An occasional sneeze from your cat is often just a cute little quirk, a sudden “achoo!” that might startle them as much as it amuses you. But what happens when that single sneeze turns into a series of them, or it becomes a daily occurrence? If your cat keeps sneezing, you might start to wonder if something is wrong.
While a sneeze here and there is completely normal for our feline friends, persistent or frequent sneezing can be a signal that something else is going on. Understanding the difference between a harmless reflex and a symptom of an underlying health issue is key to keeping your cat healthy and happy.
This guide will walk you through the common and not-so-common reasons your cat might be sneezing. We’ll explore everything from simple household irritants to more complex medical conditions, help you identify when it’s time to worry, and explain what you can do at home to provide some relief. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to understand your cat’s health and know when it’s time to call the vet.
What Causes to Cat keeps Sneezing?
A sneeze is an involuntary reflex designed to expel irritants from the nasal passages. For cats, the list of potential irritants is long and varied. The causes can range from benign, everyday triggers that are easily managed to more serious conditions that require veterinary attention.
1. Environmental Factors & Irritants
Your cat’s sensitive nose is constantly sampling the air in your home. Sometimes, it encounters things it doesn’t like. Airborne irritants are one of the most common reasons for a cat to start sneezing. Think about things like dust motes dancing in a sunbeam, the lingering scent of your favorite perfume, or the aerosol from cleaning products. Even smoke from cooking or scented candles can trigger a sneezing fit. If your cat starts sneezing after you’ve cleaned the house or lit a new candle, an environmental irritant is a likely culprit. Changes to their litter, especially switching to a scented or dustier variety, can also lead to sneezing.
2. Respiratory Infections
Just like humans, cats can catch “colds.” In the veterinary world, these are known as upper respiratory infections (URIs), and they are a frequent cause of sneezing. These infections are highly contagious between cats and are often caused by viruses like Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1) and Feline Calicivirus. Besides sneezing, common cat cold symptoms include a runny nose with clear or colored discharge, watery eyes, coughing, and congestion. You might notice your cat seems a bit more tired than usual or has a reduced appetite.
3. Dental Disease and Sneezing
It might seem strange, but your cat’s oral health is directly linked to its nasal passages. The roots of a cat’s upper teeth are located very close to the sinuses. If a tooth becomes infected or an abscess forms, the inflammation and infection can extend into the nasal cavity, causing irritation and leading to sneezing. This is more common in older cats or those with poor dental hygiene. Other signs of cat dental disease to watch for include bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, or bleeding from the mouth. If sneezing is accompanied by any of these symptoms, a dental check-up is in order.
4. Less Common but Serious Causes
While less frequent, some serious conditions can manifest as chronic sneezing. Fungal infections, such as those caused by Aspergillus or Cryptococcus fungi, can invade a cat’s nasal passages and cause persistent sneezing, often with a thick, and sometimes bloody, nasal discharge. In other cases, a cat might inhale a foreign body, like a blade of grass, that gets stuck in its nose and causes irritation. In rare instances, persistent sneezing, especially in older cats and when it’s one-sided, can be a symptom of nasal polyps or tumors. These conditions are serious and require immediate veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
When Does Cat keeps Sneezing a Concern?
An isolated sneeze is rarely a cause for alarm. However, if sneezing becomes a regular pattern or is joined by other symptoms, it’s time to pay closer attention. The key is to observe the frequency, duration, and any accompanying signs of illness. A cat that sneezes a few times and then goes back to playing is probably fine. A cat that has been sneezing for several days straight needs a vet’s attention.
Red Flags in Sneezing Cats
Certain symptoms should prompt you to call your veterinarian right away. One of the most important is nasal discharge. While a small amount of clear discharge can be normal, if you see mucus that is yellow, green, or thick, it often signals an infection that may require antibiotics.
Watch your cat’s overall behavior. Lethargy, or a noticeable drop in energy, combined with sneezing is a significant red flag. A loss of appetite is also a serious concern, as cats can develop dangerous liver problems if they stop eating, even for a short period. Finally, any signs of labored breathing, such as open-mouth breathing or gasping, constitute a medical emergency.
How to Help Your Sneezing Cat at Home
If your veterinarian has ruled out a serious condition, or if the sneezing is mild and infrequent, there are several things you can do at home to help your cat feel more comfortable. These home remedies focus on creating a soothing environment and supporting your cat’s immune system.
1. Keep Your Home Clean and Fresh
Minimizing airborne irritants can make a huge difference. Dust and vacuum regularly to reduce allergens in your home. When you clean, opt for unscented, non-toxic cleaning products. Avoid using strong perfumes, air fresheners, and scented candles in areas where your cat spends a lot of time. This simple step can significantly reduce the triggers that cause sneezing.
2. Ensure Proper Nutrition and Hydration
A strong immune system is your cat’s best defense against infections. Provide a high-quality, balanced diet to support their overall health. Ensuring your cat stays well-hydrated is also crucial, as it helps keep their mucous membranes moist. You can encourage more water intake by using a cat water fountain or adding wet food to their diet.
3. Use a Humidifier or Steam Therapy
Dry air can irritate your cat’s nasal passages and make sneezing worse. Using a cool-mist humidifier in the room where your cat sleeps can help soothe their respiratory tract. An alternative is steam therapy. Simply bring your cat into the bathroom with you while you run a hot shower. The steam can help loosen congestion and make breathing easier. Never leave your cat unattended in a steamy room.
You should also check: “why is my cat drooling“
When Should You Take Your Cat to the Vet?
While home care can be effective for mild cases, professional medical care is essential when symptoms are severe or persistent. If your cat’s sneezing doesn’t improve after a few days, or if you notice any of the red-flag symptoms mentioned earlier, schedule an appointment with your vet.
To diagnose the root cause of the sneezing, your vet may perform a physical exam and recommend tests like nasal swabs to check for bacteria or viruses, blood tests to assess overall health, or X-rays to look for abnormalities in the nasal passages or tooth roots. Based on the diagnosis, treatment may include antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiviral medications, dental procedures, or other specific therapies.
Your Partner in Your Cat’s Health
Understanding the reason behind your cat’s sneezing is the first step toward helping them feel better. Most of the time, a sneeze is just a sneeze. But by staying vigilant for warning signs and knowing when to seek help, you can ensure your furry companion stays healthy and comfortable. If you’re ever in doubt about your cat’s symptoms, consulting your veterinarian is always the best course of action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my cat keeps sneezing but seems otherwise healthy?
If your cat is sneezing but has a normal appetite, energy level, and no other symptoms, the cause is most likely environmental. Airborne irritants like dust, pollen, perfume, or chemicals from cleaning products can trigger sneezing. Try to identify and remove the potential irritant from your cat’s environment.
Can a cat catch a cold from a human?
It is extremely rare for cats to catch colds from humans. The viruses that cause the common cold in people are different from those that cause upper respiratory infections (URIs) in cats. Cat URIs are typically spread between cats.
How long does a cat cold last?
A typical cat cold, or upper respiratory infection, usually lasts for about 7 to 10 days. With supportive care, most cats recover fully. However, some cats, especially those with Feline Herpesvirus, may experience recurring flare-ups during times of stress.
What home remedy can I give my sneezing cat?
For mild sneezing without other symptoms, you can try using a humidifier to add moisture to the air. You can also bring your cat into the bathroom while you shower to let them inhale the steam, which can help ease congestion. Ensuring your home is free of dust and strong scents is also beneficial. Do not give your cat any over-the-counter medications without consulting your veterinarian first.