Why Is My Cat Sneezing And Eyes Watering? Vet Tips

Is your feline friend sneezing and their eyes watering? You’re not alone. Many cat owners wonder why their furry companions are experiencing these symptoms. This article will explore the common reasons behind cat sneezing and watery eyes, what to watch out for, and when it’s time to consult your veterinarian. We’ll also delve into conditions like cat rhinitis, feline conjunctivitis, and cat upper respiratory infections.

Deciphering Cat Sneezing Causes

Sneezing in cats is a reflex, a way for their body to expel irritants from their nasal passages. Think of it as your cat’s nose saying, “Something’s in here that shouldn’t be!” While a sneeze here and there might not be a cause for alarm, persistent or severe sneezing, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, warrants closer attention.

Common Irritants Triggering Sneezing

Your cat’s sensitive noses can react to a variety of things in their environment. These are often minor irritants that cause a brief sneezing fit, followed by a return to normal.

Dust and Debris: Fine particles of dust, dirt, or even pollen from open windows can get lodged in your cat’s nasal passages.
Strong Scents: Perfumes, air fresheners, cleaning products, and even certain lit candles can be overwhelming for a cat’s olfactory senses.
Smoke: Cigarette smoke, fireplace smoke, or smoke from cooking can irritate their airways.
Household Chemicals: Sprays, aerosols, and certain cleaning agents can cause a sneeze.
Litter Dust: Some cat litters produce more dust than others, which can be inhaled by your cat during litter box use.

When Sneezing Signals Something More

While environmental irritants are common culprits, if your cat is sneezing frequently, you need to consider other possibilities.

Fathoming Feline Eye Watering

Watery eyes, also known as epiphora, occur when a cat produces more tears than their tear ducts can drain. This can lead to tears spilling over the eyelids, making the fur around the eyes wet. Like sneezing, mild eye watering can be due to irritants, but it can also be a sign of a more significant issue.

Environmental Factors Affecting Eyes

Just as dust and strong scents can trigger sneezing, they can also irritate a cat’s eyes.

Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, and mold can cause allergic reactions in cats, leading to watery eyes.
Irritants: Smoke and chemical fumes are also irritants to the delicate tissues of the eye.
Foreign Objects: A tiny speck of dust, a stray hair, or even a small piece of debris can get into the eye, causing irritation and increased tear production.

Deeper Causes of Cat Watery Eyes

Persistent eye watering often points to underlying health concerns.

The Link Between Sneezing and Watering Eyes

Often, sneezing and watery eyes go hand-in-hand. This is because the same underlying conditions can affect both the nasal passages and the eyes, as they are connected via the nasolacrimal duct system.

Interpreting Cat Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

A cat upper respiratory infection is one of the most common reasons for a cat to experience both sneezing and watery eyes. URIs are essentially like the “common cold” for cats. They are highly contagious and can be caused by various viruses and bacteria.

Key Players in Cat URIs

Several pathogens are frequently involved in feline URIs:

Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1): This is a very common cause of URIs in cats. Once infected, cats can carry the virus for life, and it can reactivate during times of stress, leading to a recurrence of symptoms.
Feline Calicivirus (FCV): Another prevalent virus, FCV can cause a range of symptoms, from mild oral ulcers to severe pneumonia.
Chlamydophila felis: This bacterium is a common cause of feline conjunctivitis, often leading to significant eye discharge.
Bordetella bronchiseptica: While less common, this bacterium can also contribute to respiratory symptoms.

Recognizing Cat Cold Symptoms

A cat experiencing a URI will often exhibit several telltale signs. These cat cold symptoms can vary in severity.

Sneezing: This is a hallmark symptom of a URI. You might hear multiple sneezes in quick succession.
Watery Eyes: Cat watery eyes are very common, with clear or slightly colored discharge.
Nasal Discharge: This can start as clear and watery, but may become thicker and colored (yellow or green) if a secondary bacterial infection develops. This contributes to cat nasal congestion.
Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane lining the eyelids and eyeball) can cause redness, swelling, and discharge. This is often referred to as feline conjunctivitis.
Lethargy: The cat may seem tired, less playful, and more inclined to sleep.
Loss of Appetite: When a cat feels unwell, their appetite often decreases. This can be exacerbated by a blocked nose, as smell plays a significant role in their desire to eat.
Coughing: Some URIs can also cause a cough.
Fever: Your cat might feel warmer than usual.
Drooling or Mouth Sores: Some viruses, like FCV, can cause painful sores in the mouth, leading to drooling.

Feline Rhinitis: A Specific Focus

When the nasal passages are primarily inflamed, we often talk about cat rhinitis. This is a common component of many URIs. Inflammation of the nasal lining leads to sneezing, cat nasal congestion, and discharge.

Exploring Cat Allergies

Just like humans, cats can suffer from allergies. These allergic reactions can manifest in various ways, including respiratory and ocular symptoms. Cat allergies can be triggered by environmental factors, food, or even fleas.

Environmental Allergens

These are the most common type of allergy in cats.

Pollen: Seasonal allergies to pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds can cause sneezing and watery eyes.
Dust Mites: Tiny creatures found in household dust can be a significant allergen for some cats.
Mold Spores: Damp environments can harbor mold, which can trigger allergic reactions.
Certain Fabrics or Materials: Less commonly, cats can be sensitive to materials in their bedding or surroundings.

Food Allergies in Cats

While less common than environmental allergies, some cats can develop sensitivities to ingredients in their food. This can sometimes present with respiratory or ocular signs, though skin issues are more typical.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)

Even if it seems unrelated, flea bites can cause allergic reactions in some cats, and while primarily a skin issue, systemic inflammation can sometimes contribute to general malaise that might include mild sneezing or eye irritation.

Allergy Symptoms in Cats

Beyond sneezing and watery eyes, you might observe:

Itchy skin, excessive grooming, or skin lesions.
Ear infections.
Asthma-like symptoms (wheezing, coughing).

Other Potential Causes of Sneezing and Watering Eyes

While URIs and allergies are primary suspects, other conditions can also lead to these symptoms.

Dental Issues

Believe it or not, dental problems can affect your cat’s nose and eyes. An abscessed tooth, particularly in the upper jaw, can create a passage for bacteria to reach the nasal cavity or sinuses, leading to inflammation and discharge.

Foreign Bodies in the Nasal Passages

A small seed, blade of grass, or other foreign object can become lodged in a cat’s nose, causing irritation, sneezing, and discharge from one nostril.

Nasal Polyps or Tumors

In older cats, or in cases of persistent, unilateral (one-sided) nasal discharge, growths like nasal polyps or tumors can be a cause. These can obstruct airflow and lead to inflammation.

Fungal Infections

Less common than viral or bacterial infections, fungal infections of the nasal passages can occur and cause similar symptoms to URIs.

Glaucoma or Other Eye Conditions

While sneezing might not be directly linked, conditions affecting the eye itself, like glaucoma or dry eye, can cause excessive tearing and discharge.

Diagnosis: How Your Vet Investigates

When you bring your sneezing, teary-eyed cat to the vet, they will conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause.

The Veterinary Examination

Physical Exam: The vet will check your cat’s temperature, listen to their heart and lungs, examine their eyes, ears, and mouth, and palpate their lymph nodes.
History Taking: They will ask detailed questions about your cat’s symptoms, duration, any changes in diet or environment, and vaccination history.

Diagnostic Tests

Depending on the initial findings, your vet may recommend further tests:

Eye Examination: Looking closely at the eyes, checking for inflammation, discharge type, and any foreign bodies.
Nasal Swabs: To test for specific bacteria or viruses, especially if a URI is suspected.
Blood Tests: To check for general health, rule out other diseases, and assess immune response.
X-rays or CT Scans: If dental disease, nasal polyps, or tumors are suspected.
Allergy Testing: If allergies are strongly suspected, though this is less commonly performed routinely.

Treatment Strategies: What Your Vet Might Suggest

Treatment will depend entirely on the diagnosed cause.

Treating Cat Upper Respiratory Infections

Supportive Care: This is crucial. Ensuring your cat is hydrated, well-fed, and kept comfortable is paramount. Gently cleaning away eye and nasal discharge with a warm, damp cloth can help.
Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is present or suspected, antibiotics will be prescribed. These may be oral or in the form of eye drops or ointments.
Antiviral Medications: In some cases, antiviral medications might be used, though they are less common for routine URIs.
Decongestants/Nebulization: In severe cases of cat nasal congestion, your vet might recommend nebulization therapy to help loosen mucus and make breathing easier.
Appetite Stimulants: If your cat is not eating well, appetite stimulants can be prescribed.

Managing Cat Allergies

Environmental Control: Reducing exposure to allergens like dust, pollen, and smoke. Frequent vacuuming, air purifiers, and keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons can help.
Dietary Changes: If a food allergy is suspected, an elimination diet with novel protein sources may be recommended.
Antihistamines or Corticosteroids: In some cases, a veterinarian may prescribe oral antihistamines or a short course of corticosteroids to manage allergic inflammation, but this is done with caution due to potential side effects.

Addressing Other Conditions

Dental Work: If dental disease is the cause, extraction of affected teeth may be necessary.
Foreign Body Removal: If a foreign object is found in the nose or eye, it will be removed.
Surgery: For nasal polyps or tumors, surgical removal may be an option.

Home Care Tips for Your Sick Cat

While you should always consult your vet, here are some things you can do at home to help your cat feel more comfortable.

Comfort and Hygiene

Clean Discharge: Gently wipe away eye and nasal discharge with a soft, damp cloth or cotton ball. Use a separate cloth for each eye to prevent spreading infection.
Steam Therapy: Place your cat in a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes a few times a day. The steam can help to loosen nasal congestion and make breathing easier. Do not leave them unsupervised.
Warm Environment: Keep your cat in a warm, quiet, and comfortable place.
Encourage Eating: Warm up wet food slightly to enhance its aroma. If your cat’s nose is blocked, they may not smell their food, so this can help. Hand-feeding small amounts can also encourage them.

Medication Administration

Follow Vet’s Instructions: If your vet prescribes medication, administer it exactly as directed.
Pill Pockets or Food: Many cats will take medication if it’s hidden in a treat or mixed with their favorite food.
Grasping How to Give Eye Drops: For eye drops, gently hold your cat’s head, pull down the lower eyelid to create a pouch, and administer the drops. Avoid touching the eye with the dropper.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Attention

While many causes of sneezing and watery eyes are treatable, some situations require urgent care.

Difficulty Breathing: If your cat is struggling to breathe, has a blue-tinged tongue or gums, or is wheezing heavily.
Lethargy and Inappetence: If your cat is extremely lethargic, unresponsive, and refusing to eat or drink for more than 24 hours.
Changes in Eye Appearance: If the eyes are deeply red, swollen shut, cloudy, or if there is yellow/green discharge.
Fever: If you suspect your cat has a high fever.
Worsening Symptoms: If your cat’s symptoms are not improving or are getting worse despite home care.

Prevention is Key

While not all instances of sneezing and watering eyes can be prevented, some measures can help reduce the risk.

Vaccination: Ensure your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations, particularly for Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus.
Minimize Stress: Stress can weaken a cat’s immune system and trigger latent viral infections. Provide a stable, enriching environment.
Good Hygiene: Keep litter boxes clean, and if you have multiple cats, ensure adequate resources to prevent stress-related issues.
Avoid Irritants: Minimize the use of strong perfumes, air fresheners, and harsh cleaning chemicals in your home.
Quarantine New Cats: If introducing a new cat to your household, keep them separate for a few weeks to monitor for any signs of illness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can my cat’s sneezing and watery eyes go away on their own?

A1: Mild, occasional sneezing and watering might resolve on their own if they are due to temporary irritants. However, if symptoms persist for more than a day or two, or if other symptoms are present, it’s best to consult a veterinarian.

Q2: Is cat sneezing contagious to humans?

A2: Generally, the common viral causes of cat upper respiratory infection are not contagious to humans. However, good hygiene practices are always recommended when handling sick animals.

Q3: What does green or yellow discharge from my cat’s eyes mean?

A3: Green or yellow discharge often indicates a bacterial infection. This is common with feline conjunctivitis or as a secondary infection in URIs. It requires veterinary attention and antibiotic treatment.

Q4: How long does a cat cold typically last?

A4: The duration of a cat cold can vary. Mild viral infections might resolve within a week or two with supportive care. However, secondary bacterial infections or complications can prolong the illness. Cats with Feline Herpesvirus can experience recurrent flare-ups throughout their lives.

Q5: Can I give my cat over-the-counter cold medicine?

A5: Absolutely not. Many human medications are toxic to cats, and even those that might seem safe can have severe side effects. Always consult your veterinarian before giving your cat any medication.

Q6: What is the difference between cat rhinitis and feline conjunctivitis?

A6: Cat rhinitis specifically refers to inflammation of the nasal passages, leading to sneezing and nasal discharge. Feline conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the eyelids, causing redness, swelling, and eye discharge. Often, these conditions occur together as part of a broader upper respiratory infection.

Q7: My cat has feline sniffles and watery eyes, should I be worried?

A7: Feline sniffles and watery eyes are common symptoms, but they can indicate various conditions. While some are minor, others require veterinary intervention. It’s always best to get a professional diagnosis to ensure your cat receives the appropriate care.

Q8: What are the signs of cat nasal congestion?

A8: Signs of cat nasal congestion include difficulty breathing through the nose, noisy breathing, mouth breathing (especially during sleep), reduced appetite due to diminished sense of smell, and sometimes discharge from the nose.

Q9: Can a cat sneeze from stress?

A9: While stress itself doesn’t directly cause sneezing, it can weaken a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infections that do cause sneezing. Furthermore, some cats may sneeze as a displacement behavior when feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

Q10: My cat keeps sneezing and has watery eyes. Is there anything I can do at home while waiting for my vet appointment?

A10: Yes, you can provide supportive care. Gently clean away any discharge from their eyes and nose with a soft, damp cloth. Ensure they have access to fresh water and their favorite food, and keep them in a comfortable, quiet environment. You can also try running a humidifier or placing them in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes to help ease nasal congestion.

By staying informed and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help ensure your feline friend recovers quickly and comfortably, allowing them to return to their playful, purring selves.