If your cat is sneezing more than usual, it’s natural to be concerned. There are a number of reasons why cats sneeze, some of which are minor and others that may be more serious.
The most common cause of sneezing in cats is an upper respiratory infection (URI), but other possible causes include allergies, dental disease, foreign objects, and cancer.
Causes of Cat Sneezing
1. Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)
URIs are the most common cause of sneezing in cats. They can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. The most common viruses that cause URIs in cats are feline herpesvirus (FHV) and feline calicivirus (FCV). These viruses are highly contagious and can be spread from cat to cat through direct contact, respiratory droplets, or shared objects.
2. Nasal and Sinus Issues
Cats can also sneeze due to nasal and sinus issues, such as inflammation, congestion, or infection. These problems can be caused by allergies, dust, pollen, smoke, or other irritants.
3. Allergies
Cats can be allergic to a variety of things, including pollen, dust mites, mold, food, and flea saliva. When a cat is exposed to an allergen, its immune system overreacts and releases histamine. This can cause a number of symptoms, including sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.
4. Dental Disease
Dental disease can also cause sneezing in cats. When tartar and plaque build-up on a cat’s teeth, it can irritate the gums and lead to infection. This infection can spread to the sinuses and cause sneezing.
5. Foreign Objects
If a cat inhales a foreign object, such as a piece of grass, dust, or litter, it can cause sneezing. The object can irritate the lining of the nose and sinuses, leading to sneezing and other symptoms.
6. Cancer
In rare cases, sneezing can be a sign of cancer, such as lymphoma or nasal adenocarcinoma. However, cancer is a relatively uncommon cause of sneezing in cats.
When to See a Veterinarian?
If your cat is sneezing more than usual, or if the sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms, such as discharge from the eyes or nose, difficulty breathing, or lethargy, it’s important to see a veterinarian. These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying problem, such as an upper respiratory infection or allergies.
Treatment for Cat Sneezing
The treatment for cat sneezing will depend on the underlying cause. For upper respiratory infections, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medication. If your cat has allergies, your veterinarian may recommend allergy testing and immunotherapy. For dental disease, your veterinarian will likely recommend a dental cleaning. And if your cat has a foreign object in its nose, your veterinarian will need to remove it.
Prevention and Ways to Protect Your Cat’s Health
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent sneezing in your cat and protect its overall health:
- Keep your cat indoors: Indoor cats are less likely to be exposed to viruses, bacteria, and other irritants that can cause sneezing.
- Provide your cat with proper nutrition: A healthy diet can help boost your cat’s immune system and make it less susceptible to infection.
- Take your cat for regular veterinary check-ups: Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any underlying health problems early on when they are most treatable.
- Promptly treat infections and allergies: If your cat does develop an infection or allergies, it’s important to treat them promptly to prevent further complications.
By following these tips, you can help your cat stay healthy and sneeze-free.
