the most typical sign, but some cats will also sneeze. Other symptoms of asthma are:
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing
Lethargy
Nasal Tumors
Nasal tumors are also uncommon but can lead to chronic sneezing in older cats. Other symptoms may include:
When Should You Be Concerned?
Most of the time, the occasional sneeze is nothing to worry about, but there are some signs that a vet visit is a must. Call your vet if your cat:
Frequent or persistent sneezing
Has runny or stuffy nose and/or mucus (especially if thick, yellow or bloody)
Experiencing signs of respiratory distress
Stops eating or drinking
Seems lethargic or unwell
Has swollen or red eyes
How to Help Your Sneezing Cat
There are a few things you can do to help your cat feel more comfortable if they are sneezing:
Maintain a Clean Environment:
Make cleaning your house to reduce dust, allergens, and irritants a regular chore. Stay away from harsh chemicals and use pet-safe cleaning products.
Use a Humidifier:
Dry air can aggravate your cat’s nasal passages. A humidifier can keep the air moist and alleviate sneezing.
Observe Their Symptoms:
Pay attention to your cat’s sneezing and any additional symptoms. This will help your vet in diagnosing the problem.
Give Fresh Water:
Always ensure that your cat has access to clean, fresh water. Drinking plenty of fluids can thin out mucus and relieve nasal congestion.
Avoid Smoke and Strong Scents:
Don’t allow your cat to be around cigarette smoke, perfume and other strong odors that can irritate their nose.
When to Visit the Vet
If your cat’s sneezing isn’t getting better or is accompanied by other signs, it’s time for a vet visit. Your vet will give your pup a physical exam and may recommend diagnostic tests (such as blood work, X-rays, or nasal swabs) to identify the cause of the sneezing. Treatment will vary based on the underlying problem, and may include:
For bacterial infections, antibiotics are the first course of action
Antimicrobial drugs for bacterial infections
Antihistamines or steroids to treat allergies
Immune response to treatment for tooth-related issues
Surgery for foreign bodies or tumors
Preventing Sneezing in Cats
Although you can’t always stop your kitty from sneezing, there are some things you can do to decrease their risk:
Vaccinate your cat: Ensure that your cat is up to date on vaccines protecting against common respiratory viruses.
Practice Good Hygiene: Keep your cat’s litter box, bedding, and food/water bowls clean to prevent the spread of infections.
Avoid Allergens: If your cat is allergic to something, try to determine what might be causing this allergy, and keep your cat as free from those substances as possible.
Schedule Regular Vet Checkups — Regular vet visits can catch and address health issues early.
Final Thoughts
Causes of Sneezing in Cats:Most Common to Most Serious Occasional sneezing is normal but sneezing frequently, especially when combined with other symptoms, shouldn’t be ignored. By recognizing the possible reasons and knowing when to go to the vet, you can help keep your kitty healthy and happy.
However, if you are ever in doubt about your cat’s health, just call your veterinarian. After all, your cat depends on you to be their advocate and caretaker. With some attention and love, your sneezing kitty will be feeling better in no time!