Sneezing is a natural reflex across many species, including our feline companions. It’s a powerful way for the body to expel irritants from the nasal passages. Cats, just like dogs, chickens, elephants, and even some lizards, sneeze. Occasional sneezing in cats is usually normal, a simple way to clear their noses. However, persistent sneezing or sneezing accompanied by other symptoms can signal an underlying health issue that requires attention.
Diagnosing the cause of sneezing in cats can be complex. One initial challenge is confirming that what you’re observing is indeed a sneeze. Cats exhibit a range of similar-sounding actions like coughing, gagging, reverse sneezing, hiccupping, retching, and wheezing, each with distinct potential causes. If you’re unsure, capturing a video of your cat during an episode can be incredibly helpful for your veterinarian to accurately identify the symptom.
Common Causes of Cat Sneezing
Pinpointing the exact reason behind cat sneezing can be tricky due to the numerous potential culprits. Here are some of the most common underlying causes:
1. Viral Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)
Viral infections are a leading cause of frequent sneezing in cats, particularly upper respiratory infections. Feline herpesvirus is a highly prevalent infection. Unlike in humans, herpesvirus in cats primarily manifests as upper respiratory symptoms, including sneezing, nasal discharge, and eye discharge. Stress can significantly worsen feline herpesvirus symptoms.
Feline herpesvirus can remain dormant in a cat’s system and reactivate during stressful periods. A cat might recover from initial respiratory signs and appear healthy, only to relapse when faced with a stressful situation.
Currently, there’s no cure for feline herpesvirus, but veterinarians may prescribe antiviral medications like famciclovir and lysine supplements to manage symptoms and reduce viral shedding. Other viral infections that can induce sneezing include feline calicivirus (which the FVRCP vaccine helps protect against) and feline influenza.
2. Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections usually occur as secondary infections following a viral infection or another underlying issue that weakens a cat’s defenses. If your sneezing cat has yellow or green nasal or eye discharge, it’s a strong indicator of a bacterial infection. This discolored discharge is a hallmark sign.
Common bacterial culprits in feline nasal infections include Bordetella, Mycoplasma, and Chlamydia. Antibiotic treatment can be very effective in alleviating sneezing and other symptoms associated with bacterial infections, making breathing easier for your cat.
3. Inflammation and Irritation (Rhinitis)
Persistent sneezing in cats can also be due to inflammation and irritation within the nasal passages. Inflammation can arise as a consequence of various conditions and infections. However, inflammation itself can become a primary driver of sneezing, creating a cycle where sneezing continues even after the initial trigger is resolved. This condition is often referred to as chronic rhinitis.
Diagnosing inflammation as the sole cause of sneezing is challenging. There isn’t a definitive test besides a nasal biopsy, which requires anesthesia. Inflammation is typically diagnosed after excluding other potential causes.
Veterinary treatment for nasal inflammation might involve oral steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and alleviate sneezing.
4. Inhaled Foreign Material
Just like humans, cats can inhale foreign materials like grass blades, dust, pollen, or small objects, which can irritate their nasal passages. Sneezing is the body’s natural response to expel these intruders. While sneezing is effective for removing smaller particles like dust, larger objects can be difficult for a cat to dislodge through sneezing alone.
Diagnosis and removal of foreign material may require:
- Rhinoscopy: A procedure where a small camera is inserted into the anesthetized cat’s nose to visualize and potentially remove the foreign object.
- Nasal Flush (Lavage): Sterile saline is flushed through the nasal passages under anesthesia to physically remove material that the cat can’t sneeze out.
5. Dental Disease
Dental problems can surprisingly contribute to sneezing in cats. The roots of the upper teeth are situated very close to the nasal passages. When teeth become infected or severe dental inflammation occurs, the barrier between the tooth socket and the nasal cavity can break down. This can create an opening, allowing food particles and bacteria to enter the nose when the cat eats, triggering sneezing.
Treating the underlying dental disease, often through dental cleaning or extractions, typically resolves the sneezing issue.
6. Nasal Tumors (Neoplasia)
Especially in older cats, nasal tumors can develop within the nasal passages. These tumors can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to sneezing, often accompanied by nasal discharge and sometimes blood. Nasal tumors are usually diagnosed through rhinoscopy or nasal biopsies.
7. Fungal Infections
While less common than viral or bacterial infections, fungal infections are a recognized cause of sneezing in cats. Cryptococcus is a common fungal organism that can infect the nasal passages and cause sneezing.
Distinguishing fungal infections from other causes of sneezing based on physical exam alone is difficult. Rhinoscopy or biopsy are usually needed for a definitive diagnosis. Treatment for fungal infections may involve a combination of oral antifungal medications, nasal infusions of antifungal drugs, and, in some cases, surgery.
Is My Cat’s Sneezing Serious? When to Worry
The seriousness of your cat’s sneezing depends largely on the underlying cause. Sneezing triggered by environmental irritants like dust, mold, or pollen is usually less concerning, especially if it’s infrequent and isolated. In these cases, sneezing is a normal bodily response to temporary irritation.
However, in many instances, persistent cat sneezing is linked to disease processes. Viral infections are often the initial problem, leading to secondary inflammation and bacterial infections, which can damage the delicate tissues within the nose and perpetuate the sneezing cycle.
If your cat starts sneezing suddenly and the sneezing continues or worsens over several days, it’s important to seek veterinary attention.
When Should You See a Vet for Cat Sneezing?
It’s always prudent to consult your veterinarian if you notice any health concerns in your cat, including sneezing. Early veterinary intervention is always better.
However, certain accompanying symptoms alongside sneezing are red flags that warrant prompt veterinary care. Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible if your sneezing cat also exhibits:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Nasal discharge (especially colored discharge or blood)
- Worsening sneezing symptoms
- Sneezing that persists for more than a few days
Cat Sneezing and Other Symptoms: What They Might Indicate
Sneezing in combination with other symptoms can offer some clues, though they don’t always pinpoint the exact cause.
- Cat sneezing and coughing: This combination often suggests an upper respiratory issue with postnasal drip irritating the throat and causing coughing.
- Cat sneezing and wheezing: Wheezing alongside sneezing might indicate involvement of the lower respiratory system, suggesting a more widespread respiratory condition.
- Cat sneezing blood or discharge: If your cat is sneezing blood or unusual discharge, take a photo or video to show your vet. Contact your veterinarian promptly in these cases.
Diagnosing the Cause of Cat Sneezing
Veterinarians use a variety of methods to determine the underlying cause of excessive sneezing in cats:
Physical Examination
A thorough physical exam is the first step. Your vet will assess your cat’s overall health and specifically examine the nasal passages, eyes, and throat. A dental exam is crucial to rule out dental disease as a contributing factor.
Imaging
Imaging techniques can help visualize the internal structures of the nasal passages and surrounding areas.
- X-rays: Your veterinarian may take X-rays of your cat’s head and chest to look for obvious abnormalities.
- Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: For a more detailed assessment, a CT scan is the gold standard for imaging sneezing cats. This advanced imaging requires general anesthesia and is usually performed at specialty or referral hospitals.
Rhinoscopy
Rhinoscopy involves using a small camera inserted into the nasal passages of an anesthetized cat. This allows direct visualization of the nasal cavity to detect tumors, fungal plaques, foreign objects, or inflammation.
Biopsy
During rhinoscopy, biopsies of the nasal cavity lining can be taken. These tissue samples are then analyzed to identify inflammatory conditions, fungal infections, or cancerous cells.
Nasal Lavage (Flush)
Nasal lavage, performed while the cat is under anesthesia, involves flushing sterile fluid through the nasal passages. This can help dislodge foreign material, remove debris, and collect samples for analysis, aiding in diagnosis. Nasal lavage can also be therapeutic.
Treating Cat Sneezing
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 chronic sneezing, the goal is to manage and reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms rather than to achieve a complete cure.
Antibiotics
Although bacterial infections are often secondary, antibiotics are frequently used to treat sneezing cats, especially when bacterial involvement is suspected or confirmed. Antibiotics can provide relatively rapid relief from symptoms.
Nasal Lavage
Nasal lavage performed under general anesthesia can provide temporary relief from sneezing, regardless of the underlying cause. It can also remove irritants and foreign material.
Other Treatment Options
Other treatments that may be used, with varying degrees of effectiveness, include:
- Humidifiers or nebulizers to add moisture to the air and soothe irritated nasal passages.
- L-Lysine supplementation, particularly for managing feline herpesvirus.
- Steroids to reduce inflammation.
- Antihistamines to block histamine release, helpful in some cases of allergic rhinitis.
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Decongestants to help clear nasal passages.
- Anti-nausea medications if nausea is present due to illness.
- Surgery in rare cases, such as 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
