Why Is My Cat Sneezing So Much? Causes, Treatment, and Prevention Guide
Why Is My Cat Sneezing So Much? Causes, Treatment, and Prevention Guide
All animals with noses sneeze. An occasional sneeze is a healthy reflex designed to clear any irritating particles from a cat's nose. However, persistent sneezing in cats is not normal and can be a sign of an underlying health issue. This article will explain common reasons why cats sneeze and how to respond when your cat starts sneezing.
What Is a Sneeze?
Sneezing is a reflex triggered by irritation of the lining of the nasal passages. This reflex begins with a slow intake of air into the lungs followed by a sudden, forceful expulsion of air out through the nose. Anything small and loose within the nasal passages has the potential to be rapidly expelled into the surrounding environment.
Causes of Cat Sneezing
Anything that irritates the lining of a cat's nose can cause sneezing. Here are some of the most common reasons for persistent sneezing in cats:
1. Viral Infections:
Feline Herpesvirus (FHV) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV): These are the most common upper respiratory infections (URIs) (commonly called “cat flu”) in cats and one of the most common reasons for sneezing. If caused by a virus, sneezing is often accompanied by other signs of viral infection, such as loss of appetite and eye discharge due to conjunctivitis.
Other Viruses: Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) can also cause sneezing.
2. Bacterial Infections:
Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma, or Chlamydia: These bacteria sometimes cause sneezing in cats.
3. Fungal Infections:
Fungal Infections: Fungal infections are occasionally seen in some parts of the world.
4. Parasitic Infections:
Parasitic Infections: Parasitic infections rarely cause nasal discomfort in cats.
5. Allergies and Irritants:
Airborne Irritants: Some air freshener sprays and other airborne irritants can sometimes trigger sneezing in cats.
Allergens: Cats can also be allergic to airborne particles such as pollen, dust, cigarette smoke, and more.
6. Foreign Objects:
Foreign Bodies: Blades of grass or any small object inhaled or swallowed and then regurgitated can trigger sneezing.
7. Other Reasons:
Nasopharyngeal polyps: These are inflammatory wart-like growths that can grow from the lining of the nasal passages and cause localized irritation.
Nasal tumors: These are an uncommon cause but are more common in adult cats, especially older cats.
Abscesses on the roots of upper teeth: An abscess can impinge on the nasal passages and cause irritation, sneezing, and other signs such as drooling or oral pain.
Congenital abnormalities: Such as cleft palate are rare causes of sneezing in kittens and young cats.
Idiopathic Lymphocytic-Plasmacytic Rhinitis: This is an inflammation within the lining of the nose that is of unknown cause but is related to the cat’s immune system.
Why Is My Cat Sneezing? How To Determine the Cause?
As mentioned, there is a long list of reasons that can cause a cat to sneeze. To determine the specific cause for a particular cat may require a series of investigations. Here are some diagnostic steps:
1. History:
Ask the Owner Questions: The veterinarian will ask about the cat's health history including:
How often does your cat sneeze?
How long has your cat been sneezing?
Are there any other symptoms along with the sneezing, such as wheezing, coughing, or any of the other symptoms listed above?
Does your cat have any other health problems?
How old is your cat?
Have there been any changes in your cat's environment?
Does your cat spend much time outdoors?
Is your cat vaccinated against FHV and FCV?
Has your cat had a recent veterinary check-up, including dental check-up?
Are there any signs of dental disease such as bad breath, drooling, or pain in the mouth?
Do you deworm your cat regularly?
Has your cat been in contact with other cats?
Does your cat have any other unhealthy signs?
Does your cat have any signs of nasal discharge? If so, is the discharge bloody or clear?
2. Physical Examination:
Detailed Physical Examination: The veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination including taking the cat’s temperature, listening to its chest with a stethoscope, and examining its head, mouth, and nose.
3. Diagnostic Imaging:
X-rays: X-rays can be taken of the skull and nasal passages, which can help diagnose problems such as nasal tumors or dental abscesses.
CT or MRI Scans: If further detail is needed, advanced imaging such as CT or MRI scans can be performed.
4. Blood Samples:
Blood Work: Routine biochemistry and hematology can be performed to collect baseline data regarding your cat’s general health.
5. Rhinoscopy:
Rigid or Flexible Endoscope: This can be used to look directly at the lining of the cat’s nasal passages.
6. Biopsy:
Discharge Samples and Tissue Biopsy: Discharge samples can be collected and tissue biopsies can be taken from the lining of the nose and sent for laboratory analysis. Swabs can also be taken for bacterial or viral culture.
Treatment of Cat Sneezing
The type of treatment needed will depend entirely on the cause of the sneezing, which is why an accurate diagnosis is so important. Possible treatments include:
Foreign Objects: Foreign objects can be removed from the nasal passages with forceps or other instruments.
Nasopharyngeal Polyps: Nasopharyngeal polyps can be surgically removed.
Bacterial Infections: Antibiotics can be used to treat primary or secondary bacterial infections.
Fungal Infections: Antifungal medications can be used to treat specific fungal infections.
Parasitic Infections: Antiparasitic medications can be used to treat specific parasitic infections.
Inflammatory Conditions: Anti-inflammatory medications can be used to treat certain inflammatory conditions such as Idiopathic Lymphocytic-Plasmacytic Rhinitis.
Nasal Tumors: Nasal tumors can be treated with surgery or chemotherapy.
Prevention of Cat Sneezing
While it is not possible to completely prevent sneezing in cats, the following measures can help reduce the incidence of sneezing:
Keep Your Cat's Environment Clean: Clean the litter box regularly and use a HEPA air purifier.
Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using cleaning products and perfumes that may irritate your cat’s nasal passages.
Vaccinate Regularly: Vaccinating your cat against FHV and FCV can help prevent viral infections.
Deworm Regularly: Deworming your cat regularly can help prevent parasitic infections.
Feed a Healthy Diet: A healthy diet can boost your cat’s immune system.
Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups to help detect any potential health problems early on.
FAQs
Why is my cat sneezing so much suddenly? There are many possible reasons. If there is no obvious reason after carefully reviewing your cat’s history, you should take your cat to the veterinarian for a check-up.
When should I be concerned about my cat’s sneezing? If your cat is sneezing more often than you, you should discuss this in more detail with your local veterinarian. Sneezing can lead to serious consequences if left untreated.
Is cat sneezing serious? Occasional sneezing is normal, but if it begins to be frequent, either a single sneeze more often or a series of sneezes, then it may be a serious cause and you should take your cat to your veterinarian for investigation.
How can I stop my cat from sneezing? You should make sure that your cat lives in a dust and irritant-free environment. You should ensure that your cat is well-maintained with good pet care, including vaccination and parasite treatments. Take your cat for a check-up if it begins to sneeze excessively.
Conclusion
If your cat starts sneezing more than usual, it is best to take them to your local veterinary practice for a thorough investigation to determine the cause, so you can determine the exact cause of the sneezing early on and avoid delaying treatment.
All animals with noses sneeze. An occasional sneeze is a healthy reflex designed to clear any irritating particles from a cat's nose. However, persistent sneezing in cats is not normal and can be a sign of an underlying health issue. This article will explain common reasons why cats sneeze and how to respond when your cat starts sneezing.
What Is a Sneeze?
Sneezing is a reflex triggered by irritation of the lining of the nasal passages. This reflex begins with a slow intake of air into the lungs followed by a sudden, forceful expulsion of air out through the nose. Anything small and loose within the nasal passages has the potential to be rapidly expelled into the surrounding environment.
Causes of Cat Sneezing
Anything that irritates the lining of a cat's nose can cause sneezing. Here are some of the most common reasons for persistent sneezing in cats:
1. Viral Infections:
Feline Herpesvirus (FHV) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV): These are the most common upper respiratory infections (URIs) (commonly called “cat flu”) in cats and one of the most common reasons for sneezing. If caused by a virus, sneezing is often accompanied by other signs of viral infection, such as loss of appetite and eye discharge due to conjunctivitis.
Other Viruses: Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) can also cause sneezing.
2. Bacterial Infections:
Bordetella bronchiseptica, Mycoplasma, or Chlamydia: These bacteria sometimes cause sneezing in cats.
3. Fungal Infections:
Fungal Infections: Fungal infections are occasionally seen in some parts of the world.
4. Parasitic Infections:
Parasitic Infections: Parasitic infections rarely cause nasal discomfort in cats.
5. Allergies and Irritants:
Airborne Irritants: Some air freshener sprays and other airborne irritants can sometimes trigger sneezing in cats.
Allergens: Cats can also be allergic to airborne particles such as pollen, dust, cigarette smoke, and more.
6. Foreign Objects:
Foreign Bodies: Blades of grass or any small object inhaled or swallowed and then regurgitated can trigger sneezing.
7. Other Reasons:
Nasopharyngeal polyps: These are inflammatory wart-like growths that can grow from the lining of the nasal passages and cause localized irritation.
Nasal tumors: These are an uncommon cause but are more common in adult cats, especially older cats.
Abscesses on the roots of upper teeth: An abscess can impinge on the nasal passages and cause irritation, sneezing, and other signs such as drooling or oral pain.
Congenital abnormalities: Such as cleft palate are rare causes of sneezing in kittens and young cats.
Idiopathic Lymphocytic-Plasmacytic Rhinitis: This is an inflammation within the lining of the nose that is of unknown cause but is related to the cat’s immune system.
Why Is My Cat Sneezing? How To Determine the Cause?
As mentioned, there is a long list of reasons that can cause a cat to sneeze. To determine the specific cause for a particular cat may require a series of investigations. Here are some diagnostic steps:
1. History:
Ask the Owner Questions: The veterinarian will ask about the cat's health history including:
How often does your cat sneeze?
How long has your cat been sneezing?
Are there any other symptoms along with the sneezing, such as wheezing, coughing, or any of the other symptoms listed above?
Does your cat have any other health problems?
How old is your cat?
Have there been any changes in your cat's environment?
Does your cat spend much time outdoors?
Is your cat vaccinated against FHV and FCV?
Has your cat had a recent veterinary check-up, including dental check-up?
Are there any signs of dental disease such as bad breath, drooling, or pain in the mouth?
Do you deworm your cat regularly?
Has your cat been in contact with other cats?
Does your cat have any other unhealthy signs?
Does your cat have any signs of nasal discharge? If so, is the discharge bloody or clear?
2. Physical Examination:
Detailed Physical Examination: The veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination including taking the cat’s temperature, listening to its chest with a stethoscope, and examining its head, mouth, and nose.
3. Diagnostic Imaging:
X-rays: X-rays can be taken of the skull and nasal passages, which can help diagnose problems such as nasal tumors or dental abscesses.
CT or MRI Scans: If further detail is needed, advanced imaging such as CT or MRI scans can be performed.
4. Blood Samples:
Blood Work: Routine biochemistry and hematology can be performed to collect baseline data regarding your cat’s general health.
5. Rhinoscopy:
Rigid or Flexible Endoscope: This can be used to look directly at the lining of the cat’s nasal passages.
6. Biopsy:
Discharge Samples and Tissue Biopsy: Discharge samples can be collected and tissue biopsies can be taken from the lining of the nose and sent for laboratory analysis. Swabs can also be taken for bacterial or viral culture.
Treatment of Cat Sneezing
The type of treatment needed will depend entirely on the cause of the sneezing, which is why an accurate diagnosis is so important. Possible treatments include:
Foreign Objects: Foreign objects can be removed from the nasal passages with forceps or other instruments.
Nasopharyngeal Polyps: Nasopharyngeal polyps can be surgically removed.
Bacterial Infections: Antibiotics can be used to treat primary or secondary bacterial infections.
Fungal Infections: Antifungal medications can be used to treat specific fungal infections.
Parasitic Infections: Antiparasitic medications can be used to treat specific parasitic infections.
Inflammatory Conditions: Anti-inflammatory medications can be used to treat certain inflammatory conditions such as Idiopathic Lymphocytic-Plasmacytic Rhinitis.
Nasal Tumors: Nasal tumors can be treated with surgery or chemotherapy.
Prevention of Cat Sneezing
While it is not possible to completely prevent sneezing in cats, the following measures can help reduce the incidence of sneezing:
Keep Your Cat's Environment Clean: Clean the litter box regularly and use a HEPA air purifier.
Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using cleaning products and perfumes that may irritate your cat’s nasal passages.
Vaccinate Regularly: Vaccinating your cat against FHV and FCV can help prevent viral infections.
Deworm Regularly: Deworming your cat regularly can help prevent parasitic infections.
Feed a Healthy Diet: A healthy diet can boost your cat’s immune system.
Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Take your cat to the veterinarian for regular check-ups to help detect any potential health problems early on.
FAQs
Why is my cat sneezing so much suddenly? There are many possible reasons. If there is no obvious reason after carefully reviewing your cat’s history, you should take your cat to the veterinarian for a check-up.
When should I be concerned about my cat’s sneezing? If your cat is sneezing more often than you, you should discuss this in more detail with your local veterinarian. Sneezing can lead to serious consequences if left untreated.
Is cat sneezing serious? Occasional sneezing is normal, but if it begins to be frequent, either a single sneeze more often or a series of sneezes, then it may be a serious cause and you should take your cat to your veterinarian for investigation.
How can I stop my cat from sneezing? You should make sure that your cat lives in a dust and irritant-free environment. You should ensure that your cat is well-maintained with good pet care, including vaccination and parasite treatments. Take your cat for a check-up if it begins to sneeze excessively.
Conclusion
If your cat starts sneezing more than usual, it is best to take them to your local veterinary practice for a thorough investigation to determine the cause, so you can determine the exact cause of the sneezing early on and avoid delaying treatment.
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