You may have noticed your cat sneezing occasionally. Maybe you wondered what might be causing the sneezing.
The good news is that in most cases a sneeze is just that, a sneeze. However, in some cases it can be a symptom of a worse problem. Find out the reasons your cat is sneezing by reading our animal hospital’s article below.
Causes of Sneezing in Cats
The cause of a cat sneeze can be as simple as a speck of dust causing a tickle, and as serious as cancer. If your cat is only sneezing and doesn’t have any other symptoms, then the cause is likely something small.
- “Nose tickle”
- Strong, chemical smell
- Allergies
- Infections (viral or bacterial)
- Dental disease
- Foreign object
- Cancer
In the following sections, we will explore each of these causes and when to contact your vet.
“Nose Tickle”
If your cat only sneezes a few times and there doesn’t seem to be any other symptoms, then it may just be a tickle. This can be caused by dust, pollen, or even their own fur. There is nothing serious about a nose tickle.
Strong, Chemical Smell
Your cat may react to strong chemical smells or to other strong smells. They may not smell bad to you, but they might smell bad to your cat. Cats will sneeze in response to strong smells they do not like.
If your cat has no other symptoms, and you have recently cleaned or applied perfume or air freshener, your cat may be reacting to the smell.
Allergies
Sneezing is a common symptom of allergies. If your cat is sneezing more than usual and has any of the following symptoms, they may have allergies.
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Itchy eyes
- Runny eyes
- Ear infections
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Snoring
- Trouble breathing
- Swollen paws
- Sensitive paws
- Excessive licking or grooming
- Red skin
- Dry skin
- Excessive scratching
Your veterinarian can help you figure out what kind of allergy your cat has. There are three main types: insect allergies, food allergies, and environmental allergies.
Infections (Viral or Bacterial)
Infections can cause your cat to sneeze. They will usually be partnered with other symptoms.
Viral Infections
- Feline Herpesvirus type-1 (FVR)
- Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
Bacterial Infections
- Bordetella Bronchiseptica
- Chlamydophila Felis
Other Symptoms
Both viral and bacterial infections have similar symptoms. These include:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Nasal congestion
- Nasal Discharge
- Discharge from eyes
- Inflammation of eyelids
- Ulcers
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Difficulty breathing
Dental Disease
There are three main types of dental disease in cats and they all can cause sneezing. While dental disease is a common problem in cats it is easy to prevent and easy to treat if caught early.
Cats can get gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth resorption. Your cat may be suffering from one of these if they are also showing signs of:
- Swollen gums
- Tender gums
- Inflamed gums
- Bleeding in the mouth
- Pain
- Lack of appetite
- Difficulty eating
Gingivitis left unchecked will lead to periodontitis and possibly tooth resorption. Tooth resorption is when the tooth begins to break down and decompose. By the time this shows, it is too late to save the tooth. However, removal of the tooth and dental treatment may save other teeth.
Foreign Object
Foreign objects that are caught in your cat’s nasal passage or throat can cause sneezing. Your cat may also cough. They may appear to be trying to get a hairball out. In severe cases, they may also have trouble breathing.
If you suspect a foreign object is the cause, contact your vet immediately, as choking can be life threatening. The object may become more lodged in instead of becoming looser.
Cancer
In rare cases, cats with cancer have been known to sneeze. This is not as common, however, here are the other symptoms to look out for.
- Unexplained weight loss
- Lack or loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lumps
- Lethargy
- Unexplained bleeding
- Wounds don’t heal
Cancer in cats is varied as there are many kinds and causes. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is one of the causes. Luckily, FeLV is rare.
Treatment of Cat Sneezing Symptoms
Treatment will depend on the cause of your cat’s sneezing. Nothing can be done about a “nose tickle”. However, you can change the type of cleaner, air freshener, or perfume that you use if it is bothering your cat. Another option is to keep your cat out of the room while cleaning.
For allergies, you will want to talk to your vet. They can prescribe allergy medications in the case of insect and environmental allergies. For food allergies, your vet may recommend an elimination test or to switch your cat to a food that uses hydrolyzed protein.
If your cat has a viral infection, the only thing you and your vet can do is treat the symptoms. It is important to make sure your cat has been diagnosed properly. Vets can prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections.
In the case of gingivitis and dental disease, there is a two-step approach. First, treat the infection in your cat’s mouth. Your vet can prescribe the proper medications and diet. Once treated, you need to help maintain your cat’s healthy teeth by either brushing them or taking them to the dentist to get their teeth brushed. Luckily, cats don’t need to brush their teeth as much as us. Twice a year at the vet along with “dental treats” should be good enough in most cases.
Call your vet immediately for foreign object removal. Depending on what they object is they may need to do x-rays and possibly even surgery.
Once cancer has been diagnosed in your cat, your vet can recommend next steps. If caught early, your cat can recover and live out the rest of their days. Treatments range from surgery to chemotherapy to radiation therapy.
We’re Here If Your Cat’s Sneezing May Be Something Severe
There’s a range of reasons why your cat is sneezing. The more severe problems are also the least likely causes. Talk to your vet if you are unsure. They can talk you through the steps of determining if your cat is alright or in need of medical treatment.