If you hear a soft sneeze from your cat, it’s usually not a cause for concern. However, when this gets too frequent or is accompanied by other symptoms, then it’s something you should look into.
In this guide, we're going to share everything you need to know about cat sneezing, including the reasons, accompanying symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatment options, and preventive methods.
Why Do Cats Sneeze?
Cats sneeze for many of the same reasons we humans do. These include:
Allergies
Cats may sneeze due to allergens in their environment. When their nasal airways are irritated by dust, mold, pollen, and other substances, they may sneeze to clear away the irritants. This also includes household chemicals, perfumes, and air fresheners.
Infections
Infections are a common cause of sneezing in cats. This may be caused by bacterial, fungal, and viral agents. Common ones include:
Feline Herpesvirus. FHV-1 is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be a lifelong condition.
Feline Calicivirus. A leading cause of upper respiratory infection, affecting the throat, nose, mouth, and lungs.
Chlamydia felis. A highly contagious common bacterial infection that affects a cat’s respiratory system and eyes.
Bordetella bronchiseptica. While rare in cats compared to dogs, Bordetella bronchiseptica can cause sneezing.
Cryptococcus neoformans. A fungus found in soil and bird droppings that causes cryptococcosis, a common fungal infection in cats.
Foreign Objects
Foreign objects and materials that get stuck or lodged in your cat’s nasal passages can also cause sneezing. They may get these when they accidentally inhale small objects they are curious about and sniff.
Nasal Tumors
Growths within the nasal tissue can also cause irritation, leading to sneezing. While most growths are benign, they can obstruct airflow and lead to significant discomfort in cats.
Dental Disease
Surprisingly, dental disease can also make cats sneeze. Infections within the teeth and gums can impact the nasal passages as the infection spreads. Conditions such as abscesses and gingivitis in cats are notable examples.
What Symptoms Can Accompany Cat Sneezing?
Your cat’s sneezing may come with other symptoms that point to a specific disease. These may include:
Nasal Discharge. Nasal mucus can indicate an infection or an allergic reaction based on its color. Clear signals allergies, yellow or green discharge indicates bacterial infection, while red discharge signals trauma or foreign bodies.
Coughing or Wheezing. These are common symptoms of a respiratory issue. Excessive coughing and wheezing are indicators of a significant disease.
Loss of Appetite. Cats with congested nostrils may not want to eat food because they can’t properly smell their food.
Lethargy or Fatigue. A sick and sneezing cat may feel tired all the time, losing interest in playtime or cuddles.
Fever. Elevated body temperature can often indicate an infection as part of the immune system’s response.
Labored Breathing. Difficulty breathing or unusual sounds can be signs of nasal congestion or something more serious affecting the lungs.
Should I Be Concerned if My Cat Is Sneezing?
In most cases, you shouldn’t be too worried if your cat sneezes. Sneezing is a natural way for the body to remove irritants from the nose and clear the nasal passages, which benefits your cat.
However, if your cat sneezes a lot, then it’s a cause for concern. Find clues by checking the places they stay, as these may harbor irritants.
How Vets Diagnose the Cause of Your Cat’s Sneezing
We start with a checkup of your cat’s nose, throat, and eyes to identify anything out of the ordinary. Chronic sneezing typically indicates a respiratory problem, which means we’ll also check your cat’s breathing and heart rate. After the physical exam, we’ll do a few lab tests.
Rhinoscopy and Biopsy
Rhinoscopy provides a visual inspection of polyps, tumors, or deep-seated infections that may not be visible on X-rays. We can also collect a tissue sample to detect microbes and rule out infections.
PCR Testing
We can perform a PCR test on a sample collected from your cat’s nasal area. This works by amplifying the genetic material in the sample, allowing us to identify any pathogens involved.
Diagnostic Imaging
We can also use X-rays and CT scans to check your cat’s internals. This helps us visualize nasal cavities, tumors, or polyps. They can also allow us to evaluate your cat’s lungs.
How to Treat Sneezing in Cats?
Once we’ve diagnosed the cause of your cat’s sneezing, we’ll use medications and other specific treatment options needed.
Medications
For allergies, we’ll use antihistamines to relieve your cat’s airways and block histamine receptors. We can also use corticosteroids to alleviate the nasal inflammation. When bacterial or fungal infections are involved, we’ll use antibiotics and antifungals, respectively.
Nasal Flush
A nasal flush can be used to clear out debris and discharge, helping free up your cat’s airways. This will use a sterile saline solution.
Dental Treatment
If your cat’s sneezing is caused by dental diseases, addressing the dental issue itself is essential for recovery. This can involve dental cleaning, scaling, tooth extractions, and antibiotics.
Surgery
For tumors, we may need to perform surgery and more invasive maneuvers. By surgically removing the tumors, we can restore natural airflow to your cat’s airways. For foreign objects, we typically do a rhinoscopy.
Supportive Care
Our team will provide IV fluids for rehydration and nutritional support to help them recover. We'll also provide and prescribe any additional medications your cat will need.
Can I Prevent My Cat From Sneezing?
There are simple but effective ways to help your cat avoid sneezing.
Clean Your Home Regularly
We recommend cleaning your home, focusing on vacuuming carpets and washing bedding. These can help remove allergens and irritants around the house.
Using an air purifier also works by improving air quality and significantly reducing airborne allergens.
Have Your Cat Vaccinated
Routine vaccinations can help protect your cat against deadly viruses that cause respiratory infections. When you do, you can effectively prevent sneezing.
Groom Your Cat
Your cat's coat can collect allergens and irritants, especially if they're a long-haired breed. When you brush regularly and bathe as needed, you can prevent a lot of sneezing episodes.
"A sneeze might seem small, but in cats, it can possibly be the first whisper of something bigger."
- Dr. Nenad Misura
Final Thoughts
While sneezing is normal for cats, it may turn into a concern if it goes on for long periods of time. Coupled with other symptoms, it becomes a more serious issue. Through simple preventive measures, you can save your best friend a whole lot of trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cat sneezing infect other cats?
Yes, a sneezing cat can easily infect other cats. When a cat sneezes, it releases airborne particles that can spread disease to other cats. The droplets can also reside in toys, beds, and food bowls.
Can air conditioning cause this?
Yes, the cold and dry air produced by air conditioners can irritate a cat’s nasal airways. Dirty filters can also circulate dust, allergens, and mold, causing sneezing.
Does breed affect how cats sneeze?
Yes, brachycephalic breeds like Persians, Himalayans, and Exotic Shorthairs are more prone to frequent sneezing and other respiratory issues.
Can cat litter be a cause?
Yes, cat litter is a common cause of cat sneezing, especially if it is dusty, scented, or made of materials to which the cat is allergic.
How long does cat sneezing last?
It depends on the main cause. Generally, it can last around 7 days for mild cases and up to 21 days for an upper respiratory infection.
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