Sneezing is a natural reflex for both humans and animals, including our feline companions. It’s a powerful way for the body to expel irritants from the nasal passages. While an occasional sneeze from your cat might seem cute or even go unnoticed, frequent or persistent sneezing can be a sign of an underlying issue. So, Why Is My Cat Sneezing? Let’s delve into the common causes, when you should be concerned, and what you can do to help your sneezing feline friend.
Common Causes of Cat Sneezing
Occasional sneezing in cats is often a normal physiological response to clear their nasal passages of dust or minor irritants. However, when sneezing becomes frequent or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to consider potential underlying causes. Diagnosing the exact reason for cat sneezing can sometimes be challenging, as many factors can contribute to this symptom.
One crucial first step is to differentiate a true sneeze from other similar-sounding respiratory actions. Coughing, gagging, reverse sneezing, hiccupping, retching, and wheezing can all be mistaken for sneezing. Each of these symptoms points to different potential health issues. If you’re unsure, capturing a video of your cat during a sneezing episode can be extremely helpful for your veterinarian in making an accurate diagnosis.
Here are some of the most common reasons behind cat sneezing:
1. Viral Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)
Viral infections are a leading cause of sneezing, especially in cats. Feline herpesvirus (feline viral rhinotracheitis) is a particularly common culprit. Unlike human herpesvirus, which often manifests as skin lesions, feline herpesvirus primarily affects the upper respiratory system in cats. Symptoms include frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, and discharge from the nose and eyes. Stress can often exacerbate the symptoms of feline herpesvirus, leading to more pronounced sneezing episodes.
Feline herpesvirus infections are often characterized by periods of active symptoms followed by periods of dormancy. A cat might recover from the initial respiratory signs and appear healthy for a while, only to experience a recurrence of symptoms when faced with stressful situations such as moving, changes in the household, or introduction of new pets.
While there is no cure for feline herpesvirus, veterinarians often manage the symptoms with antiviral medications like famciclovir and lysine supplements. Other viral infections that can cause sneezing include feline calicivirus (which is preventable through the FVRCP vaccine) and, less commonly, influenza viruses.
Alt text: Close-up of a tabby cat sneezing, illustrating a common symptom of viral respiratory infection in felines.
2. Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections are usually secondary players in feline upper respiratory issues. They often follow a primary viral infection, taking advantage of a weakened immune system and irritated respiratory tissues. A key indicator of a bacterial infection is the presence of yellow or green nasal or eye discharge in a sneezing cat. This colored discharge signifies the body’s immune response fighting off bacteria.
Common bacterial culprits in cats include Bordetella, Mycoplasma, and Chlamydia. Antibiotics are typically effective in treating these bacterial infections, significantly reducing sneezing and other respiratory symptoms, allowing cats to breathe more comfortably.
3. Nasal Inflammation and Irritation (Rhinitis)
Inflammation within the nasal passages, known as rhinitis, can be triggered by various factors, including infections and irritants. Even after the initial cause is addressed, inflammation itself can perpetuate sneezing. This cycle can lead to chronic rhinitis, where sneezing persists long-term.
Diagnosing inflammatory rhinitis as the sole cause of sneezing is often a process of elimination. Other potential causes need to be ruled out first. A definitive diagnosis might require a nasal biopsy performed under anesthesia.
Veterinary treatment for rhinitis often focuses on reducing inflammation. This may involve corticosteroids (steroids) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) administered orally to help calm the nasal passages and reduce the sneezing reflex.
4. Inhaled Foreign Material
Just like humans, cats can inhale foreign materials that irritate their nasal passages. Common culprits include grass blades, dust, pollen, or even small objects. The body’s natural reaction to these irritants is to sneeze in an attempt to expel them. While sneezing is effective for smaller particles like dust, larger objects can become lodged in the nasal passages and are difficult to remove by sneezing alone.
If a foreign body is suspected, diagnostic procedures like rhinoscopy (inserting a camera into the nose under anesthesia) or nasal flush (using sterile saline to flush out the nasal passages under anesthesia) may be necessary to identify and remove the obstruction.
5. Dental Disease
Dental problems can surprisingly contribute to sneezing in cats. The roots of the upper teeth are located very close to the nasal passages. When teeth become infected or significant inflammation develops in the gums, the barrier between the tooth socket and the nasal cavity can break down. This creates an abnormal opening, allowing food particles and bacteria from the mouth to enter the nasal passages, triggering sneezing.
Treating the underlying dental disease, which might involve dental cleaning, extractions, or antibiotics, usually resolves the sneezing caused by this issue.
6. Nasal Tumors (Neoplasia)
In older cats, nasal tumors are a more serious potential cause of chronic sneezing. Tumors growing within the nasal passages can cause irritation, inflammation, and obstruction, leading to sneezing, often accompanied by nasal discharge, which may be bloody.
Diagnosing nasal tumors usually involves rhinoscopy to visualize the nasal passages and biopsies to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
7. Fungal Infections
While less frequent than viral or bacterial infections, fungal infections can also cause sneezing in cats. Cryptococcus is a common fungal organism that can affect the nasal passages and respiratory system.
Distinguishing fungal infections from other causes of sneezing based solely on a physical exam is difficult. Rhinoscopy and biopsies are typically needed for a definitive diagnosis. Treatment options for fungal infections may include oral antifungal medications, nasal infusions of antifungal drugs, and, in some cases, surgery.
Alt text: A veterinarian carefully examines a cat’s nose during a check-up, assessing potential causes of sneezing and respiratory issues.
When is Cat Sneezing Serious?
The seriousness of your cat’s sneezing largely depends on the underlying cause. Sneezing triggered by environmental irritants like dust, mold, or pollen is usually less concerning, especially if it’s infrequent and isolated. In these cases, the sneezing is simply a normal reaction to clear the airways.
However, more often than not, persistent cat sneezing is indicative of a disease process. Viral infections are commonly the initial problem, but they can lead to secondary bacterial infections and chronic inflammation, creating a cycle of sneezing and nasal irritation.
If your cat starts sneezing suddenly and the sneezing persists for more than a day or two, or if it worsens, it’s important to seek veterinary attention.
When To See a Veterinarian for Cat Sneezing
It’s always prudent to consult with your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your cat’s health. Even if your cat seems otherwise fine but is sneezing frequently, a vet visit can help identify any underlying issues early on.
Seek immediate veterinary care if your sneezing cat exhibits any of the following additional symptoms:
- Loss of appetite: A decrease in food intake can indicate illness.
- Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss is a significant sign of potential health problems.
- Nasal discharge: Especially if the discharge is colored (yellow, green) or bloody.
- Worsening symptoms: If the sneezing becomes more frequent or severe.
- Persistent symptoms: Sneezing that continues for more than a few days.
- Lethargy or reduced energy levels: A decrease in activity can be a sign of illness.
- Coughing or wheezing: These additional respiratory symptoms can indicate a more complex issue.
How Veterinarians Diagnose the Cause of Cat Sneezing
Veterinarians use a variety of diagnostic tools and methods to determine the cause of cat sneezing:
Physical Examination
A thorough physical exam is the first step. This includes assessing your cat’s overall health, checking for fever, listening to their lungs, and carefully examining the nose and throat. A dental exam is also crucial to rule out dental disease as a contributing factor.
Imaging
Imaging techniques can provide valuable insights into the nasal passages and surrounding structures. X-rays of the head and chest can help identify some underlying issues. However, a CT scan (computerized tomography) is considered the gold standard for imaging sneezing cats. CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images of the nasal cavity but require general anesthesia and are typically performed at specialty or referral hospitals.
Rhinoscopy
Rhinoscopy involves using a small camera inserted into the nasal passages while the cat is under anesthesia. This allows the veterinarian to directly visualize the inside of the nose, looking for tumors, fungal plaques, foreign bodies, or other abnormalities.
Biopsy
During rhinoscopy, biopsies of the nasal cavity lining can be taken. These tissue samples are then examined microscopically to identify inflammation, fungal infections, or cancerous cells.
Nasal Lavage (Flush)
Nasal lavage, or flushing the nasal passages with sterile saline while the cat is under anesthesia, can be both diagnostic and therapeutic. It can help dislodge foreign material, remove mucus and debris, and collect samples for laboratory analysis.
How to Treat a Sneezing Cat
Treatment for cat sneezing is always directed at addressing the underlying cause. While a wide range of treatments is available, it’s important to understand that in many cases, especially chronic sneezing, the goal is to manage symptoms and improve the cat’s quality of life rather than completely cure the condition.
Antibiotics
Although bacterial infections are often secondary, antibiotics are frequently used to treat sneezing cats, especially when bacterial involvement is suspected based on symptoms like colored nasal discharge. Antibiotics can effectively reduce bacterial load and alleviate symptoms.
Nasal Lavage
Nasal lavage performed under anesthesia can provide temporary relief from sneezing, regardless of the underlying cause. It helps clear the nasal passages of irritants and secretions and can be repeated as needed.
Other Supportive Treatments
Depending on the diagnosis and the cat’s individual needs, other treatments may include:
- Humidifiers or nebulizers: To help moisturize the nasal passages and loosen congestion.
- L-Lysine: An amino acid supplement sometimes used to manage feline herpesvirus symptoms.
- Steroids (corticosteroids): To reduce inflammation in cases of rhinitis or other inflammatory conditions.
- Antihistamines: To help with allergic rhinitis, though less commonly used in cats than in humans.
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): To reduce pain and inflammation.
- Decongestants: To help relieve nasal congestion, but use with caution and only under veterinary guidance.
- Anti-nausea medications: If nausea is a secondary symptom, particularly with certain medications.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove nasal tumors or persistent foreign bodies.
It’s crucial to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan for your sneezing cat. Early intervention and proper management can significantly improve your cat’s comfort and respiratory health.
References
VEIR J, LAPPIN M, DOW S. Evaluation of a novel immunotherapy for treatment of chronic rhinitis in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery. 2006
WRITTEN BY
Matthew Everett Miller, DVM
Veterinarian
