What Causes a Cat to Sneeze? Common Reasons and Solutions
As a pet parent, it’s not uncommon to be concerned when your feline friend sneezes.
A single sneeze might not be too alarming.
But if your cat is sneezing a little too much, it could be a sign of an underlying issue.
As the cold weather settles in this November, it's timely to look into the following (click the links below to go to that specific section):
What Causes a Cat to Sneeze: Common Reasons
Cats can sneeze for a lot of different reasons, from harmless environmental factors to more serious health problems.
By paying close attention to how often your cat sneezes and whether other symptoms appear, you can better determine the cause.
- Viral Infections: Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus
Feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus are among the most common culprits behind cat sneezing.
These viral infections often cause upper respiratory symptoms.
You might see frequent sneezing, some nasal discharge, and watery eyes.
While these infections aren’t life-threatening, they can make your cat feel quite miserable.
This is especially true if they develop secondary bacterial infections.
If your cat has a runny nose, eye discharge, or fever along with sneezing, a viral infection might be the cause.
These infections can spread to other cats.
Thus, it’s important to isolate your sneezing cat until they are no longer contagious.
Often, cats will recover on their own.
Then again, in more severe instances, antiviral treatments might be necessary.
Keep your cat warm and relaxed during recovery with a comfortable orthopedic pillow.
This will help support their resting position.
- Allergic Reactions
Just like humans, cats can have allergic reactions to things in their environment.
Seasonal allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mold can trigger sneezing and nasal congestion.
Also, strong scents (air fresheners, cleaning products, cigarette smoke, etc.) can irritate your cat’s sensitive nose.
As colder weather rolls in, indoor air can become drier due to heating systems.
- Foreign Bodies in the Nasal Cavity
Cats that spend time outdoors are at risk of inhaling foreign objects like blades of grass, dust, or dirt.
These particles can become lodged in your cat’s nasal passages.
They can irritate the delicate tissues inside their nose and cause sneezing.
Cats may sneeze a lot as their body tries to expel the foreign object.
If your cat’s sneezing becomes more frequent, get them checked right away.
Get them to the vet if you suspect something may be stuck in their nose.
- Dental Disease
It might surprise some pet parents to learn that dental disease can be linked to sneezing.
Does your cat have issues like gum disease, tooth abscesses, or advanced dental problems?
The infection may travel to the sinuses.
If this happens, it can lead to sneezing and nasal discharge.
If your cat is drooling excessively, has bad breath, or shows signs of discomfort when eating, dental disease could be the root cause of the sneezing.
Schedule dental checkups, plus cleanings, to help prevent dental issues.
- Fungal Infections
Though less common, fungal infections can also lead to sneezing in cats.
Fungal infections, like those caused by Aspergillus or Cryptococcus, can cause irritation and congestion in the nasal passages.
These can result in sneezing and even blood-tinged nasal discharge.
Fungal infections are more likely in cats with weakened immune systems.
They can also cause more serious respiratory symptoms.
If your cat’s sneezing is severe or accompanied by difficulty breathing, a visit to the vet is crucial.
The vet may recommend antifungal treatments or other interventions based on the type of infection.
- Chronic Rhinitis and Nasal Polyps
Some cats suffer from chronic rhinitis, a long-term inflammation of the nasal passages.
This can result from a viral infection or repeated exposure to allergens.
In some cases, nasal polyps (non-cancerous growths in the nasal cavity) can develop.
This can make sneezing a persistent problem.
Cats with chronic rhinitis may experience nasal discharge, a runny nose, and difficulty breathing.
If left untreated, the condition can worsen.
A visit to a vet is crucial for a proper diagnosis.
Your vet may offer a treatment plan if your cat’s sneezing becomes more frequent over time.
Cat Sneezing with Other Symptoms
If your cat’s sneezing comes with symptoms like eye discharge, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing, this may mean a more serious issue.
For instance, if your cat’s sneezing comes with nasal congestion or coughing, it could be a sign of a viral upper respiratory infection like feline herpesvirus.
If your cat experiences sneezing along with weight loss, dental problems, or changes in their behavior, it may point to an issue with dental disease.
It may also point to another underlying medical condition.
Watch any changes in your cat’s health and seek veterinary advice if more signs of illness appear.
Related: Black Cat Adoption: From Myths to Benefits
How Vets Identify the Cause of Cat Sneezing?
When a cat is always sneezing, the vet will perform a thorough physical exam.
They may ask about your cat’s environment, behavior, and any other symptoms they’ve been experiencing.
If the cause is unclear, the vet may recommend extra diagnostic tests, such as:
- Blood tests to see if there are infections or inflammation
- X-rays or CT scans to examine the nasal passages for polyps, tumors, or other issues
- Culture tests to detect any bacterial or fungal infections
- Viral tests to identify common infections like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus
These tests help the vet determine the most likely cause of your cat’s sneezing and guide the development of a treatment plan.
Related: How To Give a Difficult Cat Liquid Medicine
How to Treat a Sneezing Cat
The treatment for a sneezing cat varies based on the root cause.
In the case of a viral infection, supportive care like antiviral medications or humidifiers may be used to ease symptoms.
For bacterial infections, antibiotics might be prescribed.
If the sneezing is caused by allergies, the vet may recommend antihistamines or other treatments to address the reaction.
If dental disease is the problem, dental cleaning or other oral treatments may be necessary.
In the case of a foreign body or nasal polyps, surgery may be required to remove the obstruction and relieve the sneezing.
The Impact of Cold Weather on Your Cat’s Health
As the weather turns colder in November, the risk of respiratory issues in cats increases.
The cold air can dry out the nasal passages, making cats more vulnerable to infections.
Furthermore, the heating systems we rely on during the winter months can reduce humidity in the air.
Lack of humidity can further irritate your cat’s nasal passages.
To help keep your cat healthy, ensure they are warm and comfortable indoors.
Providing them with a cozy, well-ventilated space can prevent the dry air from aggravating their condition.
If your cat begins to exhibit signs of illness during the colder months, it’s a good idea to have them checked by a vet to rule out any serious issues.
To help your cat stay healthy and comfortable, provide a warm, cozy spot for them to rest, such as a soft cat bed or a fluffy pet blanket.
Keeping your cat warm and preventing exposure to drafts will help protect them from respiratory problems during the colder months.
Related: How to Introduce Cats to Dogs
Conclusion
While an occasional sneeze is usually nothing to worry about, frequent or excessive sneezing can mean a range of potential health problems.
Keep an eye on your cat’s symptoms.
If your cat’s sneezing is persistent or accompanied by other signs of illness, don’t hesitate to seek help.
Pay attention to your cat’s health so you can provide the right care.
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