Understanding When to Be Concerned About Your Cat Sneezing
It’s not unusual for a cat to sneeze occasionally—just as with humans, a tickle in the nose or a puff of dust can be enough to trigger a powerful ‘achoo.’ However, repeated or severe sneezing episodes can signal something more serious. Below, we'll explore the potential causes, symptoms to watch for, and when it’s time to take your feline friend to the vet.
Common Causes of Cat Sneezing
- Environmental Irritants: Cats may sneeze in response to dust, pollen, perfumes, air fresheners, chemical cleaners, or types of cat litter.
- Foreign Objects: Nose sneezing due to lint, grass blades, or particulate matter lodged in their nasal passage may cause a sudden, intense sneezing fit.
- Vaccinations: Some vaccines, especially for upper respiratory viruses, may cause mild sneezing for a brief period post-administration.
Infectious Causes of Sneezing
Upper respiratory infections are the most common cause of sneezing in cats, particularly among kittens, older cats, or those with compromised immune systems.
- Viral Infections: Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus are key viral agents, often resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, conjunctivitis, nasal discharge, fever, reduced appetite, and even mouth ulcers in calicivirus cases.
- Bacterial Infections: These often develop as secondary complications to viral infections. Common bacteria include Bordetella, Mycoplasma, and Chlamydia, typically leading to thick yellow or green discharges from eyes or nose.
- Fungal Infections: Particularly Cryptococcus, which may cause chronic nasal discharge and facial swelling. These require a diagnosis via rhinoscopy or biopsy followed by antifungal treatment.
Other Medical Conditions Associated With Sneezing
- Chronic Rhinitis and Sinusitis: Persistent inflammation may follow an infection or arise independently, causing regular sneezing and difficulty breathing.
- Dental Diseases: Infections in the upper teeth can erode through to the nasal cavity, leading to inflammation and sneezing. Treatment involves resolving the dental issue.
- Nasopharyngeal Polyps and Tumors: More common in older cats, these growths can block airways, causing repetitive sneezing, nosebleeds, and possible facial deformities.
- Allergies: While rare, cats can be allergic to Dander, pollen, mold, or even some types of cat litter, resulting in sneezing, watery eyes, and itching.
Recognizing Concerning Symptoms
If your cat’s sneezing is accompanied by other troubling signs, it may be time to consult your veterinarian. These symptoms include:
- Continuous sneezing for several days
- Yellow, green, or bloody nasal or ocular discharge
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Lethargy or fever
- Signs of pain, pawing at the face, or open-mouth breathing
- Swelling around the nose or face
Video recording your cat during symptomatic episodes can be helpful for your vet in evaluating and identifying the issue.
Diagnostic and Treatment Options
Your veterinarian may recommend several diagnostic tools such as:
- Physical exams and dental checkups
- Imaging techniques such as X-rays or CT scans
- Rhinoscopy, nasal flushing, or tissue biopsy
Treatment depends on the root cause and can include:
- Antibiotics or antivirals
- Antifungals for fungal infections
- Anti-inflammatories including steroids
- Antihistamines or decongestants
- Surgical removal for tumors or foreign objects
- Supportive care with fluids and nutrition
Preventing Sneezing in Cats
- Keep your cat’s environment clean and free from irritants
- Maintain good dental hygiene
- Do routine veterinarian checkups and vaccinations
- Minimize stress to help reduce flare-ups of chronic viral infections like feline herpesvirus
Conclusion
Mild, occasional sneezing in cats is typically no cause for concern. However, if sneezing becomes persistent, worsens, or is accompanied by other warning signs, a trip to the vet is strongly recommended. Staying observant, addressing environmental factors, and ensuring your cat is well cared for can go a long way in safeguarding their respiratory health.
