Sneezing is a natural reflex that helps cats, just like humans and many other animals, expel irritants from their nasal passages. Observing your cat sneeze occasionally is usually normal and a sign their body is working to clear their nose. However, persistent sneezing or sneezing accompanied by other symptoms can indicate an underlying health issue that needs attention.
Diagnosing the exact cause of sneezing in cats can be complex. One of the first steps your veterinarian will take is to confirm that your cat is indeed sneezing and not exhibiting other symptoms that can be easily mistaken for sneezing.
Conditions like coughing, gagging, reverse sneezing, hiccupping, retching, and wheezing can sometimes be confused with sneezing, but each of these symptoms has different potential causes. Recording a video of your cat during a sneezing episode can be incredibly helpful for your vet to accurately diagnose the issue.
Common Causes of Cat Sneezing
Pinpointing the exact reason behind Cat Sneezing can be challenging due to the wide range of potential underlying causes. Here are some of the most common culprits that could be making your cat sneeze.
1. Viral Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)
If your cat is sneezing frequently, viral upper respiratory infections (URIs) are a highly probable cause. Feline herpesvirus is one of the most common viral infections in cats. Unlike human herpesvirus, feline herpesvirus primarily affects the upper respiratory system in cats, leading to symptoms such as sneezing and discharge from the nose and eyes. Stress can often exacerbate the symptoms of feline herpesvirus.
Feline herpesvirus infections can become dormant within a cat’s system, only to reactivate later, particularly during periods of stress. A cat might recover from the initial respiratory symptoms and appear healthy for a while, but a stressful event can trigger a relapse.
Currently, there is no cure for feline herpesvirus, but veterinarians may prescribe antiviral medications like famciclovir and recommend lysine supplements to manage the symptoms. Other viral infections that can cause sneezing in cats include feline calicivirus (which is preventable through the FVRCP vaccine) and, less commonly, feline influenza.
2. Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections are usually secondary players in feline upper respiratory issues. If your sneezing cat is producing nasal or eye discharge that is yellow or green, this discolored discharge is a strong indicator of a secondary bacterial infection.
Bacteria such as Bordetella, mycoplasma, and chlamydia are frequently responsible for bacterial infections in a cat’s nasal passages. Treatment with appropriate antibiotics can significantly reduce sneezing and other related symptoms, helping your cat breathe easier and feel more comfortable.
3. Nasal Inflammation and Irritation (Rhinitis)
Persistent sneezing in cats can also be a result of inflammation and irritation within the nasal passages. Inflammation can stem from various underlying conditions and infections. Sometimes, inflammation itself can become a primary cause of sneezing, creating a cycle where the cat continues to sneeze even after the initial trigger has been addressed. This condition is often referred to as chronic rhinitis.
Diagnosing inflammatory rhinitis as the sole cause of sneezing is often done by exclusion, meaning other potential causes need to be ruled out first. A nasal biopsy, which requires anesthesia, is the most direct way to diagnose this condition. Treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation, such as oral steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as determined by your veterinarian.
4. Inhalation of Foreign Material
Cats are curious creatures, and sometimes their curiosity can lead them to inhale foreign materials like blades of grass or small objects. When a cat inhales such foreign bodies, it can cause significant irritation in the nasal passages. Sneezing is the body’s natural attempt to expel these irritants. While sneezing can be effective for removing small particles like dust, larger objects are often more challenging for a cat to dislodge through sneezing alone.
If a foreign body is suspected, diagnostic procedures like rhinoscopy and nasal flushes may be necessary.
- Rhinoscopy: This involves inserting a small camera into the anesthetized cat’s nasal passages to visually identify any foreign material.
- Nasal Flush: A nasal flush is performed under anesthesia, where sterile saline solution is used to flush out the nasal passages and remove any material the cat couldn’t sneeze out.
5. Dental Disease
Dental problems in cats can surprisingly contribute to sneezing. The roots of the upper teeth are located very close to the nasal passages. When a tooth becomes infected or significant dental inflammation occurs, the protective barrier between the tooth socket and the nasal passage can break down. This creates an opening through which food particles and bacteria can enter the nasal passages when the cat eats, triggering sneezing.
Treating the underlying dental disease, often through dental cleaning or extraction of infected teeth, usually resolves the sneezing issue.
6. Nasal Tumors (Neoplasia)
Especially in older cats, nasal tumors, or neoplasia, can develop within the nasal passages. These tumors can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to chronic sneezing, often accompanied by nasal discharge and sometimes blood. Diagnosis typically involves rhinoscopy to visually examine 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 are a recognized cause of sneezing in cats. Cryptococcus is the most common fungal culprit. Differentiating fungal infections from other causes of sneezing often requires more than a physical examination. Rhinoscopy or biopsy are usually necessary for accurate diagnosis. Treatment for fungal infections may include a combination of oral antifungal medications, nasal infusions of antifungal drugs, and in some cases, surgery.
When is Cat Sneezing Serious?
The seriousness of your cat’s sneezing largely depends on the underlying cause. Sneezing triggered by environmental irritants is generally less concerning than sneezing caused by disease.
Sometimes, sneezing is simply a reaction to environmental factors like dust, mold spores, or pollen. In these instances, sneezing is typically not a sign of a serious problem, particularly if it’s an isolated incident.
However, more often than not, persistent cat sneezing is linked to an underlying disease process. Viral infections are frequently the initial problem, which can then lead to secondary inflammation and bacterial infections, causing further damage within the nasal structures and perpetuating the sneezing.
If your cat starts sneezing suddenly and the sneezing continues or worsens over several days, it’s important to seek veterinary care.
When to Consult a Veterinarian for Cat Sneezing
It’s always prudent to consult your veterinarian if you notice any health changes in your cat, including sneezing. Even if your cat seems otherwise well, but is sneezing more than usual, a vet visit can provide peace of mind.
It’s especially important to seek veterinary attention promptly if your sneezing cat is exhibiting other symptoms. These additional signs could indicate a more serious health issue:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Nasal discharge (especially if discolored or bloody)
- Worsening sneezing
- Sneezing that persists for more than a few days
Cat Sneezing Accompanied by Other Symptoms
It’s common for cat sneezing to occur alongside other symptoms. While these combined symptoms can provide clues, they don’t always immediately pinpoint the exact cause.
- Cat sneezing and coughing: This combination often suggests an upper respiratory issue where postnasal drip is irritating the throat, leading to coughing.
- Cat sneezing and wheezing: Wheezing along with sneezing might indicate that the respiratory issue has extended to the lower respiratory tract, potentially involving the lungs.
- Cat sneezing blood or discharge: If your cat is sneezing blood or any unusual discharge, it’s crucial to document this (taking a photo or video can be helpful) and contact your veterinarian immediately.
How Veterinarians Diagnose the Cause of Cat Sneezing
Veterinarians employ various diagnostic methods to determine the underlying cause of excessive sneezing in cats.
Physical Examination
A comprehensive physical exam is typically the first step. Your veterinarian will assess your cat’s overall health and specifically examine the head, nose, and throat. A thorough dental examination is a crucial part of this initial assessment to rule out dental disease as a contributing factor.
Imaging Techniques
Imaging can be very helpful in visualizing the nasal passages and surrounding structures to identify potential underlying causes and assess the extent of any damage.
- X-rays: Your vet may take X-rays of your cat’s head and chest as an initial imaging step.
- Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: For a more detailed assessment, a CT scan is considered the gold standard for imaging cats with sneezing issues. However, CT scans require general anesthesia and are usually performed at specialized or referral veterinary hospitals.
Rhinoscopy
Rhinoscopy, as mentioned earlier, involves using a small camera inserted into the nasal passages while the cat is under anesthesia. This allows the veterinarian to visually inspect 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 sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination to identify inflammatory conditions, fungal infections, or cancerous cells.
Nasal Lavage (Flush)
Nasal lavage, or flushing the nasal passages with sterile saline while the cat is anesthetized, can sometimes reveal diagnostic information by dislodging and collecting foreign material or infectious agents. It can also be therapeutic, helping to clear out irritants and secretions.
Treatment Options for a Sneezing Cat
Treatment for cat sneezing is primarily focused on addressing the underlying cause. While various treatments are available, it’s important to understand that in many cases, especially with chronic conditions, the goal is to manage and reduce the frequency and severity of sneezing rather than completely cure it.
Antibiotics
Although bacterial infections are often secondary issues in sneezing cats, antibiotics are frequently prescribed. They can be very effective in controlling secondary bacterial infections and providing relief from symptoms.
Nasal Lavage
Performing a nasal lavage under general anesthesia can provide temporary relief from sneezing symptoms, regardless of the underlying cause. It’s also a useful procedure to remove any hidden foreign material.
Other Supportive Treatments
Various other treatments can be used to manage cat sneezing, with varying degrees of effectiveness depending on the cause and the individual cat:
- Humidifiers or Nebulizers: These can help to moisturize the nasal passages and ease congestion.
- L-Lysine: This supplement is sometimes recommended, particularly for cats with feline herpesvirus, although its effectiveness is debated.
- Steroids: Corticosteroids can be used to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
- Antihistamines: In some cases, antihistamines might be used if allergies are suspected, though their efficacy in cats is not as well-established as in humans.
- NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): These can be used to manage pain and inflammation.
- Decongestants: While less commonly used in cats, decongestants might be considered in specific cases of nasal congestion.
- Anti-nausea Medications: If the cat is experiencing nausea due to illness, anti-nausea medications can improve their comfort and appetite.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgery might be necessary, for example, to remove nasal tumors or persistent foreign bodies.
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
Matthew Everett Miller is a Kentucky native, veterinarian, and writer whose fiction and journalism have appeared in Slate magazine, the…
