Why Does Your Cat Sneeze?
Sneezing is common in cats, with over 20% of cats sneezing frequently according to one study (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9864582/). While an occasional sneeze is normal, frequent sneezing or sneezing accompanied by other symptoms can indicate an underlying health issue. Some of the most common reasons for cat sneezing include allergies, upper respiratory infections, foreign objects, dental disease, and tumors.
Allergies
Cats can develop allergies to things like pollen, dust mites, mold, cigarette smoke, and certain foods that can cause sneezing fits. According to https://allkindsvet.com/cat-sneezing/, inhaled allergens are one of the most common triggers for sneezing in cats.
Pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and other airborne allergens can cause an allergic reaction when inhaled, leading to inflammation of the nasal passages and resulting sneezing. Cats may rub their nose, experience nasal discharge, sneeze repeatedly, seem restless, and have watery eyes. Allergies tend to cause year-round rather than seasonal symptoms.
Allergy testing and treatments like antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunotherapy can help manage allergies. Keeping the home clean, using air filters, and limiting exposure to irritants may also reduce allergy symptoms and sneezing fits.
Upper Respiratory Infections
Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are a common cause of sneezing in cats. URIs are typically caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus and calicivirus1. These viruses infect the sinuses, throat, windpipe, and sometimes the eyes. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose and eyes, fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Kittens under a year old and unvaccinated adult cats are most susceptible. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, antivirals, fluids, and supportive care. Severe cases may require hospitalization. Preventive measures include vaccination, limiting exposure to infected cats, reducing stress, and keeping the environment clean. With treatment, most cats recover fully within 2-4 weeks. However, some cats can become chronic carriers of URIs.
Foreign Objects
Cats can get small foreign objects like blades of grass, dirt, or food stuck in their nasal passages, which can cause sneezing (Source). These foreign bodies become lodged when the cat inhales them accidentally or tries to sniff or eat them. Grass blades are a common culprit, as cats enjoy chewing on houseplants or outdoor grass. Food particles may also get stuck when the cat is eating. Having a foreign object stuck in the nasal passage can cause pain, inflammation, and infection if not removed.
Signs that a cat has a foreign object lodged in their nose include sneezing, nasal discharge, nosebleeds, facial swelling, and nasal irritation. The cat may shake their head, paw at their nose, or make noises that sound like something is stuck. These symptoms often arise suddenly and may persist until the object is dislodged or removed. Leaving a foreign body in the nasal passage risks a more serious infection developing, so veterinary care is recommended (Source).
Dental Disease
Dental disease is a very common cause of sneezing in cats. Bacteria from dental infections, abscesses, and inflamed gums can penetrate the barrier between the roots of the teeth and the nasal cavity, leading to sneezing. According to 6 Potential Signs of Dental Disease in Pets – Shallowford Animal Hospital, nasal discharge and sneezing can be signs of underlying dental issues in pets.
Proper dental care is extremely important for cats. Regular teeth brushing, dental exams, and professional cleanings can help prevent dental disease. Untreated dental infections can be very painful and even life-threatening. The bacteria from the mouth can spread to other organs like the heart, liver and kidneys. It’s recommended to have a veterinarian examine your cat’s teeth annually and address any potential problems early.
Tumors
Nasal cavity tumors in cats are rare but can cause sneezing. According to PetCureOncology.com, the most common symptom is nasal discharge but excessive sneezing can also occur.
If a nasal tumor is suspected, the vet will do tests like x-rays, CT scans, rhinoscopy, and biopsy to diagnose it. Common types of nasal tumors include adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and lymphoma. Treatment depends on the type and location of the tumor but may involve surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
Though nasal cancer is very rare in cats, any chronic nasal discharge or sneezing should be evaluated by a vet. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, cats can live happily for some time after a nasal tumor diagnosis.
When to See the Vet
If your cat’s sneezing persists longer than a few days or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s a good idea to have them seen by a veterinarian. Here are some of the warning signs that indicate a vet visit may be necessary:
Chronic, frequent sneezing that lasts more than 2-3 days is a red flag, especially if it occurs multiple times per hour. This can indicate an underlying infection or inflammation. See the vet promptly if sneezing is frequent and prolonged.
Bloody nasal discharge is always a cause for concern. Any amount of blood in the cat’s nasal mucus warrants an immediate vet visit to diagnose and treat the cause.
Difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, or retching sounds can signal an upper respiratory infection or other issues affecting the nose, throat, or lungs. Rapid or labored breathing is an emergency requiring swift veterinary care.
Loss of appetite, lethargy, and congestion can mean your cat is under the weather. Take them to the vet if sneezing is accompanied by these systemic signs of illness.
Fever, eye discharge, bad breath, swollen lymph nodes, and other symptoms in conjunction with sneezing indicate infection or inflammation requiring veterinary attention.
If over-the-counter medication does not resolve the sneezing within a few days, your cat needs to be examined and properly diagnosed by a vet.
At-Home Care
There are some temporary relief measures and environmental changes you can make at home to help a cat that is sneezing:
To provide temporary relief, you can clean your cat’s nose with a damp cloth or cotton ball soaked in warm water several times a day to keep it clear and comfortable (Source). You can also use a humidifier in the room your cat is staying in to help keep their nasal passages moist.
To make the home environment allergen-free, thoroughly vacuum all carpets, furniture, and cat beds to remove allergens like dust and pollen. Wash all bedding in hot water weekly. Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to remove allergens from the air. Avoid using scented candles, cleaning products, or air fresheners which may irritate your cat’s respiratory tract.
Prevention
There are several steps cat owners can take to help prevent sneezing and respiratory issues in their cats:
Keep up with vaccines – Make sure your cat is current on vaccines like feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and feline leukemia virus. These can help prevent upper respiratory infections.
Regular dental cleanings – Dental disease can cause sneezing and nasal discharge. Have your vet perform regular cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Avoid irritants – Limit exposure to things that may irritate your cat’s nasal passages like smoke, dust, air fresheners, perfumes, and strong odors. Use unscented litter and gently wipe your cat’s face folds to remove debris.
Sources: https://www.dutch.com/blogs/cats/why-is-cat-sneezing, https://allkindsvet.com/cat-sneezing/
Conclusion
In summary, there are various potential causes for cat sneezing. The most common reasons are minor allergies or upper respiratory infections. However, sneezing can also result from more serious conditions like tumors or dental disease.
Occasional sneezing is normal and not a cause for alarm. But if your cat is sneezing persistently or excessively, it’s important to take them to the vet for an examination. Frequent sneezing may be a sign of an underlying illness that requires treatment.
While sneezing itself is not dangerous, identifying and addressing any underlying cause is important for your cat’s comfort and health. Monitor your cat’s symptoms and see the vet if the sneezing does not resolve on its own within a few days. With proper care and treatment if needed, your sneezy kitty can get back to feeling their best.