Why Does My Cat Keep Sneezing

It can be concerning when your cat keeps sneezing, especially if the sneezing persists or is accompanied by other symptoms. Occasional sneezing in cats is normal and usually harmless, but frequent or severe sneezing can indicate an underlying issue. This article will help you understand the possible causes of your cat’s sneezing, how to identify when it’s serious, and what you can do to help.

Why Does My Cat Keep Sneezing?

Frequent sneezing in cats can be caused by a variety of reasons, including environmental irritants, allergic reactions, and respiratory infections. If a cat's sneezing is accompanied by symptoms such as a runny nose, eye discharge or loss of appetite, it may be infected with feline nasal branch virus or other pathogens. In addition, a cat's allergy to certain substances, such as pollen, dust, and perfume, may also cause sneezing. 

To determine the exact cause, it is recommended that you observe your cat for any other symptoms and consider taking your cat to the veterinarian for a checkup. Your veterinarian may recommend blood tests, PCR nucleic acid tests, etc. to confirm the presence of an infection or other health issue. While waiting for the veterinarian's diagnosis, you can try to improve your cat's living environment by reducing possible allergens and irritants and maintaining indoor air circulation. If your cat's sneezing symptoms are mild, you can observe them for a while, but if they persist or worsen, you should seek medical attention. 

• Environmental irritants

Dust, strong smells, smoke, perfumes, and cleaning chemicals can irritate a cat’s sensitive nasal passages, causing sneezing. Cats may also sneeze when exposed to aerosols or even certain types of cat litter that produce dust.

• Viral infections

Such as feline herpes virus and feline cup virus, these viruses can cause upper respiratory tract infections known as feline nasal branch. 

• Bacterial or  fungal infections

May lead to inflammation of the respiratory tract and cause sneezing. 

• Parasitic infections

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The science of parasitic infections triggering sneezing in cats primarily involves the direct or indirect effects of parasites on a cat's respiratory system. Certain parasites, such as Schistosoma pneumoniae and Heartworm, can directly invade the cat's lungs, causing inflammatory reactions and tissue damage, and these pathological changes irritate the respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as sneezing. In addition, the metabolites and toxins of parasites may also act as antigens to stimulate the cat's immune system, triggering an allergic reaction, and this immune-mediated response can likewise lead to respiratory symptoms, including sneezing. In terms of treatment, your veterinarian may use antiparasitic medications depending on the type of parasite and the severity of the infection, and may combine this with immune-modulating treatments and nutritional support therapies to help restore your cat's health. Preventive measures include deworming your cat regularly, maintaining good personal hygiene, and avoiding exposure to environments that may be contaminated with parasites. 

• Allergic reactions

The main reason cats sneeze when they have allergies is because their immune system overreacts to certain substances (allergens). When cats are exposed to these allergens, such as pollen, dust, dust mites, certain foods, or human dander, their nasal mucosa releases histamine and other chemical mediators, which cause inflammation in the nasal passages, leading to symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose. Sneezing is a defense mechanism by which the body attempts to clear the nasal passages of allergens. The frequency of sneezing may increase during allergy season or when your cat is exposed to new potential allergens. If your cat's allergy symptoms are severe or persistent, you should consult your veterinarian for appropriate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Related: Allergies in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

• Foreign bodies in the nose

Cats may have foreign objects in their noses, such as small beads or sand, causing sneezing. 

• Respiratory Infections

Sneezing is often a sign of an upper respiratory infection (URI) in cats, similar to a cold in humans. These infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi, and are one of the most common reasons for persistent sneezing in cats.

Also Read: Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats

If the cat's sneezing symptoms persist or are accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose and increased eye discharge, the cat should be taken to the veterinarian for examination and treatment. 

What Are The Common Causes of Persistent Sneezing in Cats ?

If your cat is sneezing frequently and over a prolonged period, it could be a sign of a more serious issue, such as an infection or dental problem. Here are some of the common causes of persistent sneezing in cats:

Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)

Upper respiratory infections in cats are often viral and can cause a range of symptoms beyond sneezing, including nasal discharge, coughing, and lethargy. The most common viruses causing URIs in cats are:

• Feline herpesvirus (FHV)
• Feline calicivirus (FCV)

Both of these viruses are highly contagious, particularly among cats in multi-cat households, shelters, or catteries.

Feline Herpesvirus (FHV)

Feline herpesvirus is a common cause of sneezing and other respiratory symptoms in cats. Once a cat contracts FHV, the virus can remain dormant in their system and flare up during times of stress. In addition to sneezing, cats with FHV may experience watery eyes, nasal discharge, and coughing.

Also Read: Cat Herpes: FVR and FHV-1 Symptoms and Treatments

Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

Feline calicivirus is another virus that causes sneezing, nasal congestion, and sometimes ulcers in the mouth or tongue. Like FHV, it is contagious and often seen in environments with many cats.

Dental Disease

Surprisingly, dental issues can also lead to sneezing in cats. Infections in the mouth or tooth abscesses can spread to the nasal passages, leading to inflammation and sneezing. If your cat’s sneezing is accompanied by bad breath, drooling, or difficulty eating, it may be related to dental disease.

What Symptoms Do Feline Nasal Stem Virus Infections Usually Show?

Feline nasal branch, also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis, is mainly caused by feline herpesvirus type I (FHV-1), which is a highly contagious virus that mainly infects kittens, and the morbidity and mortality of unvaccinated kittens are higher. The transmission of feline nasal branch includes direct contact with secretions of sick cats, inhalation of droplets containing the virus and direct transmission through placenta and milk.

• Depression
• Anorexia
• Elevated body temperature
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Tears
• Discharge from the eyes and nose, which starts out as plasma and may become purulent as the condition worsens
• Mouth ulcers
• Pneumonia
• Vaginitis
• Skin ulcers
• Neutropenia
• Chronic cases may present with coughing, sinusitis, and respiratory distress
• Kittens are at higher risk of death due to respiratory distress 

These symptoms may occur in varying degrees in sick cats, depending on their individual resistance and repair. If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should take him or her to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment. 

How to Relieve Cat Sneezing Symptoms?

Sneezing in cats can be due to a number of reasons, including colds, allergies, viral infections, and irritation from foreign objects in the nasal passages. When dealing with cat sneezing, the cause of the sneezing should first be determined so that appropriate relief measures can be taken.

Ways to relieve cat sneezing

• Environmental Improvement

Ensure that your cat's living environment is warm and well-ventilated, and avoid cold air irritation and temperature changes, which may induce sneezing. 

• Avoid allergens

Reduce potential allergens such as pollen, dust, dust mites, etc. in your home to alleviate your cat's allergic reactions. 

• Medication

If your cat's sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a runny nose and eye discharge, pet-specific antibiotics or antiviral medications may be necessary. Use medications such as famciclovir, speed or doxycycline under the guidance of your veterinarian. 

• Nasal Care

Use saline to gently clean your cat's nasal passages to help remove any discharge or foreign objects that may be causing irritation. 

• Nutritional Support

Ensure your cat has a balanced diet with adequate hydration and nutrients to support the normal functioning of its immune system. 

• Avoid irritating odors

Do not use perfumes, air fresheners and other products containing irritating odors in your cat's living environment. 

• Seek prompt medical attention

If your cat's sneezing symptoms persist or worsen, take your cat to the vet for examination and treatment. 

Before taking any therapeutic measures, it is best to consult your veterinarian to ensure that the most appropriate treatment option is chosen. The veterinarian may recommend further tests, such as blood tests or x-rays, to confirm the cause of the condition and provide professional treatment advice.

How to Effectively Prevent Nasal Strokes in Cats?

In order to effectively prevent feline nasal branch, you can take the following measures.

Vaccination

Ensure that your cat is vaccinated against feline nasal branch, which is the most important means of preventing FHV and FCV infections. The vaccine can reduce the risk of your cat contracting the virus and alleviate the symptoms.

Related:  The Guide to Cat Vaccination Schedules

Maintain environmental hygiene

Regularly clean your cat's living space, including eating utensils, water bowls and litter trays, to minimize the spread of the virus.

Isolate new cats

If you introduce a new cat to your home, isolate it for a period of time to ensure it is not carrying the virus and wait for vaccinations to take effect.

Avoid contact with infectious agents

Minimize your cat's contact with cats known to be ill or with environments that may carry the virus.

Enhance your cat's immunity

Provide a balanced diet to ensure that the cat receives sufficient nutrition to enhance its own immunity.

Pay attention to personal hygiene

Wash hands and change clothes after contact with different cats to minimize the spread of the virus among family members.

By taking the above measures, you can significantly reduce your cat's risk of contracting feline nasal branch infection. If your cat shows any symptoms of feline nasal branch, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for examination and treatment.

When to See a Vet for a Sneezing Cat?

While occasional sneezing in cats isn’t typically a cause for concern, there are times when you should consult a veterinarian. See a vet if:

• Your cat’s sneezing lasts more than a few days or worsens over time.
• There are additional symptoms like nasal discharge, coughing, difficulty breathing, or  lethargy.
• Your cat has a loss of appetite or stops eating altogether.
• There is blood in the nasal discharge or excessive drooling.
• You suspect your cat has an underlying infection or dental issue.

Your vet may perform a physical examination, check for underlying infections, or take X-rays if they suspect dental or sinus issues. Depending on the diagnosis, your cat may need antibiotics, antiviral medications, or dental treatment.

FAQs

How do you treat a cat that keeps sneezing?

When a cat won't stop sneezing, the first thing you need to look for is whether the cat is accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose, eye discharge, coughing, loss of appetite or depression. These symptoms may indicate that the cat is suffering from a respiratory infection, viral infection (e.g. feline nasal branch), allergic reaction or other health problems.

Treatment should be based on the cat's specific symptoms and possible causes. If the cat's symptoms are mild, try to improve the living environment, such as maintaining indoor air circulation, reducing dust and irritating odors, and observe whether the symptoms improve. If symptoms persist or worsen, the cat should be taken to a veterinarian for a detailed examination and necessary treatment, which may include medication, nebulization or other supportive treatments.

When should I worry about my cat sneezing?

• Loss of Spirit: A cat's mental state is an important indicator of health, and persistent loss of spirit may be indicative of physical discomfort or pain.
• Persistent high fever: A high fever may be a sign of a serious health problem that requires veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
• Loss of appetite: A cat's sudden reluctance to eat food or a significant decrease in food intake may be a sign of a health problem.

Situations to be concerned about include cat sneezing accompanied by a high fever, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, or other serious symptoms, which may indicate that the cat is suffering from a serious infection or other health crisis. In such cases, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately for emergency treatment.

Cat keeps sneezing but seems fine

When your cat keeps sneezing but doesn't seem otherwise unwell, you can take the following steps:

Observe the symptoms: continue to closely observe your cat for other symptoms, such as runny nose, eye discharge, loss of appetite or depression. 
Improve the environment: Ensure that your cat's living environment is clean and well-ventilated, and reduce dust and irritating odors to minimize irritation to the cat's nasal cavity. 
Provide appropriate humidity: using a humidifier to increase indoor humidity can help relieve your cat's respiratory discomfort. 
Pay attention to diet and warmth: Make sure your cat has a balanced diet and stays warm, especially during the season when temperatures vary greatly. 
If your cat's sneezing symptoms persist or other symptoms appear, it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian for an examination to rule out potential health problems.

Conclusion 

Cats sneeze for various reasons, from minor irritants to more serious health concerns like respiratory infections or dental disease. Occasional sneezing is usually not a cause for concern, but frequent or persistent sneezing should be addressed, especially if accompanied by other symptoms. By recognizing the signs and knowing when to seek veterinary care, you can help ensure your cat stays healthy and comfortable.

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