Sneezing is a normal bodily function. Cats, just like humans, occasionally sneeze to get rid of the irritant in their noses. Sometimes, cats do this due to rapid movement or over-excitement. However, frequent sneezes may indicate that the cat has some health issues. Consistent sneezing may be a sign that your cat has caught a cold. No matter what the reason is, you can treat it with the help of proper vet care.
Why is My Cat Sneezing?
Have you noticed that your beloved cat has recently started sneezing more? Sneezing is a common symptom caused by a variety of illnesses in cats, so it’s important to be aware and act quickly. Here are some of the potential reasons why is my cat sneezing.
#1 Upper Respiratory Infections
Ever wondered why is my cat sneezing? Upper respiratory infections or URIs are common infections in cats, and sneezing is a common symptom. Cat that sneezes is usually a result of the flu or the common cold. You can prevent these infections by vaccinating your cat with a vet. Cats can catch these infections by coming into contact with other infected cats. Such cat flu conditions can last for 10 to 21 days and can be viral, bacterial, or in some rare cases, fungal. Cat cold symptoms may include frequent sneezing over many days, lethargy in cats, or nausea. Your cat may also discharge yellow or green liquid from her nose or eyes.
#2 Nasal or Sinus Issues
some of the most common respiratory problems, like rhinitis or sinusitis, cause cats to sneeze. Rhinitis is a condition that causes a stuffy nose, and sinusitis causes inflammation or a burning sensation in the lining of a cat’s sinuses. Suppose your cat is facing difficulty breathing or discharging a yellow, green, or bloody liquid substance. In that case, she may suffer from ‘rhinosinusitis,’ a term used for rhinitis and cat sinus infection.
#3 Foreign Objects
Foreign debris like foxtails or grass can get stuck and irritate the nasal passages. This causes your cat to sneeze frequently. Your cat’s respiratory system may cause her to sneeze the object out of her nose, but if the thing is a bit larger, the nasal passages may not be able to push it out. In that case, you should rush your cat to a hospital where the vet may remove it with the help of a rhinoscopy or a nasal flush.
#4 Dental Disease
In some cases, dental disease in cats affects the teeth, roots, or the roof of a mouth can irritate her respiratory system and cause her to sneeze. A specialist can quickly treat this problem. In some cases, the specialist may have to remove your cat’s teeth and clean the dental area.
#5 Fungal Infections
Although this is not as common as the other infections, a fungal infection in cats may cause to sneeze more than usual. Many treatments are effective in curing this infection. Your vet might run a few tests to find the root cause of the infection. Even though this infection can be cured easily, it may be a little painful for your furry friend to endure it; hence, you want to take good care of her throughout the process.
There can be various cat sneezing causes why your cat sneezes frequently, but the ones listed above are the most common.
When to See the Veterinarian for your Cat Sneezing?
If your cat is sneezing but seems healthy, it might indicate excitement or rapid movement. Sneezing once in a while is regular, but cat sneezing a lot may be a symptom of one of the diseases mentioned above. Sometimes, debris may be stuck in your cat’s nasal passages, which may cause your cat to sneeze. In this case, the cat will stop sneezing in a few minutes, but if a larger object is stuck in her nasal cavity, you may have to take her to the hospital.
You should take your cat to the hospital if she is showing the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Nausea
- Enlarged lymph node
- Drooling
- Coughing or swallowing
- Difficulty in breathing
Treatment for Cat Sneezing
Depending on the cause of the sneezing, the vet will determine the process of treatment for cat sneezing. However, if it is a mild sneeze, you can give your cat eye drops or nose after consulting with a vet to cure her infection. You can also advise your vet about the right medications for your cat. If the cat keeps sneezing, your vet may run some blood or urine tests to understand the root cause of the infection. The vet may also vaccinate your cat to prevent any viral or bacterial infections in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
An occasional sneeze is not a serious concern because it can result from excitement or rapid movement. Still, if you notice your cat sneezing frequently and unusually, you should visit a veterinarian. You also need to find out if your cat is allergic to anything so that you can take the necessary precautions.
If your cat does not appear nauseous or lethargic when she sneezes, you should not bother about it. Your cat may do it to get rid of the irritant in its nasal passage.
If your cat catches a cold, she might sneeze for a few days, and the sneezing may go away. But if you notice other symptoms like lethargy or cough, you need to go to a vet for further advice.
Conclusion
An occasional sneeze may result from irritants or allergens, but if your cat has been sneezing for several hours or days, you should be concerned. The cat flu generally lasts for a few days, but if your cat does not heal in a few days, you should take her to a veterinarian.