Why is my cat sneezing?

Uploaded 22/02/2024

Why is my cat sneezing? The occasional sneeze from your kitty cat is normal, it’s natural! But have you ever seen those odd YouTube videos where a cat is sneezing a lot? If your cat keeps sneezing or seems to have the sniffles in certain places or at particular times of the day, there may be more at play.

Whilst a cat sneezing can, at times, seem like something that isn’t too serious, it can be a sign of something we pet parents should pay attention to. These are some of the most common causes of sneezing in felines, what to look out for, how their small sneezes are treated, and anything else you may need to know.

Why is my cat sneezing?

A foreign object in their nasal passage

Possibly the most common cause of sneezing in kitties, this just means something (dust, a small splinter, a piece of food) is stuck in their nose or eyes and their body is trying to free them of it. Just like us humans!

Symptoms:

• Sneezing suddenly and repeatedly
• Coughing, wheezing, or reverse sneezing

Treatment:

• Some kitties can sneeze out whatever is causing them discomfort and that will be the end of that sniffle episode.
• If something is stuck in their nose or eyes, this may require veterinary intervention. Sometimes the cat will need to be put under general anesthetic to remove foreign material. This can be done using special instruments with or without endoscope guidance. 

Cat allergies

Yes, cats can have allergies just like us humans, including hay fever. That’s right, if you’re someone who suffers from the coming of spring or a freshly cut lawn, your purr baby might also be feeling the burn. Cats can also be allergic to different fragrances, cleaning products, dust, and certain foods, all of which can cause sneezing.

Remember, if have a paw-some pet sitter booked in to care for your feline family, remember to let them know about any kitty allergies.

Symptoms:

• You notice your cat sneezing a lot in the house or outside
• Nasal discharge and runny eyes
• Skin lesions
• Wheezing and coughing
• Frequently scratching their nose and eyes
• Excessive itching, particularly in one area of their body

Treatment:

• Identifying a specific allergy is tricky in felines, however, your vet will help you to create a treatment plan that can include vaccines, oral medicines, and specialized diet food.

Feline herpesvirus or feline herpes

A sneezing cat can be one of many symptoms that are a sign they may have feline herpesvirus or feline herpes. This is an infectious disease passed from cat to cat either directly or from being in the same environment as an infected kitty. Vets will often recommend vaccinating your fur family against this virus, but unfortunately, some cats can catch it before they can receive this.

Symptoms:

• Frequent sneezing and runny nose
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Eye and nasal discharge
• Coughing
• Fever
• Fur loss

Treatment:

• If your kitty has not been vaccinated against cat herpes, sadly there is no cure for it.  Clinical signs of the herpes virus such as conjunctivitis can be self-limiting and resolve on its own.
• However, supportive treatment can be given including intravenous fluid therapy, antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections, and antiviral medication in severe cases. 
• Whilst many cats can live a normal life with feline herpesvirus, they may need some extra vet visits to make sure they’re doing okay. 

Kitty dental disease

There’s a reason dental check-ups are always part of your fur family’s annual vet visit - dental disease in cats is very common. As much as we monitor their eating habits or what they decide to chew on tooth and gum trouble can still arise. Some dental diseases can lead to nasal and throat infections which will cause a sneezing cat. There are many different kitty dental diseases, but below are the most common symptoms.

Symptoms:

• Sporadic sneezing followed by lots of sneezes at once
• Excessive drooling
• Stinky breath
• Yellow/brown tartar on the teeth
• Pawing at the face, mouth, and head
• Shaking head
• Dropping food from the mouth
• Lack of appetite
• Refusing to eat their dry food
• Only eating their wet food
• Weight loss

Treatment:

• Your vet may suggest toothbrushing at home or else offer professional kitty dental cleaning
• Oral medications such as antibiotics and pain relief
• In the most severe cases, your vet may recommend dental surgery

What is reverse sneezing in cats?

Reverse sneezing can be very alarming to witness in your kitty. It often sounds like they’re coughing or even choking. Don’t worry, reverse sneezing is simply your cat trying to clear their airways and is completely harmless. However, if you’re ever worried about their behavior or the noise they’re making, take them to their vets straight away.

Contact your vet

If you ever notice any changes in your cat’s behavior, habits, or physical changes, you should always contact your vet immediately. Although a sneezing cat isn’t particularly uncommon, it’s best to have them checked out by a professional, just in case!

Remember, our Standard or Premium TrustedHousesitters members have round-the-clock access to our 24/7 Vet Advice Line should they need any immediate help or assistance. Not a member yet? Well, why not have a look at some of our amazing trusted, verified cat sitters in your area who would love to make a new feline friend?

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.