Why is my cat sneezing?

Why Is My Cat Sneezing?

When your cat lets out a sudden sneeze, it can be cute or even funny. But if it keeps happening, you might start to worry. Sneezing in cats is common and often harmless—it's their way of clearing out dust or other irritants from their nose. Still, sometimes it signals an underlying health issue that shouldn't be ignored.

Common Causes of Cat Sneezing

• Upper Respiratory Infections: The most frequent culprit behind sneezing fits in cats is viral infection. Feline herpesvirus (FHV) and calicivirus are highly contagious among cats and can cause sneezing along with symptoms like runny nose and eyes, lethargy, fever, coughing, and poor appetite. Sometimes secondary bacterial infections join in (think Bordetella or Chlamydia), making nasal discharge thick and yellow or green. Fungal infections such as Cryptococcus are less common but can also lead to sneezing.
• Allergies & Irritants: Just like people, cats can react to environmental allergens—dust, pollen, mold spores, cigarette smoke, perfumes, cleaning sprays, or even scented candles. While allergies in cats often show up as skin problems first, they can also cause sneezing (especially if your cat has asthma or allergic rhinitis).
• Foreign Material: Sometimes a bit of grass seed or lint gets inhaled. This can trigger sudden sneezing episodes as your cat tries to clear its nose. Larger objects may get stuck and require a vet's help.
• Dental Disease: Dental problems don't just cause bad breath—they can create a connection between the mouth and the nose if upper tooth roots become infected or inflamed. This often leads to sneezing after eating and may come with nasal discharge.
• Nasal Polyps & Tumors: Growths inside the nasal passages aren't common but can result in persistent sneezing and discharge (sometimes bloody). Appetite changes or weight loss may also appear.
• Vaccination: Some cats sneeze for a few days after getting an intranasal vaccine—a temporary effect that usually resolves quickly.

When Should You Worry?

A sneeze here and there isn't usually a big deal. But certain signs mean it's time to call your vet:

• Sneezing that's frequent or won't stop
• Nasal discharge (clear, yellow, green, or bloody)
• Eye discharge or redness
• Coughing or wheezing
• Trouble breathing (open-mouth breathing)
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy (less active than usual)
• Losing weight
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Pawing at the face

If you notice any of these symptoms along with sneezing—or if your cat just seems off—don't wait too long before seeking help.

How Vets Diagnose the Cause

Your veterinarian will start with a physical exam and ask about recent changes at home (new cleaning products? more dust?). They might check your cat's teeth for dental disease and look at patterns of illness among pets in your household. If needed, further tests could include:

• X-rays or CT scans to view nasal passages
• Rhinoscopy (a tiny camera up the nose)
• Tissue biopsies
• Nasal swabs for lab tests

This thorough approach helps pinpoint whether infection, allergy, foreign material, dental trouble—or something else—is behind those sneezes.

Treatment Options for Sneezing Cats

• If viral infection is present: Supportive care is key—humidifiers to ease breathing, fluids for hydration, nutritional support so your cat keeps eating.
• If there's a bacterial infection: Antibiotics may be prescribed by your vet.
• If allergies: Minimizing exposure to triggers helps most; sometimes antihistamines or immunotherapy are suggested by your vet.
• If it's dental disease: Treatment may involve dental cleaning or extraction under anesthesia.
• If there's a foreign object: Removal by a professional is necessary—never try this at home!

Cats with severe infections or growths might need hospitalization for intravenous fluids or even surgery.

Caring for Your Sneezing Cat at Home

1. Keep living spaces clean—regularly vacuum dust and wash bedding.
2. Avoid strong scents: No perfumes near litter boxes; skip scented candles where your cat hangs out.
3. Scoop litter boxes daily; some cats are sensitive to dusty litters.
4. If your cat goes outside often, groom its fur regularly to remove pollen and debris.

Your vet may recommend keeping vaccinations current—especially for kittens and multi-cat households—to reduce risk of respiratory infections.

The Bottom Line on Cat Sneezes

Mild sneezes now and then are normal for most felines. But when sneezing becomes frequent—or comes with other symptoms—it’s worth investigating further. With prompt attention from you (and sometimes your vet), most causes of feline sneezing can be managed effectively so your cat stays comfortable and healthy.