Why is my cat sneezing a lot? Contrary to myths, when a cat sneezes, it does not mean that it is going to rain. There are different causes why your cat has a sneezing fit. There are simple cases where it can be triggered by simple allergies or more serious problems.
Do not be quick to dismiss such a potential sign. Kittens may look adorable when they wrinkle their nose before they sneeze, but sometimes it is a serious matter. So what could be wrong with this cute gesture?
1. A simple reaction
Similar to humans, cats are not immune to sneezing when stimulated with nostril tickles. Also, it might have been caused by a sniff of dust or a mild chemical irritation from household cleaners or cigarette smoke. Allergies may manifest with signs such as a runny nose or eyes and skin irritation. Sneezing reactions are usually short and provoked by that cat’s nature: inquisitiveness. It could happen any time of the day when she may encounter certain irritants from critters (mice or cockroaches).
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Help your furry companion by providing medications that will relieve her discomfort. If this is the case, pay your veterinarian a visit for prescriptions.
2. Rhinitis
Rhinitis takes form as an inflammation of the nose, particularly in the mucous membranes. Signs include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Open-mouth breathing
- Laboured breathing
Is your cat 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. Respiratory infections
Feline upper respiratory infection (URI) is commonly caused by virus or bacteria strong enough to develop certain diseases in cats. Below are the most common manifesting viruses and bacteria:
- Calicivirus
- Herpesvirus
- Bordetella bronchiseptica (bacteria)
- Chlamydophila felis (bacteria)
URI 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 treatment from the veterinarian. The vet may prescribe particular antibiotics for bacterial infection, whilst viral infections may be countered with broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs.
4. Dental problems
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
Treatments can be performed by thoroughly cleaning the cavity, extraction, root canal, and certain antibiotics to aid the process. Treatments will vary based on the case of your feline.
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 it develops into 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 the foreign object or substance finding its way into the lung.
When should I worry about cat sneezing?
It is best to monitor a sneezing feline for the first couple of days. She should be separated from other cats to prevent contamination, as one of the culprits could be an upper respiratory infection.
These signs may indicate severe cases:
- Sneezing and nasal discharge worsens for more than a couple of days.
- 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.
What to do in the meantime
- 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 pet-friendly humidifier and vapouriser to aid your cat to breathe more easily.
- Use a soft damp towel and softly wipe nasal discharge from the cat’s nostrils (if there is).
- 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.
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