If your cat has been sneezing a lot, you might be wondering what could be causing it. Sneezing can indicate an underlying problem or simply that your cat has picked up a cold from another pet. In this article, we’ll discuss the various possible causes of a cat sneezing frequently, as well as the signs to look out for and when you should visit your veterinarian.
What is Cat Sneeze?
A cat sneeze is a sudden, forceful expulsion of air through the nose and mouth. It can be caused by a variety of things, including allergies, colds, infections, foreign objects in the nasal passage, or irritation from smoke or dust. Cat sneezes can also be caused by the presence of an upper respiratory virus like feline herpesvirus (FHV) or feline calicivirus (FCV).
Importance of addressing excessive sneezing in cats
It is important to address excessive sneezing in cats, as it could be an indication of an underlying health issue. If your cat’s sneezing persists or worsens over time, consider taking them to the vet for a check-up. Your vet might be able to diagnose the cause and prescribe a course of treatment to get your cat feeling better. Additionally, if your cat has been sneezing more than normal, it may be a sign that they have picked up a cold from another pet, so it is important to take preventive measures and make sure your cat is up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Causes of Cat Sneezing
Common respiratory infections
Common respiratory infections are a common cause of frequent sneezing in cats. These infections can be caused by viruses such as feline herpesvirus (FHV) or feline calicivirus (FCV), which are both highly contagious and spread through close contact with other cats. If your cat has been exposed to these viruses, they may develop symptoms such as sneezing, discharge from the eyes and/or nose, fever, lethargy, and lack of appetite.
Allergies
Allergies can also cause sneezing in cats and can be difficult to diagnose without the help of a veterinarian. Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, or chemicals can trigger allergic reactions in cats that cause them to sneeze. If your cat has allergies, you may also notice other signs such as itching, coughing, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Irritants and foreign objects
In some cases, a cat’s sneezing may be caused by irritants or foreign objects that have become lodged in their nasal passages. These can include dust, smoke, pollen, or even pieces of grass. If you suspect your cat has inhaled an irritant or foreign object, it is important to take them to the vet for a check-up.
Symptoms of Cat Sneezing
Continuous and frequent sneezing
Continuous and frequent sneezing is a sign that your cat may have an underlying issue or have picked up a cold from another pet. Continuous sneezing can indicate the presence of an upper respiratory infection, such as feline herpesvirus (FHV) or feline calicivirus (FCV). Other symptoms associated with these infections include discharge from the eyes and/or nose, fever, lethargy, and lack of appetite.
Runny or congested nose
Runny or congested nose is another symptom of a cat sneezing frequently. If your cat has a runny or congested nose, it may be an indication of an underlying health issue. A runny or congested nose can indicate allergies, infections, irritants, or foreign objects in the nasal passages. Additionally, if your cat has been sneezing more than normal and has a runny or congested nose, it is important to take them to the vet for a check-up.
Watery eyes
Watery eyes are a symptom of cat sneezing that can be caused by allergies, irritants, foreign objects, or infections. Allergies, such as pollen or dust mites, can cause a cat’s eyes to become watery and itchy. Irritants like smoke or strong odors can also cause watery eyes in cats. Foreign objects stuck in the nasal passage can also irritate a cat’s eyes, causing them to become watery. Additionally, infections such as feline herpesvirus (FHV) or feline calicivirus (FCV) can cause a cat’s eyes to become watery.
Coughing or wheezing
Coughing or wheezing is another symptom that can accompany a cat sneezing frequently. Coughing or wheezing may indicate the presence of an upper respiratory infection, such as feline herpesvirus (FHV) or feline calicivirus (FCV). Additionally, coughing or wheezing can be caused by irritants and foreign objects in the nasal passage, or allergies. If your cat is coughing or wheezing, it is important to take them to the vet for a check-up.
Decreased appetite and energy levels
Decreased appetite and energy levels are also common symptoms of cat sneezing. If your cat is sneezing frequently, they may have a decreased appetite due to the irritation caused by the sneezing itself. Additionally, infections such as feline herpesvirus (FHV) or feline calicivirus (FCV) can cause a decrease in appetite and energy levels.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Veterinary examination and history
When it comes to diagnosing the cause of a cat’s frequent sneezing, a veterinary examination and history is essential. During the examination, the veterinarian will look for any signs of irritation or infection in the nasal passages or throat. The vet will also take into consideration any recent changes in your cat’s environment that could be causing an allergic reaction. Additionally, they may ask questions about your cat’s lifestyle and behaviors.
Diagnostic tests
If the cause of a cat’s frequent sneezing is not immediately apparent, the vet may recommend performing additional diagnostic tests. These tests can include blood work, X-rays, and ultrasounds to look for signs of infection or foreign objects in the nasal passages. In some cases, the vet may also recommend collecting a sample of mucus from the nose to look for signs of infection.
Treatment options
Once a cause for the cat’s sneezing has been identified, the veterinarian will recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options can include antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, antiviral medications to treat viral infections, anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, and decongestants or expectorants to help clear any phlegm from the nose. If allergies are causing a cat to sneeze, the vet may recommend allergy shots or other forms of immunotherapy. Additionally, foreign objects may need to be surgically removed from the nasal passages.
Home care and preventive measures
Home care and preventive measures can help reduce the frequency and severity of a cat’s sneezing. To reduce the chances of your cat coming into contact with irritants, allergens, or foreign objects, make sure their environment is clean and free from dust, smoke, strong odors, or other contaminants. Additionally, it is important to keep your cat up-to-date on their vaccinations to prevent them from catching infections.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
Persistent or worsening symptoms
If your cat is sneezing frequently, it is important to seek veterinary care if the symptoms become persistent or worsen. Persistent or worsening symptoms may indicate that the underlying cause of the sneezing is more serious than initially thought. If your cat displays any other symptoms such as decreased appetite and energy levels, coughing or wheezing, nasal discharge, or difficulty breathing, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Difficulty breathing or other signs of distress
Difficulty breathing or other signs of distress can be a sign of an underlying issue with your cat’s sneezing. If your cat is having difficulty breathing, it could be due to an infection or blockage in the nasal passages. Additionally, if your cat is exhibiting signs of distress such as restlessness, panting, or rapid breathing, these can also indicate an underlying issue and should not be ignored.
Inability to eat or drink
Inability to eat or drink can be a sign of an underlying issue with your cat’s sneezing. If the sneezing is due to an infection or blockage in the nasal passages, your cat may be unable to eat or drink as normal. This can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, which can weaken their immune system and worsen existing symptoms. If your cat is having difficulty eating or drinking, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Changes in behavior or overall health
Changes in behavior or overall health can be a sign that a cat is suffering from frequent sneezing. If your cat seems less active than normal, has decreased appetite, or is displaying signs of depression or anxiety, these could be indicative of an underlying issue causing the sneezing. Additionally, changes in overall health such as weight loss, lethargy, and dehydration can also indicate that the underlying cause of the sneezing is more serious than initially thought.
Conclusion
Sneezing in cats can be caused by a variety of underlying issues, from allergies and infections to foreign objects stuck in the nasal passages. Treatment options vary depending on the cause of the sneezing, but can include antibiotics, antivirals, anti-inflammatories, decongestants, expectorants, and immunotherapy. Home care measures such as keeping the environment clean and free from irritants and allergens can help reduce the frequency and severity of a cat’s sneezing. If your cat is sneezing frequently, it is important to seek veterinary care if symptoms become persistent or worsen, difficulty breathing or other signs of distress occur, inability to eat or drink develops, or changes in behavior or overall health are seen.
