There can be a variety of reasons why your cat is sneezing, and it's important to determine the cause in order to provide proper treatment. Sneezing is often an indication that your cat is fighting off an infection, but it can also be a sign of allergies, a respiratory infection, or even cancer.
Allergies:
This is the most common reason for excessive sneezing in cats. Pollen, dust, and other allergens can cause a reaction in the nasal passages, leading to a constant barrage of sneezes. If your cat is sneezing frequently, it's worth having them checked for allergies to see if this is a possibility.
- Dander
Your cat may be allergic to her own dander – the dead skin cells she sheds. When these cells mix with saliva and are breathed in, they can trigger an allergic response, making your cat's nose run and her eyes water.
- Dust
Dust mites are tiny, microscopic creatures that thrive in humid, warm environments. They love to eat pet dander, so if you have a dust-covered house, your cat is more likely to sneeze because of the insects on your carpet.
- Nail polish
Yes, it's true: Some cats sneeze after getting their claws painted with nail polish. This is not because they're allergic to the polish but rather…
- Perfume
Similarly, your cat may feel an urge to sneeze when wearing perfume or cologne — especially if you've been wearing it around her for a while. This is because cats have an extremely keen sense of smell and can be overwhelmed by strong fragrances.
- Smoke
Secondhand smoke is another common allergen for cats, and it can cause them to sneeze and wheeze even if they're not constantly exposed to it.
- Pollen
Seasonal allergies are also common in cats, leading them to sneeze as their bodies feel the effects of too much pollen.
- Cleaning chemicals
Cats can be sensitive to harsh cleaning products like bleach and detergents, which means they might sneeze or tear up if you're planning to clean your house.
Viral infections:
A common viral infection that causes an upper respiratory tract infection will give your cat frequent sneezing spells as well as other symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, and lethargy. In kittens, feline distemper also manifests itself with sneezing.
Feline acne:
This is a condition that is caused by inflammation and excess mucus in the skin of the chin. It looks like small black spots which can be picked at, resulting in bleeding and more acne to form around this area. The result is a horrible cycle! Your cat will repeatedly pick or rub at its face to try to relieve the itchiness and discomfort, which will only aggravate the condition.
Bacterial infections:
A bacterial infection of the nasal passages or sinuses can lead to chronic sneezing in cats. If your cat has a fever or any other accompanying symptoms such as discharge from the nose or eyes, make an appointment with your veterinarian to get them checked out.
Upper respiratory tract parasites:
These are tiny creatures that live in the nasal passages and throat of cats and can cause a lot of irritation, leading to sneezing. One common type is the feline calicivirus which can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed.
Nasal mites:
If your cat frequently sneezes and their nose appears crusty, they may have nasal mites. These parasites live in the mucus of the upper respiratory tract and can cause a lot of discomfort for their host. The good news is that they are uncommon and can be eliminated with medication prescribed by your veterinarian.
Cysts:
Cats can get nasal and sinus cysts which can lead to chronic sneezing spells. These are fluid-filled pockets that form in the upper respiratory tract and while they don't cause any other symptoms if they persist your cat may need surgery to remove them.
Foreign bodies:
Cats like to investigate things such as grasses and shrubs, so they can easily inhale a small object which may become lodged in the nose or airways. If your cat is sneezing frequently this possibility should be considered.
Other disorders:
There are a few other rare illnesses that can cause cats to have frequent sneezing attacks such as a brain tumor, a fungal infection or feline leukemia. While these are less common, if your cat is exhibiting other strange symptoms it's worth having them checked out by a veterinarian.
Stress :
Cats can get stressed out from changes in their environment, like a new pet or person in the house, loud noises, or moving to a new home. When they're feeling tense, they might express it with a sneeze.
Many causes could be the reason why your cat is sneezing. It can be due to allergies, infection, or injury in which you need to determine the main cause. If it's due to an allergy, at-home treatment should do for your feline friend before trying anything else.
This is what you should do:
- Wash all bedding and other fabrics in the house.
- Maintain a clean environment by vacuuming, dusting, and steam cleaning all upholstery and rugs.
- Discontinue using fabric softeners because this can aggravate your cat's allergies.
- Bathe your kitty with an oatmeal shampoo to remove allergens that may be causing the sneezing.
- Feed your cat a hypoallergenic diet or give them antihistamine medications if the sneezing persists despite at-home treatment.
If the cause is an infection, injury, or other medical problem, take your cat to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. Veterinarians may prescribe antibiotics, pain relief medications, and other treatments as needed.
