Contrary to myths, a cat sneezing does not mean that it is going to rain. There are different causes why your pet cat has a sneezing fit, from allergies to more serious problems. Thus, do not be quick to dismiss this potential sign of illness.
Know the common health problems that could trigger constant sneezing in cats and learn what you can do to provide relief.
What Are the Common Causes of Sneezing in Cats?
1. A Reaction to an Irritant
Similar to humans, a cat occasionally sneezes when stimulated with nostril tickles. Also, it might have been caused by a sniff of dust or a mild chemical irritation from household cleaners, cigarette smoke, or dust from the cat litter.
If you notice your cat sneezing all the time due to the environmental irritants around her, ask the vet for medications that can help relieve her discomfort.
2. Rhinitis
Another common cause of sneezing is rhinitis. It takes form as an inflammation of the nose, particularly in the mucous membranes. Signs include:
- Sneezing
- Loss of appetite
- Nasal discharge
- Open-mouth breathing
- Laboured breathing
Does your cat keep sneezing with watery eyes? Rhinitis can also lead to inflammation of the respiratory passages, which causes tears, and inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the eyes.
3. Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)
Feline upper respiratory infection, also known as cat flu or cat cold, is commonly caused by exposure to bacterial infections and viral infections, such as:
- Calicivirus
- Feline herpesvirus
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (bacteria)
- Chlamydophila felis (bacteria)
Although this condition is rarely life-threatening, it is highly contagious, especially in cats with weak immune systems. Thus, treatment must be swift to prevent it from spreading.
Cat cold symptoms include sneezing, inflammation of the eyelid membrane (conjunctivitis), and nose or eye discharge. The said discharge can be clear or cloudy in appearance. If this is the case with your feline, it is best to ask for treatment from the veterinarian.
The most common cure for these ailments in cats included antibiotics for bacterial infection, whilst viral infections may be countered with broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs.
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4. Dental Disease
It is always advisable to carefully examine your cat for any signs of developing dental and gum diseases.
Dental problems involve root infection that causes bacteria to develop in the nasal sinus. This results in inflammation and sneezing. Other symptoms include:
- Bumps in the mouth
- Nosebleeds
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Sneezing
Cat sneezing treatment options for this type of problem involve solving the dental problem. It can be performed by thoroughly cleaning the cavity, extraction, and root canal, and administering certain antibiotics to aid the process. Treatments will vary based on the case of your feline.
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5. Foreign bodies
Nasal foreign bodies can be acquired by inhaling blades of grass or any foreign object, which then goes into the nasal cavity. Irritation is its first manifesting sign.
It is important to expel or ‘sneeze out’ such foreign objects before they cause a nasal infection. Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Nose pawing
- Nosebleeds
If not successfully removed through sneezing, surgical procedures can be considered. It is necessary to avoid foreign objects or substances finding their way into the lungs.
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Regular Cat Sneezing Vs Reverse Sneezing
When cats let out a typical sneeze, air is forcibly pushed out of their nose. However, sometimes, felines experience a different type of sneeze, which is caused by sudden, rapid inhalation of air into their nose. This is called reverse sneezing.
It is usually accompanied by a snorting or honking sound and body spasms that are often mistaken as seizures. This condition is commonly triggered by a nasal irritant and rarely requires treatment.
That being said, if reverse sneezing occurs frequently, it should be checked by the vet for possible underlying ailments, such as allergies, tumours, or infections.
When Should I Worry About Cat Sneezing?
Mild symptoms of sneezing in cats should be closely monitored in case they may worsen. A sneezing cat should be separated from her feline friends in the household to prevent contamination, as one of the culprits could be an upper respiratory infection.
These signs may indicate severe cases:
- Sneezing and nasal discharge worsen for more than a couple of days
- Acute cat congestion
- Discolouration of the nasal discharge from clear and liquid form to yellowish or green and mucous form
- Noisy or raspy breathing
- Excessive rubbing or pawing of the nose and face
- Sneezing and nasal discharge are accompanied by other indicative illnesses
If your cat has been sneezing for a week nonstop, the root of her condition might be serious. So, make sure to schedule a cat vet visit as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
How to Provide Relief to a Sneezing Cat At Home
Below is a list of natural remedies for a sneezing cat. Following them can temporarily help in reducing her sneezing fits.
- Make sure that the environment is kept clean and free of dust particles and foreign bodies that can add harm to your sneezing feline.
- Use a pet-friendly humidifier and vapouriser to aid your cat to breathe more easily.
- A cat sneezing mucus will need a soft, damp towel to wipe off her nasal discharge.
- Avoid using suspicious products that can trigger your feline’s sneezing, such as scented candles and air fresheners.
- A sneezing cat may have a weaker sense of smell than before. As such, it is best to provide her with a delicious meal with a strong-smelling substance and warm it slightly. It is important to keep her well-fed at all times.
FAQs About Cat Sneezing
1. Do Cat Colds Go Away on Their Own?
Mild cases of cat colds are self-limiting and go away on their own within 1-2 weeks. However, if a cat is constantly sneezing, she might experience breathing difficulties.
Try the home remedies for cat colds we have shared above to give her relief. If it doesn’t work, it would be best to get her checked by the veterinarian.
2. How Do I Know If My Cat Has a Cold?
You will know if your cat has a cold by monitoring her behaviour. Sneezing coupled with nasal discharge, low energy, and fever are common signs of this condition.
However, other types of ailments may cause these types of symptoms. Acquiring a proper diagnosis from the vet will help determine if your cat has a cold.
3. Why Does My Cat Keep Sneezing but Seems Fine?
If your cat keeps sneezing but otherwise seems fine, she may be reacting to an inhaled irritant, such as dust or smoke. If this is the case, you can easily stop her sneezing by moving her to an area where she won’t be exposed to the irritant.
4. What Are the Symptoms of an Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats?
The common symptoms of an upper respiratory infection in cats include:
- Lethargy
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Mouth ulcers
- Eyes or nasal discharge
- Coughing
- Sneezing
This respiratory disease can weaken a feline’s sense of smell. As a result, the affected cat may refuse to eat and eventually suffer from anorexia. In severe cases, nasal congestion may occur, leading to breathing difficulties.
5. Should I Take My Cat to the Vet for Sneezing?
You do not always have to take your cat to the vet whenever she has bouts of sneezing. Mild forms of the condition can be resolved at home with the help of remedies.
If her sneezing becomes more frequent or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is a sign that you should take her to the vet.
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Conclusion
A cat sneezing a lot may worry pet owners and rightfully so. Although it is often harmless, in some cases, this condition results from an underlying health issue.
Constant and prolonged sneezing fits require immediate medical attention to prevent severe symptoms like breathing difficulties from occurring.
