Have you ever seen your cat sneeze? Like humans and other animals, sneezing is a normal thing if it happens occasionally. It's even normal for a cat to have an occasional sneezing fit. But it's not normal for a cat to sneeze several times a day for several days in a row.
There are a number of reasons a cat sneezes. Some can be more serious than others.
- Upper Respiratory Infection
- Exposure to toxin
- Reaction to dust, pollen, or another allergen
- Foreign body in the airway (like a blade of grass)
- Structural abnormality
- Cancer (often squamous cell carcinoma or lymphoma)
If your cat sneezes occasionally and otherwise seems healthy, then you probably have nothing to worry about. Make sure you bring your cat to the vet for a yearly physical, or as recommended by your vet. Your vet may be able to determine if there is an underlying health issue before it gets out of control. In between vet visits, you can check your cat's head and face at home to look for abnormalities.
If your sneezing cat is also experiencing nasal congestion, eye discharge, or other cold-like signs, then it might be an upper respiratory infection or similar issue. URIs often cause a cat to sneeze out mucus that could be yellow or greenish in color. The eyes might be glassy, teary, or even excreting a yellow or green mucus. You may notice loud breathing and trouble passing air through the nostrils. It may seem just like the common cold we humans get, except that healthy cats don't often "catch colds." URIs in cats are often caused by feline herpesvirus or calicivirus. Be sure to bring your cat to the vet soon for treatment.
Your vet may prescribe antivirals if they suspect a viral component or sometimes a course of antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. Other medications such as anti-inflammatories may or may not be warranted. Some vets recommend saline nasal drops.
If your cat does not improve after basic treatment for the URI, then your vet may look for underlying diseases that weaken your cat's immune system, like feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). These diseases cannot be cured, but they can often be managed, allowing cats to live relatively healthy lives. Other, more serious diseases can also cause URIs in cats. You vet will likely recommend lab tests to determine if there is an underlying disease.
If your cat has been sneezing frequently for a few days but has no other signs of illness, it's a good idea to contact your vet for advice. Meanwhile, look at your cat's environment and consider what might be causing the sneezing. For example:
Have you changed to a new litter? Dusty and/or scented litter may cause cats to sneeze. Try changing to a low-dust cat litter and keep it unscented.
Are you using any new products in your home? Some cats are sensitive to the smell of cleaners, candles, scented oils, smoke inhalation, detergents, and perfumes. Switch to products that are unscented or mild. Consider cleaning with simple products like diluted vinegar and baking soda.
Does your house need cleaning? Maybe there is dust or pollen in your home that your cat is reacting to. Remember that cats spend a lot of their time close to the ground. Dust and vacuum your home thoroughly. Clean surfaces with a non-toxic, non-scented cleaner.
If you have taken all the steps to rule out environmental causes and your cat is still sneezing, then it's time to see the vet. Your vet will do an examination and possibly some lab tests to look for an underlying condition.
If everything else has been ruled out, your vet might recommend a rhinoscopy. This is done by inserting a tiny camera into the nasal passages to look for abnormalities while the cat is under anesthesia. Cats sometimes inhale tiny foreign bodies into their airways, like blades of grass. This can often be discovered and removed during a rhinoscopy. Other things that might be found during a rhinoscopy include nasal polyps, tumors, swelling of the upper airway, or anatomical deformities. Polyps and tumors may or may not be removable during the procedure. In some cases, a separate surgical procedure or advanced imaging like a CT scan is needed.
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.
Everyone loves to hear a cute cat sneeze – the sound can bring an instant smile to your face. But if your cat’s sneezing is suddenly constant, it could be a sign of a larger problem with your feline friend.
If you’re wondering, “Why do cats sneeze?”, there are a number of reasons why cats get the sniffles. Some are less problematic than others. But if you are worried about a rise in sneezing, it is important to monitor your pet’s condition and overall health and determine if the sneezing issues are serious enough to bring the cat in to your local veterinary provider.
Use this informational guide to help you determine if your cat’s sneezing fits are normal or worth examining further.
Why is my cat sneezing?
On one end, it could be as simple as your feline friend has something irritating in their nose – just like humans. Cats can be struck with the sudden urge to sneeze by dust or other irritants. Sometimes, cats will sneeze due to excitement or rapid movement. None of these issues should be cause for major concern.
What if my cat is sneezing a lot?
Recurring sneezes in cats can be explained in several ways. The first one may be environmental. Does it seem like your cat only sneezes in one particular room or only when you perform certain activities? Your cat may be allergic to dust in one room or a perfume scent found in a bathroom, for example.
But consistent sneezing may also be a sign of upper respiratory infections in cats. If you suspect that your cat is dealing with an upper respiratory infection, you should take it to the vet to discuss treatment options.
Can cats get colds?
Yes, just like their human owners, cats can catch colds. The “cat flu” is generally a viral or bacterial infection that leads to cold-like symptoms in cats, especially in younger cats or those who came from animal shelters. For the most part, cat colds will pass after a week or so, but some can last longer.
What are some other reasons why my cat is sneezing?
If your cat won’t stop sneezing, check out these potential reasons why:
- Nasal and Sinus Issues: Some cats do suffer from rhinitis and sinusitis, two common respiratory issues. Rhinitis is the equivalent of a stuffy nose, while sinusitis is an inflammation in the lining of the sinuses.
- Foreign Objects: Sometimes lint or grass can get stuck in the nasal cavity, which is a very uncomfortable experience for the cat.
- Allergies/Asthma: Allergies rarely present themselves in the form of sneezing in cats, but it is possible, especially in felines with asthma. Your pet’s allergies could be caused by outdoor irritants like pollen or indoor ones like mold.
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): This serious virus takes a long time to fully develop but can severely compromise the cat’s immune system, leaving it exposed to many illnesses.
- Feline Leukemia: In extremely rare cases, sneezing and easy infection is an early sign of this potentially fatal disease.
What about a cat sneezing blood?
Seeing blood coming out of your cat’s nose can be a shocking experience. If your pet has been consistently sneezing before you saw the blood, take that and any other discharges from your cat’s eyes or mouth as a very serious sign of a health problem. It can also be something as simple as a foreign object or infection, but it may also be the sign of accidentally ingesting poison, tumors or high blood pressure. Immediately schedule an appointment with your veterinary clinic to have your pet examined.
What treatments are available?
When you bring your pet into the vet and ask them, “Why does my cat keep sneezing?” the doctor will do a series of tests to help answer the question. They will give your cat a swab from the mouth, nose, throat or eyes and set it to the lab to determine if there is an infection.
For mild respiratory infections, the doctor may provide some antibiotic medicine or eye/nose drops to aid with recovery. For sinus issues, steroids may be used to help open up your cat’s nasal passages.
All cat owners want to make sure their special friend stays in good health. So, while you don’t have to watch over every single sneeze, if your cat begins exhibiting signs of illness, act quickly and consult with your vet. Also, making sure your cat stays on its vaccination schedule is a great preventative measure to keep your animal healthy and happy.