Why Is My Cat Sneezing? Common Causes and When to Worry

Cats sneezing can be adorable and amusing at times. However, frequent sneezing can be a sign of a health issue, and cat owners must be aware.

Occasional cat sneezing is normal, just like in humans. But you must watch out for other symptoms that accompany it, such as nasal discharge.

Let’s explore the common causes of why your cat is sneezing and when it becomes an alarming case that requires veterinary intervention.

Why Do Cats Sneeze?

Like in all creatures, sneezing is a reflex that happens when an irritant gets into the nasal passages. It’s the body’s way of trying to eliminate these participles before they can do any harm.

However, when a cat sneezes persistently, it could indicate a serious illness, including inflammation, infection, or dental disease.

Common Causes of Cat Sneezing

There are certain conditions that can cause your cat to sneeze a lot. Some reasons can be mild and can go away on their own, while others can be serious.

1. Upper Respiratory Infections

One of the most common causes of frequent cat sneezing is a URI or upper respiratory infection. It’s often referred to as a cat flu.

These infections are usually caused by different kinds of viruses, including the FHV-1 (feline herpesvirus) and the calicivirus. Sometimes, bacteria cause infections, which can include Bordetella and Chlamydia.

Kittens, senior cats, and unvaccinated ones are very vulnerable to URI. If they aren’t treated immediately, they can have chronic respiratory problems.

2. Environmental Irritants and Allergies

Particles in the environment can also cause cats to sneeze. Irritants can include dust, smoke, cleaning chemicals, and air fresheners. These can cause allergies in cats and can trigger sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.

3. Dental Disease and Oral Infections

Many are unaware that oral health conditions can also cause sneezing in cats. Some infections in the teeth and jaw can spread to their noses, which may eventually lead to an inflammation of the nasal passages.

4. Foreign Objects in the Nasal Passage

Because of the cat’s curious nature, they can sometimes inhale small objects like tiny grass blades, lint, or food crumbs. When objects get stuck in their noses, they may begin sneezing, and it can be persistent until the particle gets out. If the cat can’t sneeze the object out of the nasal passage, it may cause serious health issues.

5. Nasal Tumors and Chronic Conditions

A serious case of persistent sneezing in cats can be caused by tumors or chronic rhinitis. Older felines are susceptible to developing tumors. On the other hand, chronic rhinitis doesn’t choose any age in cats. Felines that have permanent nasal passage damage caused by severe infections can develop this condition.

When to Worry: Signs That Require Emergency Vets

Most of the time, your cat’s sneezing isn’t a serious case. But, you must be aware of certain symptoms that can indicate that your pet needs emergency veterinary care.

Check if your cat has been sneezing for more than a few days with thick nasal discharge that may appear yellowish-green. This can mean that your cat has an infection.

Other symptoms you must watch out for include wheezing, difficulty breathing, disinterest in food or water, and lethargy. And one of the most important things to watch out for is blood when your cat sneezes. It could not only mean a serious infection, but it could also be a sign of trauma or a tumor.

Cat Sneezing Treatment Options

Treating your cat will involve an accurate diagnosis first to know the root cause of the sneezing symptom. It may include several physical examinations, laboratory testing, or diagnostic imaging.

Once the veterinarian identifies the cause of your cat’s chronic sneezing, they may recommend a treatment plan for your pet.

Some of the treatments may include antibiotics, antivirals, nasal drops, dental procedures, allergy management, and surgical intervention. The vet may recommend one or several methods depending on your cat’s condition.

Conclusion: Keeping Your Cat Health

It might be difficult to keep your cat healthy completely. Still, trying your best to prevent them from getting sick is one way for them to live happy lives and give you peace of mind.

The best way to keep them healthy is with vaccinations. Many serious conditions that cause cat sneezing as a symptom can be prevented with routine vaccine shots. Also, regular cleaning can remove potential allergens that can cause them to sneeze.

The most vital aspect of keeping your cat sneeze-free is monitoring their health. Sometimes, the worst health problems are just under our noses as minor symptoms. If you notice anything unusual in your cat’s routine, health, or appearance, don’t hesitate to consult your vet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my cat sneezing make me sick?

Most causes of cat sneezing are species-specific, which means it can’t be transmitted to humans. However, some bacterial infections, like Bordetella, can sometimes be acquired by people with weak immune systems. Still, this problem happens rarely.

2. Why is my cat sneezing a lot?

Occasional cat sneezing is normal in most cases, but if it’s too frequent, there could be a problem. It’s best to take your cat to the veterinarian if the sneezing persists for days or if there are other alarming symptoms present.

3. Is my cat sneezing blood a medical emergency?

Yes, a cat sneezing blood might mean they have an infection, tumor, injury, or a nasal blockage. If you notice this symptom, you should call your vet immediately..

4. What is the best home treatment for cat sneezing?

You can help your sneezing cat by keeping their noses clear using a humidifier or by making sure they’re hydrated. If symptoms persist after your efforts, you should take your cat to the vet for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

5. How is cat sneezing diagnosed at the vet?

A veterinarian may perform a physical examination to find other clinical symptoms that are accompanying your cat’s sneezing. Based on the initial findings, they may proceed with an X-ray, nasal swabs, or rhinoscopy. In some cases, blood samples or biopsies may be needed.