Why Does a Cat Sneeze? Common Reasons and Fixes
As a pet parent, it’s pretty normal to worry when your feline mate starts sneezing.
A single sneeze might not be a big deal.
But if your cat's sneezing quite a bit, it could be a sign of something going on underneath.
With the colder weather setting in this November, now’s a great time to dive into the following (click the links below to jump to that section):
What Makes a Cat Sneeze: Common Reasons
Cats sneeze for loads of different reasons, from harmless environmental triggers to more serious health problems.
If you pay close attention to how often they sneeze and any other symptoms, it’ll be easier to figure out what’s behind it.
- Viral Infections: Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus
Feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus are some of the main culprits when it comes to sneezing in cats.
These viral infections often come with upper respiratory symptoms.
You might notice your cat sneezing quite a lot, with a bit of nasal discharge and watery eyes.
While these infections aren’t life-threatening, they can make your cat feel pretty lousy.
This is especially true if they end up with a secondary bacterial infection.
If your cat’s got a runny nose, eye discharge, or a fever alongside sneezing, it could be a viral infection.
These infections can spread to other cats too.
So, it’s best to keep your sneezing cat away from others until they’re no longer contagious.
Most of the time, cats get better on their own.
But in more severe cases, antiviral treatment might be needed.
Keep your cat warm and comfy while they recover with a cosy orthopaedic pillow.
It’ll help support their resting position.
- Allergic Reactions
Just like us, cats can have allergic reactions to stuff in their environment.
Things like pollen, dust mites, or mould can bring on sneezing and a stuffy nose.
Strong smells (air fresheners, cleaning products, cigarette smoke, etc.) can also irritate your cat’s sensitive nose.
As the cold weather sets in, heating systems can make the air indoors drier.
- Foreign Objects in the Nasal Passages
Cats that go outside have a chance of inhaling things like bits of grass, dust, or dirt.
These can get stuck in their nasal passages, irritating the delicate tissue and causing sneezing.
Cats might sneeze a lot as their body tries to get rid of the foreign object.
If your cat's sneezing a lot, get them checked out straight away.
Take them to the vet if you think there’s something stuck up their nose.
- Dental Issues
It might surprise some pet parents to know that dental problems can be connected to sneezing.
If your cat’s got gum disease, a tooth abscess, or serious dental issues, the infection can spread to their sinuses.
When that happens, it can lead to sneezing and nasal discharge.
If your cat’s drooling more than usual, has bad breath, or seems uncomfortable when eating, dental disease might be causing the sneezing.
Book dental check-ups and cleanings to help prevent these issues.
- Fungal Infections
Although less common, fungal infections can also cause sneezing in cats.
Infections like Aspergillus or Cryptococcus can irritate and block the nasal passages.
This can result in sneezing and even nasal discharge with a bit of blood in it.
Fungal infections are more common in cats with weaker immune systems.
They can also lead to more serious breathing issues.
If your cat’s sneezing is really bad or they’re struggling to breathe, it’s vital to visit the vet.
The vet might suggest antifungal treatment or other steps depending on the infection.
- Chronic Rhinitis and Nasal Polyps
Some cats can develop chronic rhinitis, which is long-term inflammation of the nasal passages.
This could be from a viral infection or ongoing exposure to allergens.
Sometimes, nasal polyps (non-cancerous growths in the nasal cavity) can form, making sneezing a regular issue.
Cats with chronic rhinitis might have nasal discharge, a runny nose, and find it harder to breathe.
If it’s left untreated, it can get worse.
Seeing a vet is essential for a proper diagnosis.
Your vet may come up with a treatment plan if your cat’s sneezing becomes more regular over time.
Cat Sneezing with Other Symptoms
If your cat’s sneezing comes with things like eye discharge, not eating, or trouble breathing, it could point to something more serious.
For instance, sneezing with nasal congestion or coughing might mean an upper respiratory viral infection like feline herpesvirus.
If your cat’s sneezing is paired with weight loss, dental issues, or changes in behaviour, it could be linked to dental disease or another medical issue.
Keep an eye on any changes in your cat’s health and get veterinary advice if more signs show up.
Related: Black Cat Adoption: Myths vs. Benefits
How Vets Work Out the Cause of Cat Sneezing
When a cat turns up at the vet sneezing, they’ll do a thorough check-up.
The vet might ask about your cat’s environment, behaviour, and any other symptoms you’ve noticed.
If they’re unsure about the cause, they might suggest some extra tests, such as:
- Blood tests to check for infections or inflammation
- X-rays or CT scans to look at the nasal passages for polyps, tumours, or other problems
- Culture tests to find any bacterial or fungal infections
- Viral tests to spot common infections like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus
These tests help the vet work out what’s most likely causing your cat’s sneezing and plan the best treatment.
Related: 10 Signs and Symptoms of a Sick Cat
How to Help a Sneezing Cat
How you treat a sneezing cat depends on the cause.
For viral infections, supportive care like antiviral meds or humidifiers might help with the symptoms.
If it’s a bacterial infection, the vet might prescribe antibiotics.
For allergies, antihistamines or other treatments could be the way to go.
If it’s dental disease, your cat might need a cleaning or other dental treatment.
If there’s a foreign object or nasal polyps, surgery might be needed to clear it out and stop the sneezing.
The Impact of Cold Weather on Your Cat’s Health
As November brings colder weather, the risk of respiratory issues in cats goes up.
Cold air can dry out the nasal passages, making cats more prone to infections.
Plus, our heating systems in winter can make the air drier indoors.
Low humidity can irritate your cat’s nasal passages even more.
To keep your cat in top shape, make sure they’re warm and comfy inside.
A cosy, well-ventilated space can stop dry air from making things worse.
If your cat starts showing signs of illness during winter, it’s wise to get them checked by a vet to rule out anything serious.
To keep your cat comfy and healthy, give them a warm, soft spot to rest, like a cosy cat bed or a fluffy pet blanket.
Keeping them warm and away from draughts helps protect them from respiratory troubles in the cold months.
Related: Cat Behavior Problems: How To Solve Them
Conclusion
A sneeze here and there isn’t usually a big deal, but frequent or excessive sneezing could mean various health problems.
Keep an eye on your cat’s symptoms.
If their sneezing doesn’t let up or comes with other signs of illness, don’t wait to get help.
Stay alert to your cat’s health so you can give them the care they need.
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