Introduction
Sneezing is a normal occurrence for cats, just as it is for humans. However, when a cat sneezes frequently, it can be concerning for owners as it may indicate an underlying health issue. While the occasional sneeze is not a cause for alarm, persistent sneezing or sneezing accompanied by other symptoms warrants a trip to the vet. It’s important for cat owners to understand the difference between normal and abnormal sneezing frequencies so they know when to seek medical care.
Most cats sneeze sporadically throughout the day to clear irritants from the nasal cavity. A sneeze here and there is perfectly normal. However, if a cat sneezes repeatedly and excessively, it could point to an illness, infection, foreign object lodged in the nasal passages, or allergies. Excessive sneezing should not be ignored as it suggests something more serious may be going on. Being attuned to a cat’s typical sneezing patterns enables owners to recognize when something is amiss and veterinary attention is required.
While the occasional sneeze is nothing to worry about, persistent sneezing in cats should prompt a veterinary visit. This article explores normal sneeze frequencies in cats, possible causes for excessive sneezing, and when to seek medical intervention.
Anatomy Behind Sneezing
Sneezing occurs in cats due to irritation of the nasal mucosa, the sensitive tissue lining the nasal cavity. This irritation triggers a reflex that causes muscles in the nose, mouth, throat and chest to coordinate a forceful expulsion of air to clear the irritants.
Specifically, irritation of the nasal trigeminal nerve sends signals to the brain stem, which then communicates with the phrenic nerve to initiate the sneeze. The phrenic nerve controls the diaphragm, the large muscle at the base of the lungs. When stimulated, the diaphragm undergoes rapid contraction, quickly building up pressure. Simultaneously, muscles in the nose, throat and chest work to first contain this pressure briefly, then release it explosively in the sneeze.
During a sneeze, the soft palate and throat muscles close off the nasopharynx to contain the pressure. The nasal muscles pinch the nostrils shut. Finally, the mouth opens, the throat and chest muscles contract, and the diaphragm forcefully compresses to create a burst of expelled air. This coordinated action serves to clear irritants and foreign particles from the nasal cavity.
Normal Sneeze Frequency
Healthy cats can sneeze up to 10 times per day on average, with a normal range of 2-20 sneezes per day (Source). Sneezing is a normal bodily function for cats that helps clear irritants or foreign particles from their nasal passages. An occasional sneezing fit of 3-10 sneezes in a row can also be normal, especially if the cat is exposed to environmental allergens or gets a bit of food, dust, or litter stuck in their nose.
Kittens may sneeze more frequently than adult cats as their immune systems develop. Most vets consider up to 20 sneezes per day within the normal range for a healthy cat (Source). As long as the sneezing is sporadic throughout the day and the cat is acting normal otherwise, there is usually no cause for concern.
Factors Influencing Sneeze Frequency
There are several factors that can influence how often a cat sneezes in a normal day, including:
Environment – Cats with allergies may sneeze more when exposed to things like dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, perfumes, cleaning products, etc. Indoor cats generally sneeze less than outdoor cats.
Season – In spring and summer when pollen counts are higher, cats may experience more allergy-related sneezing. In winter when houses are closed up, indoor irritants may cause more sneezing.
Age – Kittens and younger cats have developing immune systems and are more prone to upper respiratory infections that lead to sneezing. Older cats may develop nasal tumors or dental issues that cause sneezing.
Stress Levels – Highly stressed cats may have weakened immune systems and become more susceptible to sneeze-causing illnesses. Relaxed, low-stress cats tend to sneeze less.
Overall Health – Cats who are immunocompromised or have chronic conditions like FIV may sneeze more frequently. Very healthy cats with strong immune systems tend to sneeze less.
Exposure to Other Cats – In multi-cat households or shelters, upper respiratory infections can spread easily between cats leading to increased sneezing.
The normal sneeze frequency for an individual cat can vary based on these influencing factors. Monitoring your cat’s unique baseline helps identify when sneezing reaches an abnormal level.
When to See the Vet
While some sneezing is normal for cats, excessive sneezing, as well as any other concerning symptoms accompanying the sneezes, warrant a visit to the veterinarian. Here are some key signs it’s time to have your cat seen:
- Sneezing that lasts continuously for more than a few days
- Nasal discharge, especially if thick, green/yellow, or bloody
- Labored breathing or loud snoring noises
- Loss of appetite or lethargy
- Ulcers, sores, or swelling around the nose and mouth
- Squinting eyes or pawing at the face
- Head shaking or foul odor from the nose or mouth
A chronic sneezing cat needs to be evaluated to determine if an underlying health issue is to blame. Common causes include upper respiratory infections, foreign objects lodged in the nasal passages, tooth root abscesses, nasal cancer, and allergies. Proper treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis from your veterinarian. Left untreated, excess sneezing can impact your cat’s quality of life. It’s important to schedule an exam at the first signs of anything abnormal to get your cat the right care.
Sources:
https://www.ethosvet.com/blog-post/why-is-my-cat-sneezing-when-to-worry/
https://www.carsonvet.com/services/cats/blog/how-know-when-take-your-sneezing-cat-vet
Common Causes of Excess Sneezing
Cats can experience increased sneezing for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes of excess sneezing in cats include:
Allergies – Cats can develop allergies to things like pollen, dust, mold, cigarette smoke, perfumes, cleaning products, and more. Inhaling these allergens can irritate the nasal passages and lead to sneezing and other symptoms like watery eyes or coughing. Allergies are one of the most frequent causes of chronic sneezing in cats.
Upper respiratory infections – Feline upper respiratory infections are very common in cats and kittens. The viruses and bacteria that cause these infections can inflame the nasal passages, sinuses, and throat leading to sneezing, nasal discharge, congestion, coughing, and more. Some examples include feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, Chlamydophila felis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica. Respiratory infections are a prime suspect if sneezing starts suddenly.
Foreign object – Sometimes a foreign object like a grass seed can get lodged in the nasal passages and irritate the sensitive membranes. Sneezing is the body’s attempt to expel the object. Foreign material should be suspected if the sneezing is sudden and one-sided.
Nasal tumors – While not as common as the other causes, nasal tumors like polyps or cancer can also lead to irritation and sneezing. Typically other symptoms like nosebleeds or nasal discharge will also be present.
Dental issues – Problems with teeth and gums that cause inflammation or abscesses in the mouth can sometimes trigger sneezing as well. The infection basically spreads from the mouth to the nasal cavity.
In summary, allergies, infections, foreign material, dental disease, and nasal tumors represent some of the most frequent reasons cats may start sneezing excessively. Figuring out the root cause is important for getting proper treatment.
Managing Environmental Triggers
Environmental irritants like dust, pollen, and scents can trigger sneezing in cats. Here are some tips to reduce exposure to common sneeze triggers:
Dust often using a damp microfiber cloth to trap dust rather than spreading it around. Vacuum carpets and upholstery frequently using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Wash bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites [1].
Keep windows closed during peak pollen seasons and use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove allergens from the air. Replace HVAC filters regularly [2].
Avoid using scented products like candles, essential oils, and perfumes which can irritate a cat’s sensitive respiratory tract. Stick to unscented litter and cleaning products [3].
Groom your cat regularly to remove pollen and other irritants clinging to their fur. Feeding foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may also help reduce inflammation from environmental allergies.
Pay attention to when sneezing occurs and try to identify and remove any potential triggers in your cat’s environment to provide some relief.
Treating Medical Conditions Causing Sneezing
If your cat’s excessive sneezing is caused by a medical condition like an upper respiratory infection, nasal polyps, dental disease, or cancer, your vet will recommend appropriate treatment. Some common medical treatments for sneezing in cats include:
Antibiotics – If sneezing is caused by a bacterial infection, your vet may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. Common antibiotics used include doxycycline, amoxicillin, and azithromycin.[1]
Anti-inflammatories – Medications like prednisolone can reduce inflammation associated with infections, polyps, or allergies that may be causing sneezing.[2]
Surgery – If nasal polyps or dental infections are the cause, surgery may be required to remove the polyps or infected teeth.
Cancer treatment – If a tumor is causing obstruction and sneezing, radiation, chemotherapy or surgery may be recommended.
Ensuring any underlying medical cause is properly diagnosed and treated is key to managing chronic or severe sneezing in cats.
When to Worry
While the occasional sneeze is normal, certain sneezing patterns in cats can indicate an underlying medical issue requiring veterinary attention. According to WebMD, sneezing episodes lasting more than a day or happening with other symptoms like nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, and appetite loss warrant a vet visit. Frequent and forceful sneezing with discharge can signify a respiratory infection needing medication.
Contact your vet right away if your cat experiences sudden, excessive sneezing or a sneezing fit lasting over 2 minutes continuously. This could indicate a foreign object lodged in the nasal passage. Seek emergency care if sneezing is accompanied by breathing difficulties, wheezing, open-mouth breathing, or blue-tinged gums, as these require rapid treatment.
While the occasional sneeze is not concerning, closely monitor sneezing frequency and look for any emerging patterns or additional symptoms. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and have your cat assessed by a vet, as certain sneezing habits can reflect underlying illness.
Conclusion
In summary, most healthy cats sneeze around 1-2 times per day on average. Kittens and seniors may sneeze a bit more. As long as your cat is otherwise acting normal, occasional sneezing is not a cause for concern.
However, if your cat is sneezing more than 4-5 times in a row or multiple episodes per day, it could indicate an underlying issue. Excessive sneezing may be caused by irritation from environmental allergens, upper respiratory infections, dental disease, foreign objects, or other medical problems.
If sneezing persists beyond a day or two, seems excessive, or is accompanied by other symptoms like discharge, lethargy, appetite changes, or nasal irritation, consult your vet. They can help diagnose and treat any condition causing chronic sneezing in your cat.
With proper care and treatment when needed, most causes of excessive sneezing can be managed. Monitor your cat’s symptoms closely and provide ample TLC as their trusted companion.