What is a Reverse Sneeze in Cats?
A reverse sneeze in cats, also called a pharyngeal gag reflex, is a spasm of the throat and soft palate that causes a cat to quickly inhale air through the nose and mouth (1). It creates a strange honking or snorting sound that can resemble choking or coughing as the cat tries to forcibly expel air to clear an irritation in the nasal passages, sinuses, or back of the throat.
Veterinarians believe reverse sneezing is caused by irritation of the nasopharyngeal region, the area where the nasal cavity connects to the throat. Cats have very sensitive respiratory tracts so even mild inflammation from allergens, dust, or foreign objects can trigger the pharyngeal gag reflex as the cat tries to rapidly clear their airway.
While alarming for owners to witness, reverse sneezing itself is not harmful and generally doesn’t indicate a medical emergency on its own. It’s considered a protective reflex in cats that helps remove irritants from the nasal cavity (2). However, frequent episodes may warrant a veterinary visit to identify and address the source of irritation.
Sources:
(1) https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/what-is-reverse-sneeze-cats
(2) https://lakecityanimalhospital.com/blog/reverse-sneezing-in-cats/
Causes of Reverse Sneezing
Reverse sneezing is caused by irritation or inflammation in a cat’s nasal passages or soft palate. Some common causes include:
Irritation of the soft palate – The soft palate is the soft tissue at the back of the roof of the mouth. Irritation of this tissue is a frequent cause of reverse sneezing.
Foreign objects stuck in nasal cavity – Small objects like bits of grass, dust, or food can get lodged in a cat’s nasal cavity, irritating the sensitive tissues and triggering reverse sneezing as the cat tries to expel it. https://lakecityanimalhospital.com/blog/reverse-sneezing-in-cats/
Inflammation from allergies or infections – Allergies, colds, respiratory infections, and other conditions that cause inflammation or swelling of the nasal passages can also lead to reverse sneezing episodes as the cat tries to clear their airways.
Symptoms
The main symptom of reverse sneezing in cats is sudden episodes of rapid, repetitive sniffing accompanied by strange sounds. A cat experiencing a reverse sneeze will have a wide open mouth and make loud snorting, honking, or gagging noises as they struggle to inhale.
Specifically, symptoms include:
- Sudden episodes of rapid, repetitive sniffing
- Snorting or honking sounds as the cat struggles to inhale
- Wide open mouth breathing
- Gagging motions or a sounded like the cat is trying to vomit or cough something up
These episodes typically last around 10-30 seconds before resolving on their own. The cat may become agitated or anxious during an episode. Reverse sneezing can occur randomly or be triggered by excitement, eating/drinking, exercise, or other stimuli.
Diagnosis
If reverse sneezing episodes are frequent or severe, it’s important to take your cat to the veterinarian for a diagnosis. The vet will perform a thorough physical exam, including looking in the nose, mouth and throat to rule out any foreign objects, polyps, masses or other abnormalities that could be causing irritation.
The vet may recommend imaging tests like x-rays or an endoscopy to examine the nasal passages and airways for any structural problems. Bloodwork may also check for underlying infection or inflammation. These tests help determine if an underlying condition like dental disease, respiratory infection, or nasal tumor could be causing chronic reverse sneezing.
Since reverse sneezing is typically benign, often no specific diagnosis is made other than ruling out concerning secondary causes. But identifying any primary triggers can help avoid reverse sneeze episodes through prevention.
Treatment
The key to treating reverse sneezing in cats is to address any underlying cause like allergies. Vets may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications like steroids to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and throat. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove polyps or other obstructions contributing to irritation.
If an allergy is suspected, the vet will recommend avoiding exposure to potential allergens. Medications like antihistamines may also help reduce allergic reactions. Keeping the home clean and free of dust, smoke, and chemicals can also help minimize irritants. Air filters and humidifiers may aid cats sensitive to particles in the air.
For mild cases, home treatment focuses on easing breathing during episodes. Gently massaging the throat or covering the nostrils briefly can potentially stop reverse sneezing. Staying calm and soothing the cat also helps. If episodes become frequent or severe, veterinary examination is recommended.
Home Remedies
There are a few natural home remedies you can try to help soothe your cat when they have a reverse sneezing episode:
– Gently rub your cat’s throat to calm the reflex. Massaging the throat may relax the muscles and stop the spasms causing the reverse sneeze. Be very gentle and cautious when rubbing your cat’s neck.
– Blow lightly in your cat’s face to distract them. This can sometimes interrupt the episode and stop the reverse sneezing. Make sure not to blow too forcefully.
– Offer your cat some water. Drinking water may help clear whatever is irritating their throat and stop the spasms. Let your cat drink as much as they want.
These simple home remedies may provide temporary relief and shorten the duration of reverse sneezing episodes. However, if the episodes persist or worsen, you should take your cat to the vet for an examination.
Prevention
There are a few ways cat owners can help prevent reverse sneezing episodes in their cats:
Keep the cat’s nostrils clear of dust and debris. Gently wipe the nose with a damp cloth if needed to remove allergens or irritants. Be sure to not insert anything into the nostrils.
Avoid exposing cats to irritants that may trigger allergic reactions or sinus inflammation leading to reverse sneezing. This includes smoke, heavy perfumes, dust, pollen, and cleaning chemicals. Keep the home well-ventilated.
Don’t overexcite cats before or after eating, as this can stimulate the soft palate and lead to reverse sneezing episodes. Allow cats to eat, drink, and play calmly.
See a vet if reverse sneezing becomes chronic to identify potential allergies or other medical causes that may need treatment.
When to See a Vet
You should take your cat to see a veterinarian if the reverse sneezing episodes last for more than a few minutes at a time. Frequent reverse sneezing that happens daily or near daily also warrants a veterinary visit. Additionally, if your cat has breathing difficulties like wheezing or coughing after a reverse sneezing episode, it’s important to have them examined by a vet.
According to veterinarians, prolonged reverse sneezing episodes may indicate a more serious issue that needs medical attention (Lake City Animal Hospital, 2022). Breathing troubles after reverse sneezing can also signal an underlying problem. Seeking prompt veterinary care can help diagnose and treat any condition causing excessive reverse sneezing in your cat.
Prognosis
Overall, reverse sneezing is generally a harmless issue that resolves on its own without treatment (vetster.com). The episodes are transient and cats typically recover quickly. In most cases, reverse sneezing does not indicate any serious underlying condition.
However, frequent or severe episodes of reverse sneezing may suggest an underlying issue that requires veterinary attention. Persistent reverse sneezing could potentially be a symptom of more serious conditions like nasal mites, respiratory infection, tooth root abscess, or a foreign body stuck in the nasal passages. If reverse sneezing persists or happens frequently, it’s a good idea to take your cat to the vet for an examination (drgoodvet.com). With appropriate diagnosis and treatment of any underlying condition, the prognosis for resolving reverse sneezing episodes is good.
Key Takeaways
Reverse sneezing is a common and temporary respiratory spasm in cats, causing what sounds like a honking or choking noise. While it may seem alarming, it usually resolves on its own within a few seconds up to a minute. Reverse sneezing is not usually a cause for major concern, but chronic or severe episodes should be evaluated by a veterinarian. With treatment of any underlying cause and home care, most cats recover fully from episodes of reverse sneezing.