A cat sneezing a few times here and there is generally normal. However, if your cat sneezes frequently, or if sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms, it could indicate an underlying health issue.
Sneezing is a reflex, a sudden, involuntary expulsion of air from the nose and mouth. It’s your cat’s way of clearing irritants from their nasal passages. Just like humans, cats can sneeze due to dust, pollen, or other airborne particles. But how often is too often? When should you start to worry about your feline friend’s sneezing habit? This guide will delve into the normal frequency of cat sneezing, explore common cat sneezing causes, and help you identify when a trip to the veterinarian is necessary.
Deciphering Normal Cat Sneezing Frequency
It’s quite normal for a cat to sneeze once or twice a day, or even less frequently. These isolated sneezes are usually harmless and a sign that their nasal passages are doing their job. Think of it like a quick “excuse me” from their nose to clear something out. If your cat sneezes a couple of times, shakes their head, and then goes back to playing or grooming, there’s typically no cause for alarm.
Cat sneezing frequency can be influenced by environmental factors. For instance, if you’ve recently cleaned the house with strong-smelling cleaners, lit a scented candle, or if there’s construction dust in the air, your cat might sneeze a bit more than usual. These are temporary irritations, and the sneezing should subside once the irritant is gone.
However, if the sneezing becomes persistent, forceful, or starts to be accompanied by other symptoms, it’s time to pay closer attention.
Common Cat Sneezing Causes
Several factors can lead to your cat sneezing. Some are minor and easily resolved, while others require veterinary attention. Let’s explore the most frequent culprits behind cat sneezing causes:
1. Environmental Irritants
This is perhaps the most common reason for a cat to sneeze. Everyday substances can irritate their sensitive nasal passages:
- Dust: Fine dust particles from the environment, litter boxes, or even old carpets can trigger sneezes.
- Perfumes and Aerosols: Strong scents from air fresheners, cleaning products, hairspray, or perfumes can be highly irritating.
- Smoke: Cigarette smoke, wood smoke, or smoke from cooking can significantly bother a cat’s nose.
- Pollen and Mold: Seasonal allergies can affect cats just as they do humans, leading to sneezing. Mold spores in damp areas can also be irritants.
- Litter Dust: Some clumping litters create more dust than others, which can be inhaled by cats during litter box use.
2. Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)
Upper respiratory infection cats are a very common ailment, particularly in kittens and cats living in multi-cat households. URIs are essentially the “common cold” of the cat world. The most frequent causes of URIs are viruses like Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV). Bacteria like Chlamydia and Bordetella can also play a role, often as secondary infections.
Feline rhinitis symptoms often go beyond just sneezing. If your cat has a URI, you might observe:
- Sneezing: Often frequent and sometimes forceful.
- Nasal Discharge: This can be clear and watery initially, but may turn thicker, yellow, or green if a bacterial infection develops.
- Eye Discharge: Similar to nasal discharge, the eyes might be watery, goopy, or crusted.
- Conjunctivitis: Redness and swelling of the tissues around the eyes.
- Lethargy: Your cat might seem tired or less active than usual.
- Loss of Appetite: A stuffy nose can impair a cat’s sense of smell, which is crucial for appetite. They may not want to eat if they can’t smell their food.
- Coughing: Sometimes URIs can affect the lower respiratory tract.
- Fever: A general sign of infection.
- Mouth Ulcers: More common with Feline Calicivirus.
Kittens sneezing excessively is a common sign of URIs, as their immune systems are still developing. They are more susceptible to these infections, especially if exposed to other cats.
3. Allergies
Just like people, cats can develop allergies to various substances. The triggers are similar to environmental irritants but are a true immune system response.
Cat allergies symptoms can include:
- Sneezing: Often accompanied by other signs.
- Itchy Skin: This is a very common sign of allergies in cats, leading to excessive scratching, licking, or chewing of their fur.
- Hair Loss: From overgrooming due to itching.
- Redness or Rashes: On the skin, particularly around the face, ears, or belly.
- Runny Eyes: Similar to nasal discharge.
- Wheezing or Difficulty Breathing: In more severe cases.
Common allergens for cats include:
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Mold spores
- Certain foods (food allergies are less common but can cause skin issues and sometimes respiratory signs).
- Flea bites (flea allergy dermatitis is a common skin allergy, though not directly respiratory).
4. Foreign Objects in the Nasal Passages
Sometimes, a cat might inhale something small that gets lodged in their nose. This could be a blade of grass, a seed, a piece of kibble, or even a tiny insect.
When a foreign object is present, you’ll likely see sudden, violent sneezing, often accompanied by:
- Paw-wiping at the nose: Your cat will try to dislodge the object.
- Nasal Discharge: It might be bloody or one-sided.
- Drooling: Especially if the object irritates the throat or mouth.
- Gagging or Choking: If the object moves towards the throat.
5. Dental Problems
Believe it or not, dental issues can also cause sneezing. An abscess or infection in the upper teeth, particularly the roots of the canine or premolar teeth, can extend into the nasal cavity.
Symptoms of dental-related sneezing might include:
- Bad Breath (Halitosis): A persistent foul odor.
- Drooling: Sometimes with blood.
- Difficulty Eating: Dropping food, chewing on one side.
- Swelling on the Face: Near the affected tooth.
- Nasal Discharge: Often from one nostril, and it can be foul-smelling or bloody.
6. Nasal Mites
These tiny parasites live in the nasal passages and sinuses of cats. While not as common as other causes, they can lead to significant irritation.
Symptoms of nasal mites include:
- Persistent Sneezing: Often with head shaking.
- Itching: Cats might scratch their nose or face.
- Nasal Discharge: Can be clear or mucoid.
- Noisy Breathing: Sometimes.
7. Nasal Polyps or Tumors
Less common but more serious, nasal polyps (benign growths) or tumors (benign or malignant) can cause chronic sneezing. These growths can block airways, cause irritation, or lead to secondary infections.
Symptoms can be gradual and worsening:
- Chronic Sneezing: Often with little improvement.
- Nasal Discharge: May be bloody or purulent.
- Facial Deformity: In more advanced cases of tumors.
- Difficulty Breathing: Nasal congestion.
- Lethargy and Loss of Appetite: As the condition progresses.
When to Worry About Cat Sneezing
So, when does a few sneezes become a cause for concern? It’s crucial to monitor your cat for additional signs that indicate their sneezing is more than just a fleeting irritation.
Here are key indicators signaling that you should consult your veterinarian:
1. Persistent or Frequent Sneezing
If your cat sneezes more than just a few times a day, or if the sneezing continues for more than a day or two without improvement, it’s time to investigate. When to worry about cat sneezing often comes down to its duration and intensity.
2. Sneezing Accompanied by Discharge
Cat sneezing and discharge is a significant warning sign.
- Clear Discharge: While normal sneezes might have a tiny bit of moisture, a consistent flow of clear nasal discharge, especially if it’s profuse, can indicate irritation or the early stages of an infection.
- Thick, Yellow, or Green Discharge: This strongly suggests a bacterial infection, often a secondary infection following a viral URI.
- Bloody Discharge: This is a serious symptom and can be caused by a foreign object, severe inflammation, nasal mites, dental issues, or tumors.
3. Other Respiratory Symptoms
If sneezing is coupled with any of the following, it warrants immediate veterinary attention:
- Coughing
- Wheezing or Difficulty Breathing: Audible “noisy” breathing or rapid, shallow breaths.
- Lethargy or Weakness: Your cat is unusually tired, hiding, or not engaging in normal activities.
- Loss of Appetite or Weight Loss: A cat not eating is a serious concern.
- Fever: Your cat feels unusually warm to the touch.
4. Eye Symptoms
If you notice cat sneezing and discharge from the eyes, or conjunctivitis (red, swollen, or goopy eyes), it often points towards a URI or allergies.
5. Pawing at the Nose or Face
As mentioned, if your cat is obsessively pawing at their nose or face, it suggests they are trying to dislodge something or are experiencing significant discomfort from an irritant or underlying issue.
6. Sneezing in Kittens
Kittens sneezing excessively needs prompt attention. Their developing immune systems make them highly vulnerable to serious infections like URIs. Early intervention is critical for kittens to prevent severe illness and long-term complications.
7. Behavioral Changes
Any significant change in your cat’s normal behavior, such as hiding more, reduced grooming, or a lack of interest in play, when combined with sneezing, should be a cause for concern.
Fathoming Feline Rhinitis and Related Conditions
Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), caused by Feline Herpesvirus, is one of the most common causes of upper respiratory infection cats. This virus often lies dormant in the cat’s system and can be reactivated by stress, leading to recurring symptoms.
Feline rhinitis symptoms can vary in severity:
- Mild: Occasional sneezing, clear nasal discharge.
- Moderate: Frequent sneezing, thicker nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, mild lethargy.
- Severe: Persistent sneezing, copious nasal discharge (clear, yellow, or green), severe conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, pneumonia, significant lethargy, anorexia.
Treatment for feline rhinitis often involves supportive care, such as keeping the nasal passages clear with a warm, damp cloth, encouraging eating with warmed, aromatic food, and administering prescribed medications if bacterial infections are present or if the cat is severely ill. Antiviral medications may be used in some cases, and lysine supplements are often recommended to help manage herpesvirus infections.
When to See a Veterinarian
If you observe any of the “when to worry” signs mentioned above, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. They can perform a thorough physical examination, discuss your cat’s history, and recommend diagnostic tests.
Diagnostic tests may include:
- Physical Examination: Checking for discharge, fever, eye changes, and listening to the lungs.
- Nasal Swabs: For testing viral or bacterial causes.
- Bloodwork: To check for signs of infection or inflammation.
- X-rays: To assess the nasal passages and lungs.
- Cultures: To identify specific bacteria and determine antibiotic sensitivity.
- Allergy Testing: Less common for respiratory symptoms, but may be considered.
- Dental Examination: Especially if dental disease is suspected.
- Rhinoscopy: A procedure using a small camera to visualize the nasal passages, often performed under anesthesia, to identify foreign objects, polyps, or tumors.
Cat Sneezing Treatment
The cat sneezing treatment will depend entirely on the underlying cause:
- Environmental Irritants: Remove the irritant from the environment. Switch to a low-dust cat litter. Avoid using strong air fresheners or cleaning products near your cat. Ensure good ventilation.
- Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs):
- Viral URIs: Treatment is primarily supportive. Keeping the cat hydrated, clean, and well-fed is crucial. Humidifiers or steam therapy (a cat in a steamy bathroom for 15-20 minutes) can help loosen congestion.
- Bacterial URIs: Antibiotics will be prescribed by your vet to combat secondary bacterial infections.
- Antivirals: May be used in severe cases or for specific viruses.
- Lysine Supplements: Often recommended to help reduce the severity and frequency of Feline Herpesvirus outbreaks.
- Allergies:
- Allergen Avoidance: If a specific allergen can be identified (e.g., a type of food).
- Antihistamines: Sometimes prescribed by a vet.
- Corticosteroids: For severe inflammation, prescribed by a vet.
- Immunotherapy: Similar to allergy shots, can be considered in severe cases.
- Foreign Objects: Will likely require removal by a veterinarian, often under sedation or anesthesia.
- Dental Problems: Treatment involves dental cleaning, extractions, or antibiotics as needed.
- Nasal Mites: Prescription medications, often parasiticides applied topically or orally.
- Nasal Polyps/Tumors: Surgical removal may be an option for polyps. Tumors may be treated with radiation or chemotherapy, depending on the type and location, or managed with supportive care.
Looking at Cat Allergies Symptoms
It’s important to differentiate between a simple sneeze and the broader cat allergies symptoms. While sneezing can be an allergy symptom, it’s often accompanied by more generalized itching, skin irritation, and changes in coat quality.
Cat allergies symptoms can manifest as:
- Skin Issues: Redness, rashes, bumps, or flaky skin, especially on the head, ears, and neck.
- Overgrooming: Your cat might lick or chew at their fur excessively, leading to bald patches.
- Ear Infections: Itchy ears can lead to secondary yeast or bacterial infections.
- Gastrointestinal Upset: Food allergies can sometimes present with vomiting or diarrhea, though this is less common with respiratory signs.
If you suspect your cat has allergies, your vet can help identify the cause and recommend a management plan, which might involve dietary changes, environmental modifications, or medication.
The Role of Kittens Sneezing Excessively
Kittens sneezing excessively is a red flag. Their immune systems are still developing, making them highly susceptible to common feline pathogens. Exposure to these pathogens, especially in environments with multiple cats (like shelters or breeding facilities), can lead to widespread URI outbreaks.
It’s crucial to get kittens checked by a veterinarian regularly. Early detection and treatment of URIs in kittens can prevent the infection from becoming severe and causing long-term health problems, such as chronic conjunctivitis or a permanently weakened respiratory system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can my cat have a cold like humans?
A: Cats don’t get the human common cold. However, they do get upper respiratory infections caused by different viruses and bacteria that present with similar symptoms, including sneezing.
Q2: My cat sneezes after drinking water. Is this normal?
A: Some cats may sneeze immediately after drinking if a little water gets into their nasal passages. If it’s infrequent and doesn’t cause any distress, it’s usually not a concern. However, if it happens every time or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s worth mentioning to your vet.
Q3: Can I give my cat human allergy medication?
A: Never give your cat human medications without explicit instructions from your veterinarian. Many human medications are toxic to cats, even in small doses. Your vet can prescribe safe and effective allergy treatments for your cat.
Q4: My cat sneezes a lot, but seems otherwise healthy. What should I do?
A: If your cat is sneezing frequently but shows no other symptoms, start by evaluating their environment for potential irritants. If the sneezing persists for more than a few days, or if you are concerned, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying issues.
Q5: What is a common treatment for cat sneezing and discharge?
A: For cat sneezing and discharge caused by infections, cat sneezing treatment often involves antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections, supportive care to keep nasal passages clear, and sometimes antiviral medications. For allergies, treatment focuses on allergen avoidance or medications like antihistamines or steroids.
Conclusion
Occasional sneezing in cats is a normal bodily function. However, paying attention to the frequency, duration, and accompanying symptoms is key to recognizing when a cat’s sneezing warrants veterinary attention. By being a vigilant observer of your cat’s health and knowing the common cat sneezing causes, you can ensure that any health issues are addressed promptly, keeping your feline companion happy and healthy. If you are ever in doubt about your cat’s sneezing, consulting your veterinarian is always the best course of action.