Understanding Cat Sneezing: Common Triggers and Treatments

Sneezing is a natural reflex in cats, just as it is in humans. While an occasional sneeze is usually harmless, frequent or persistent sneezing can signal an underlying issue that needs attention. From simple irritants like dust or strong odors to more serious concerns such as respiratory infections or dental problems, the causes of cat sneezing vary widely. Understanding these triggers and knowing how to respond can help ensure your feline friend stays happy and healthy. In this guide, we’ll explore the common reasons behind cat sneezing, associated symptoms, and effective treatments to keep your cat feeling their best.

What Causes Cats to Sneeze ?

①Environmental factors

• Stimulation by dust or foreign objects

A cat's nose is very sensitive, and dust, hair or other small particles in the house may be too much for the cat's nose to bear, thus triggering sneezing.

• Irritating odors

If the cat inhales a more pungent odor, such as perfume, disinfectant, cigarette smoke, etc., the odor may irritate the nasal cavity and sneezing may occur.

• Pollen or allergens

Some cats are allergic to pollen, dust mites or certain foods, and when exposed to these allergens, they may sneeze, watery eyes or even develop itchy skin.

• Temperature change

Cats will also sneeze when there is a sudden change of coolness in their living environment, which is common in the summer when the air conditioner is used to cool down. Sneezing in this case is a kind of self-protection of the cat's body as well as a kind of warning from the body, and sneezing in this case is usually not a problem.

②Pathological factors

• Colds or upper respiratory tract infections

Cats can also catch a cold or have an upper respiratory tract infection, which will result in frequent sneezing and may be accompanied by a runny nose, cough and other symptoms.

• Viral infections

Infections such as feline herpesvirus, feline cup virus, etc., in addition to sneezing, there will also be symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, loss of appetite and lethargy.

Also Read: Understanding and Addressing Lethargy in Cats

• Rhinitis

Failure to pay attention to the hygiene and cleanliness of cats may lead to bacterial invasion of the nasal cavity and massive reproduction, lesion reaction, increased secretion, runny nose, nosebleed, sneezing and other symptoms.

• Foreign bodies in the nasal cavity

The cat's nose can easily get into sand, some small particles of things or the shape of the nose is relatively large, these will stimulate it to sneeze constantly.

③ Other factors

• Short nasal passage

There are some cats with noses that have naturally small nasal passages, which makes them prone to sneezing.

• Asthma

Cats can also suffer from asthma and need to be kept on a nebulizer treatment.

How to Tell if a Cat Sneezing is Viral or Bacterial?

Cat sneezing can be caused by a variety of reasons, with viral and bacterial infections being common factors. Here are some ways to help determine if your cat's sneezing is caused by a virus or bacteria.

(1) Characteristics of viral infections

• Herpes virus

Symptoms include frequent sneezing, runny nose, redness and swelling of the mucous membranes of the eyes, tearing, increased eye droppings, and in severe cases, blindness. Kittens are more severely ill than adult cats, with body temperatures reaching over 40 degrees.

The virus can be spread through airborne droplets, direct contact with infected cat secretions or contaminated objects.

• Cupripovirus 

The main symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, mouth ulcers, loss of appetite, poor spirits and lethargy. Pneumonia may be induced in severe cases.

The virus is spread through airborne transmission, contact with contaminated objects or contact with infected cats.

(2) Characteristics of bacterial infection

• Borrelia burgdorferi 

Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and in severe cases, pneumonia. Infection in kittens has a certain mortality rate.

Treatment is usually with tetracycline drugs, such as doxycycline, in combination with immune-boosting drugs.

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• Chlamydia and Mycoplasma 

Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, conjunctival congestion, and conjunctivitis. Mycoplasma infections may also be present in the upper respiratory tract of healthy cats, but will proliferate during stress, poor environment or viral infections.

(3) Diagnostic methods 

• Medical history investigation 

Find out if the cat has been exposed to other sick cats, duration of symptoms, appetite and activity level.

• Physical Examination 

Check for fever, facial asymmetry, characteristic nasal discharge (unilateral or bilateral), oral disease or oro-nasal fistula, and enlarged mandibular lymph nodes.

Related: How Do You Bring Down A Cat's Fever

• Laboratory tests 

Routine blood tests: to check for inflammation.
PCR test: to confirm the presence of viral infections such as herpes virus, cupripovirus, mycoplasma and chlamydia.
Imaging tests: such as X-rays or CT scans to check for lung infections or nasal foreign bodies.

• Rhinoscopy and biopsy 

In cases of chronic infection or unknown etiology, rhinoscopy and biopsy can help confirm the diagnosis.

(4) Summary

With the above information, the following points can be summarized to determine the cause of sneezing in cats 

Viral infection: usually accompanied by eye symptoms, mouth ulcers, high fever, etc. and is highly contagious.
Bacterial infection: may be accompanied by symptoms such as cough, conjunctivitis, pneumonia, etc. Treatment usually requires antibiotics.
If your cat is experiencing sneezing symptoms, it is advisable to take it to the veterinarian promptly for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

How to Take Care of a Cat When It Sneezes?

• Keep the environment clean 

Regularly clean your cat's living environment, including the litter, eating utensils and drinking fountains, to minimize the breeding of bacteria and viruses.
Avoid using cleaning products or perfumes with irritating odors that may irritate your cat's respiratory tract.

• Provide suitable temperature and humidity 

During the cold season or in air-conditioned environments, make sure your cat has adequate warmth to avoid catching cold.
During the dry season, you can use a humidifier to increase indoor humidity and relieve your cat's respiratory discomfort.

• Nutritional support 

Provide nutritionally balanced cat food to strengthen the cat's immunity and help it resist viral and bacterial infections.
For cats with a history of viral infections, long-term supplementation with lysine and other nutrients can be used to control the recurrence of the virus.

• Medication 

If your cat's sneezing is caused by a cold or viral infection, you can use antiviral medications, antibiotics, or antihistamines under the guidance of your veterinarian.

When using medications, it is important to follow medical advice and not self-medicate to avoid drug abuse or adverse reactions.

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• Isolation and prevention of transmission 

If there are multiple cats in the home, when one of them shows symptoms of sneezing, it should be isolated to prevent the spread of viruses or bacteria to other cats.

For unvaccinated cats, they should be vaccinated as soon as possible to prevent common respiratory viral infections.

• Observe changes in symptoms 

Closely observe the cat's symptoms, such as the frequency of sneezing, whether it is accompanied by a runny nose, cough, fever or loss of appetite.

If the symptoms continue to show no improvement or worsen, take your cat to the veterinarian promptly.

• Avoid allergens 

If your cat's sneezing is caused by allergies, try to avoid contact with known allergens such as pollen, dust mites or certain foods.

• Nasal Care 

For cats with nasal discharge, saline can be used to gently rinse the nasal cavity to remove the discharge and relieve discomfort.

The above care methods should be implemented in conjunction with the cat's specific symptoms and veterinarian's recommendations to ensure that the cat receives optimal care and treatment.

How to Prevent Your Cat from Sneezing?

①Vaccination

Regular vaccinations for cats, such as vaccine, can effectively help cats resist viruses and prevent respiratory infections such as feline nasal infections.

②Environmental management 

Keep the cat's living environment clean and hygienic, regularly clean the cat's litter, eating utensils, etc., to avoid the irritation of dust, hair and other small substances on the cat's respiratory system.
Avoid exposing your cat to items with irritating odors, such as perfume and aromatherapy, which may irritate the cat's nose and cause sneezing.
Maintaining indoor air circulation will help reduce airborne allergens and pollutants and lower the risk of sneezing in your cat.

③Nutritional support

Appropriately increase nutrition for cats to improve their immunity and resistance, such as providing nutritionally balanced food and vitamin supplements.

④Daily care 

Clean the environment diligently to reduce the impact of dust, hair and parasites on cats. You can remove floating hairs etc. from the air with the help of air purification products.
Brush your cat's hair regularly to prevent it from inhaling too much hair.
Take good care of your cat's mouth, as too much tartar may also cause your cat to sneeze.

⑤Avoid contact with pathogens 

Try to reduce the risk of viral and bacterial infections by avoiding your cat's exposure to other sick pets or contaminated environments.
In the case of a multi-cat household, when one cat has a cold or is sick, the sick cat needs to be isolated to prevent the spread of the virus and items used by the sick cat should be sterilized.

⑥Avoiding Stress

Avoid stress reactions in cats, such as sudden changes in the environment, excessive fright, etc., as stress may lead to a decline in the cat's immunity and make it susceptible to illness.

FAQs

Conclusion 

Cat sneezing can range from a harmless reaction to environmental irritants to a sign of a more serious health issue. By understanding the common triggers, such as allergies, infections, or dental problems, you can take proactive steps to protect your cat’s health. Regular veterinary check-ups, maintaining a clean environment, and staying alert to unusual symptoms are essential for early detection and treatment. If your cat’s sneezing becomes frequent or is accompanied by other concerning signs, consult your veterinarian for guidance. With proper care and attention, your feline friend can enjoy a healthy, sneeze-free life.