Has your cat ever been sniffling? Like in humans and other animals, sneezing is common if it occurs occasionally. Even an occasional cat sneezing episode is typical. A cat sneezing many times every day for several days in a row is unusual.
Reasons Cats Cough
There are numerous causes for a cat to sneeze. Cat herpesvirus or calicivirus are usually responsible for cat URIs.
- Exposure to toxicity due to an upper respiratory infection or an allergy to pollen, dust, or another substance
- A blockage in the airway (just like a blade of grass)
- Structural inconsistency
- Cancer (often squamous cell carcinoma or lymphoma)
Taking Care of a Sneezing Cat
Even if your cat sneezes occasionally and otherwise seems healthy, you shouldn’t be alarmed. Remember to take your cat to the vet for a checkup once a year or as your veterinarian may recommend. Before things get out of hand, your veterinarian might be able to spot any underlying health issues. Between visits to the vet, you can check your cat’s head and face at home to look for any abnormalities.
If your sneezing cat is also displaying nasal congestion, ocular discharge, or other cold-like symptoms, they may have an upper respiratory infection or another ailment that is related to it. Sneezing up mucus that may be yellow or greenish in color is common in cats with URIs. The eyes may be watery, fuzzy, or even yellow or green with mucus discharge. You may struggle to breathe through your nose and have noisy breathing. Healthy cats hardly ever “have colds,” despite the fact that it may seem to be exactly like the common cold that humans suffer. Each person’s level of seriousness is different. Ensure that your pet receives quick veterinary care.
Treatment
Your veterinarian could suggest antibiotics if a bacterial infection is discovered. It may or may not be necessary to take further medication. Using saline nasal drops is advised by certain veterinarians. One simple thing you can do at home to assist is to keep your cat in the bathroom while you shower. Because the steam can clear congestion, your cat might get some relief.
If your cat’s condition does not improve after receiving basic URI treatment, your veterinarian may perform a check for underlying disorders that weaken your cat’s immune system, such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Despite the fact that many ailments are incurable, they are commonly treated, allowing cats to live generally healthy lives. Cats with URIs could possibly be suffering from other, more serious conditions. Your veterinarian will likely advise lab tests to see if there is an underlying issue.
If your cat has been sneezing often for a few days but otherwise seems healthy, it’s a good idea to call your doctor for advice. Examine your cat’s surroundings and consider any potential allergens while you wait. For illustration:
- Do you currently have a new litter? When using gritty or aromatic litter, cats may sneeze. Consider switching to a low-dust, unscented cat litter.
- Use any new products in your residence? Some cats have incredibly high sensitivity levels to scents, detergents, and cleaning supplies. Switch to odorless or mild products. Consider utilizing low-cost cleaning materials like diluted vinegar and baking soda.
- Do you have any cleaning to do? Dust or pollen in your house may be causing your cat’s reaction. Remember that cats like to lounge on the ground. Vacuum and sweep your home thoroughly. Surfaces should be cleaned using an unscented, non-toxic cleaner.
If you’ve eliminated all potential environmental causes but your cat is still sneezing, it’s time to visit the vet. Your veterinarian will do an examination and possibly some lab testing to look for underlying issues.
Your veterinarian could suggest a rhinoscopy if all other measures have failed. A tiny camera is put into the cat’s nasal passages while it’s unconscious to examine for irregularities. Cats occasionally ingest small foreign things, like grass blades, into their airways. This is frequently found and removed thanks to a rhinoscopy. A rhinoscopy can also reveal anatomical anomalies, nasal polyps, tumors, swelling of the upper airway, and tumors. Polyps and tumors may or may not be removed during the surgery. A different surgical procedure is sometimes necessary.
