Pass the tissues, please!
Is your cat sneezing more than usual? It's not uncommon for kitties to sneeze. However, if your cat keeps sneezing continually and/or more frequently than usual, it may be time for a checkup with your veterinarian.
Why Cats Sneeze
Oftentimes, your feline friend sneezes for many of the same reasons humans do: she gets an itch triggered by something floating in the air such as dust, cigarette smoke or even her own cat fur.
However, there can be more serious reasons why your cat keeps sneezing. The following is a list of common causes of cat sneezing:
1. Irritants
Seemingly benign irritants can trigger sneezing. For example, a strong spice with which you're cooking (pepper and cinnamon are two common ingredients with irritant properties) may irritate a kitty's sensitive nose, especially if she's checking out what you're doing in the kitchen. The same goes for household cleaning products, including those with bleach and vinegar, which can bother humans as well as animals. Also, consider essential oils; while they might smell good to you, consider your cat's acute sense of smell and how they can be very irritating to her.
2. Foreign Material
Curious cats will get all sorts of things stuck in their noses. For example, the grass clippings and pollen you track into the house are just two things that may get lodged in their nasal cavities. If sneezing doesn't expel the object, do not attempt to remove the material yourself. Contact your veterinarian right away and have a professional do the job.
3. Dental Disease
The two most common symptoms of cat dental disease are sneezing and nasal discharge. As the Pet Health Network notes, "infections of the feline tooth can allow bacteria to establish in the nasal sinus with resulting inflammation and sneezing." If left untreated, bacteria can travel to other parts of the body.
4. Viruses
Rabies, herpes, ringworm and toxoplasmosis are a few viruses that can cause sneezing in cats. Not all of these viruses are transferable to humans, but some — like toxoplasmosis — can be acquired by humans and are quite serious, says Animal Planet.
Tasty Tips
5. Respiratory Infection
It is rare for your cat's allergies to manifest as sneezing, vet Arnold Plotnick tells Petcha. More than likely, your cat has an upper respiratory infection. "Most cats have been exposed to the cat upper respiratory viruses as kittens, and are chronic carriers of the virus. When cats get stressed or immunosuppressed, the virus can re-emerge and cause clinical symptoms." This type of infection is transferred from cat to cat, not from human to cat.
What to Look For
In addition to monitoring any excessive sneezing, you should also pay attention to your kitty's nasal discharge. "Sneezing and nasal discharge can appear together or can occur as separate problems. They are associated with disorders of the nasal cavity, nasal sinuses, or both," explains VCA Animal Hospital. "While an occasional sneeze is perfectly normal, repeated bouts of vigorous sneezing suggests irritation of the nasal cavity." In addition to sneezing and nasal discharge, symptoms including eye discharge, loss of appetite, lethargy and coughing may indicate your kitty is suffering from an infection.
How to Help
If your cat keeps sneezing, first check for environmental causes that can be removed. For example, you can distract your kitty with cat toys while cooking, discontinue use of a bothersome cleaning product or vacuum more frequently to cut down on your home's dust bunny population.
However, if the sneezing doesn't resolve itself or your furry friend exhibits other symptoms, make an appointment with your vet right away to determine the reason. After giving her a physical once-over, the vet will probably perform a series of tests to figure out what's causing the complications.
As a pet parent, your cat's health is a number one priority, and taking her for regular vet checkups will help keep her in tip-top shape for many years to come.
Related products
Kitten with Salmon
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Adult Perfect Weight Salmon & Vegetable
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Adult Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition in two delicous flavours to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Related articles
Common Health Concerns in an Overweight Cat
As a responsible pet owner you owe it to yourself and your cat to understand problems associated with overweight cats.
Caring for Your Cat Through All of Life's Stages
HillsPet Nutrition provides information on proper nutrition, fitness and special needs in keeping your cat healthy and happy.
Weight Gain in Your Cat & How You Can Help
Being overweight puts a cat at risk for developing many serious health issues. Weight gain indicates an increase in body fat and usually results when your cat eats too much and exercises too little.
Brushing & Food: Keys to Maintaining Your Cat's Oral Health
Get helpful information on proper feline oral healthcare and why it's so vital to take care of your cat's teeth.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.