If you’ve noticed your cat sneezing frequently, you might be wondering what’s going on. While a single sneeze here and there is usually nothing to worry about, frequent sneezing can be a sign of an underlying health issue.
In this blog post, I’ll explore some of the possible reasons for your cat’s Sneezing and what you can do about it.
Why is your cat sneezing? Symptoms, Diagnosing and Treating
If your cat is sneezing frequently, there could be a few different reasons why.
Allergies
One common reason for Sneezing in cats is allergies. Just like humans, cats can be allergic to pollen, dust, dander, and other airborne irritants.
If your cat is sneezing more often than usual and also has other allergy symptoms like itchiness or watery eyes, it’s likely that allergies are to blame.
You can talk to your veterinarian about giving your cat antihistamines or trying other allergy treatments.
Upper Respiratory Infection
Another possible reason for frequent sneezing in cats is an upper respiratory infection. This is much more common in kittens and young cats, but adult cats can get them too.
These infections are usually caused by viruses or bacteria, and can lead to a lot of discharge from the nose as well as Sneezing.
If you think your cat might have an upper respiratory infection, it’s important to take them to the vet so they can be treated properly.
No particular reason
Some cats just seem to sneeze more than others for no particular reason. This isn’t necessarily anything to worry about, but if you’re concerned about your cat’s health it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian.
When Should I Worry About My Cat Sneezing?
Sneezing is a common occurrence in cats, and it is usually nothing to worry about. However, there are some cases where sneezing can be a sign of a more serious medical condition.
You should take your cat to the vet if they are sneezing frequently, or if the sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, or discharge from the eyes.
You should also take your cat to the vet if they are sneezing so hard that they are wheezing or coughing, or if they are having difficulty breathing.
Other symptoms that may warrant a visit to the vet include fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, or weight loss.
What Do I Do If My Cat Keeps Sneezing?
Cats, like humans, can experience sneezing from time to time. Occasional sneezing is usually not a cause for concern, but if your cat keeps sneezing persistently, it could be indicative of an underlying issue.
1. Observe Your Cat’s Behavior
Monitor Frequency: Keep track of how often your cat is sneezing. If the sneezing is occasional and doesn’t seem to bother your cat, it might not be a major concern.
Other Symptoms: Note if your cat exhibits any other symptoms such as nasal discharge, watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, loss of appetite, or changes in behavior. These symptoms can provide valuable clues to the underlying cause of the sneezing.
2. Check for Environmental Factors
Allergens: Cats can be sensitive to allergens like pollen, dust, smoke, or strong odors. Make sure your cat’s living environment is clean, well-ventilated, and free from potential irritants.
Household Cleaners: Avoid using strong household cleaners or perfumes that could trigger sneezing in your cat.
3. Assess Your Cat’s Living Space
Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in your home to reduce indoor air pollutants.
Humidity: Maintaining optimal humidity levels can help prevent dry nasal passages, which could lead to sneezing.
4. Avoid Stressors
Stress and Anxiety: Cats can sneeze due to stress or anxiety. Minimize changes in their environment and provide plenty of opportunities for mental and physical stimulation.
5. Grooming and Hygiene
Regular Grooming: Keep your cat’s fur clean and well-groomed. Excessive dirt or debris in their fur could lead to sneezing.
Oral Health: Dental issues or foreign objects in the mouth can also cause sneezing. Regular dental care can prevent such issues.
6. Veterinary Consultation
Persistent Sneezing: If your cat continues to sneeze frequently or exhibits other concerning symptoms, it’s time to consult a veterinarian.
Diagnosis: Your vet will perform a thorough examination to determine the cause of the sneezing. This may include checking for signs of infection, allergies, dental problems, or other health issues.
7. Treatment Options
Infection: If a bacterial or viral infection is the cause, your vet may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medication.
Allergies: For allergies, your vet might recommend antihistamines or suggest removing the allergen from your cat’s environment.
Other Conditions: Treatment will depend on the underlying issue. Your vet will guide you on the appropriate course of action.
8. Supportive Care
Comfort: Provide a comfortable and quiet space for your cat to rest and recover.
Hydration: Ensure your cat has access to fresh water to stay hydrated.
Nutrition: Offer high-quality, balanced food to support your cat’s immune system.
9. Preventive Measures
Regular Vet Visits: Schedule regular check-ups to catch any potential health issues early.
Vaccinations: Ensure your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations to prevent certain respiratory infections.
Clean Environment: Keep your home clean and well-maintained to minimize potential allergens.
How Much Sneezing is Too Much for a Cat?
The record for the longest sneezing fit is held by a cat named Twinkle. Twinkle’s owner, Kaylee Kapral, of Eugene, Oregon, took her to the vet after she sneezed more than 200 times in 24 hours. The vet diagnosed her with a viral upper respiratory infection and put her on antibiotics.
After a week of treatment, Twinkle’s sneezing subsided and she was back to normal. If your cat is sneezing more than usual, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any potential health problems.
However, if your cat is otherwise healthy and just has the occasional bout of sneezing, there’s no need to worry.
My Indoor Cat Keeps Sneezing
If your indoor cat keeps sneezing, it could be due to a number of different causes. It could be something as simple as a cold or allergies, or it could be something more serious like feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).
If your cat is sneezing and has other symptoms like fever, lethargy, or appetite loss, it’s important to take them to the vet for an evaluation.
There are a few things you can do at home to help ease your cat’s sneezing. If they’re allergic to dust or pollen, try using an air purifier in their room. You can also wipe them down with a damp cloth after they’ve been outside to remove any allergens from their fur.
If they have a cold, you can give them honey (or Karo syrup for young kittens) to help soothe their throats and make them feel better.
Dr. John Morris, DVM is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine who has seven years of experience in feline medicine, dermatology, and behavior. He also enjoys volunteering at a local NGO that supports literacy programs for children and adults. In his free time, he enjoys fostering kittens, traveling, vegan cooking, hiking, and biking. Learn more about Justin here.
