Why Is My Cat Sneezing? Causes, Symptoms, and Care

Sneezing in cats might seem harmless at first, and it often is. Occasional sneezing due to minor irritation from dust, chemicals, cotton, or even a stray blade of grass usually resolves on its own.

To determine if the sneezing is a simple reaction, try to observe the pattern:

• Does the sneezing occur at the same time every day?

• Does it happen only in a specific room or during certain family activities?

• Does it happen while you are doing something specific, like cleaning the litter box (perhaps a reaction to cleaning products)?

However, if you cannot identify a pattern and your cat exhibits any of the following symptoms, please consult a veterinarian immediately. Neglecting these could lead to chronic, life-long, or even life-threatening conditions.

Warning Signs to See a Vet:

• Sneezing that persists for more than a day or two.

• Loss of appetite (respiratory infections often reduce their sense of smell, affecting their desire to eat).

• Difficulty breathing through the nose.

• Persistent coughing or swallowing (due to post-nasal drip).

• Discharge from the eyes or nose (clear, yellow, green, or thick/sticky).

• Fever.

• Dehydration.

Main Causes of Sneezing in Cats

1. Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)

URIs can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or (rarely) fungi. These infections typically last 7 to 21 days, with 10 days being the average for mild cases. High-risk cats include kittens, seniors, unvaccinated cats, immunocompromised cats, and cats living in multi-cat households.

• Symptoms: Persistent sneezing, abnormal nasal/eye discharge, frequent coughing or swallowing, lethargy, fever, and loss of appetite.

• Treatment: Mild cases may resolve on their own, but veterinary guidance is recommended. Severe cases may require antivirals, antibiotics, eye/nose drops, steroids, or IV fluids. Untreated URIs can lead to pneumonia, chronic breathing issues, or even blindness.

Home Care Tips for URIs:

• Gently clean nasal discharge from the face with a damp cotton ball.

• Serve warm food to stimulate their appetite (microwave canned food for 15–30 seconds to release the aroma).

• Ensure proper hydration (mix a little water into wet food and warm it up).

• Use a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist.

2. Nasal and Sinus Issues (Rhinosinusitis)

Rhinitis (inflamed nasal lining) and Sinusitis (inflamed sinus lining) often occur together in cats. It is a common complication following a URI.

• Symptoms: Nasal discharge (ranging from clear to bloody), difficulty breathing, snoring, mouth-breathing, pawing at the face, teary eyes, reverse sneezing, and sometimes nasal bumps (if fungal).

• Treatment: Involves medical history assessment, physical exams, and potentially rhinoscopy. Treatment includes nasal flushing, antibiotics, and steroids to open airways.

3. Chronic Upper Respiratory Conditions

Chronic rhinitis is often the result of permanent damage to the immune system or nasal passages, commonly following severe viral infections like Feline Calicivirus (FCV) or Feline Herpesvirus.

• Symptoms: Recurring sneezing, nasal congestion, thick yellow discharge, loss of appetite, drooling, difficulty swallowing, and discharge from the eyes. Symptoms often flare up during periods of stress, illness, or low immunity.

• Treatment: There is no known "cure" for chronic respiratory conditions; treatment focuses on managing symptoms and frequent vet visits. Diagnostics may include blood/urine tests, advanced imaging (CT/MRI), and biopsies.

4. Allergies

Allergies are not a common cause of sneezing in cats, but they can occur. Often, allergies manifest as skin irritation, itching, or hair loss. However, some cats may experience "hay fever" symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and wheezing, especially if they have underlying asthma.

• Treatment: While there is no cure, symptoms can be managed through specialized treatment plans, including custom vaccines, medication, or diet, developed by a veterinarian or veterinary dermatologist.

Prevention

The best defense is building a strong immune system. Ensure your cat is vaccinated as a kitten and receives annual boosters. Feeding a high-quality, immune-boosting diet is also vital.

At RONRON, we prioritize your cat’s health with specialized formulas:

• Immune Booster Formula (Chicken & Salmon): Rich in vitamins and minerals to strengthen the immune system.

• Anti-inflammatory Formula (Tuna, Salmon & Avocado): Packed with antioxidants to fight oxidative stress and protect your cat's cells and immune health.

Reference: Feline Sneezing: Causes and Treatment. Available at: https://bluepearlvet.com/pet-blog/cat-sneezing-does-your-cat-have-a-cold/ [Accessed 18 May 2022]