Sneezing is nothing uncommon to us. When our nasal passages get irritated, we sneeze! But unlike human sneezes, a cat’s sneeze is ten times more adorable.
If your cat keeps sneezing but seems fine, you should keep an eye on your surroundings and locate what causes it. However, you might want to get your cat examined if the sneezing doesn’t stop or if it’s backed up by other symptoms like a runny nose or drooling.
If you’re curious about what causes cat sneezing, keep reading!
Cat Keeps Sneezing but Seems Fine
Cats utilize sneezing as a natural reaction to blow their nostrils when their nasal canals get irritated. Stuff like dust, pollen, germs, or a bit of fiber entering the nose might be the source of this sensation. Irritation of the nasal passage’s lining cells can also result from nasal canal infections or damage.
When the nasal tube is irritated, air and mucus are blasted through it vigorously to help eliminate whatever is causing the discomfort. Sneezing is the first line of defense against germs, infections, and bugs. This brings us to our next point…
Why Is My Cat Sneezing
Imagine this: it’s autumn and it’s raining outside. You put on your favorite TV show and make yourself some coffee. You sit on your sofa next to your beloved cat and think to yourself, “What could make this better?” The fragrance and warmth of a burning scented candle in the room, of course!
You bring out your favorite candle and light it up, and a few moments of pure enjoyment later, you hear your cat sneeze again, and then again, and then… again?
That’s because candles are one of many possible irritants that can cause cats to sneeze. Some other irritants are:
- Cigarette smoke,
- Perfume,
- Pest sprays,
- Cat litter, especially types that create dust,
- Cleaning agents,
- Dust,
- Pollen, and
- Mold.
The cause is not always immediately clear, as not all cats have the same irritants. That said, if your cat is sneezing a lot, it’s best to observe when it does it so that you can take action.
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When Should I Worry About My Cat Sneezing
Sometimes, the cause might be more severe than just an irritant. If your cat repeatedly sneezes, followed by additional symptoms like diarrhea or drooling, it’s time for a trip to the vet.
Other more serious symptoms to be on the lookout for include:
- Fever,
- Drooling,
- Diarrhea,
- Appetite loss,
- Poor coat condition,
- Enlarged lymph nodes,
- Wheezing or coughing,
- Fatigue or depression,
- Breathing difficulties,
- Too much nasal discharge (bloody, yellow, or green),
- Decreased appetite or weight loss, and
- Eye discharge, swelling, or ulcers.
Additional health issues might surface if your cat is feeling more than a tickling in the nose. Cats frequently have one of three primary respiratory conditions, such as:
- Upper Respiratory Infections–The feline equivalent of “the cold.” The pathogens causing it can be bacteria, viruses, or similar microorganisms.
- Chronic Upper Respiratory Conditions–In some situations, cats’ nasal passages and immune systems are permanently damaged. Chronic rhinitis is the most prevalent reason for excessive sneezing.
- Nasal and Sinus Problems–Since cats are prone to rhinitis and sinusitis, both trigger irritation in their nostrils and sinuses.
Feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus are the most prevalent causes of chronic sneezing in cats. However, neither of these viruses can be contracted by people—they are only spread among cats. Stress can frequently aggravate the symptoms of sickness or enhance the spread of disease among cats.
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What to Do if Your Cat Keeps Sneezing
To avoid viral illnesses, make sure your cat gets vaccinated against feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. If your cat sneezes occasionally and is otherwise healthy, keep a watch on them for a few days to determine if there is any specific irritant causing it. For example, if cleaning products are the culprit, take your cat to a different room while you clean.
You should immediately check with your veterinarian if your cat’s sneezing becomes more frequent. If it sneezes accompanied by blood discharge and exhibits other symptoms, including excessive nasal discharge, runny eyes, exhaustion, coughing, troubled breathing, or stops eating, it’s time to worry. The majority of causes for cat sneezing are treatable, so a trip to the vet will help your kitty most of the time.
How to Treat Your Sneezing Cat
Treatment for upper respiratory infections is determined by the seriousness of the contagion. URIs can heal by themselves after a few weeks, especially if the cat has relatively minor symptoms. Additional therapy may be necessary in other cases, such as:
- Steroids,
- Antibiotics,
- Rhinoscopy,
- Nose/eye drops, and
- Blood and urine tests to detect viruses.
In extreme circumstances, hospitalization may be necessary for more extensive care, such as intravenous fluids and nutritional supplementation. URIs can cause severe consequences, including pneumonia, ongoing respiratory problems, and even blindness if they are not addressed.
Key Takeaways
Does your cat keeps sneezing but seem fine? Most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about. You just have to keep an eye on a potential irritant that might cause this and perhaps replace or remove it with something less irritating. However, if the symptoms are more severe than just regular sneezing, it’s a red flag and a trip to the vet is a must.
