Many parents think that a cat’s sneezing is a cold, but that’s not the case. We all sneeze at times, and if your cat sneezes occasionally and is otherwise active and normal, there’s nothing to worry about. If the cat sneezes frequently, is bloody or profuse, has discharge from the eyes, or is coughing, there may be a more serious problem behind the sneezing.
Why do cats sneeze?
A cat sneezing can be caused by a variety of reasons. It can be roughly divided into three categories: environmental, infectious and physiological causes. If your cat is sneezing, watching what they have touched can help narrow down the cause.
1. Environmental reasons
Cats are very sensitive to airborne allergens (such as pollen, dust, detergents, plants, cat litter
dust) even if they only live indoors.
These particles can be brought into the house through clothing or blown in through an open window. Cats are also very sensitive to smoke, so someone smoking indoors could also be the cause of sneezing.
If environmental causes, cat sneezing is usually mild, with occasional nasal discharge.
In some cases, cats can be allergic to air pollutants, but most cats don’t sneeze because of allergies.
2. Causes of infection
Another common cause of sneezing is related to respiratory infections, the most common being viral infections. That’s right, our cat owner catches a cold too!
Potential viral infections include:
feline herpes Virus (FHV):
Cats can get herpes from contact with other infected cats.
Stress can reduce a cat’s immunity, leading to viral outbreaks and transmission to other cats. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms. Feline herpes virus is not contagious to humans.
Feline Calicivirus (FCV):
This virus is highly contagious among cats.
Oral ulcers are the most common problem, but they can affect the respiratory tract and even cause pneumonia. Likewise, it is not contagious to humans.
Many other viral or bacterial infections can also cause sneezing, including:
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
May be asymptomatic or mild, or more severe over time
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Also known as feline HIV, it develops slowly but severely affects the cat’s immune system, making the cat vulnerable to other pathogens
feline leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Feline leukemia virus is a serious and often fatal infection.
Bacterial infections, such as Bordetella and Mycoplasma, not only infect cats but also dogs
less common fungal infections are also May cause nasal disease, leading to rhinitis
Viral respiratory infections may be accompanied by coughing, more commonly increased eye discharge, and often a runny nose ( white, yellow or green mucus).
Physiological structure
The face of some breeds of cats such as Persian, Himalayan, Exotic are relatively flat. They have short nasal passages and small nostrils, which can cause breathing problems. These cats may be more likely to develop upper respiratory disease and sneeze more easily due to their facial structure. Surgery can help widen the nostrils if there are frequent respiratory problems due to structural problems such as the nostrils.
If you have a flat-faced cat that sneezes every day, or has a frequent runny nose, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Other Causes
Inflammation
Chronic rhinitis is a long-term inflammation of the nasal cavity . May be due to damage in the nasal cavity (eg, feline herpesvirus infection).
Foreign objects
For example, when grass enters the nasal cavity, it will irritate the nasal mucosa and cause sneezing. Infection is possible.
Dental problems
such as a tooth root abscess may cause the infection to spread into the nose, causing sneezing.
Dental root abscess and ulceration in cats
Tumors and nasal tumors are common in middle-aged and elderly cats. The average age of onset of nasal cancer is reported to be 9-10 years old.
In addition to sneezing, there are usually many other symptoms, such as nosebleeds, facial asymmetry, nasal and facial deformation, etc.
Intranasal vaccination
Some upper respiratory tract vaccines can be administered intranasally.
It is common for cats to sneeze within four to seven days of receiving the intranasal vaccine. Generally, the sneezing does not last more than a few days.
What can a parent do when a cat sneezes?
If the cat sneezes, parents can first check the environmental factors in the home, and by improving the environment, to observe whether the cat’s sneezing is related to the environment.
For example:
Use low-dust, low-scent (non-irritating) cat litter. Dusty or scented cat litter can make cats sneeze. Avoid products with strong smells. Some cats are sensitive to the smell of cleaners, disinfectants, and perfumes. Use some unscented or mild products. Disinfectant cleaning products are best for pets. Clean the room often. Some cats react to house dust or pollen.
Be aware that cats spend most of their time close to the ground. It is essential to clean the home with a vacuum cleaner, and use a pet-specific cleaner to clean the environment.
If you’ve taken all steps to rule out environmental factors and your cat is still sneezing, your cat’s sneezing may not be related to environmental factors.
When do I need to see a doctor?
If your cat sneezes with these symptoms, including: increased eye discharge, red and swollen eyes, corneal ulcers, increased green or yellow nasal discharge, poor mental status, fever, Drooling, loss of appetite or weight, swollen lymph nodes, wheezing or coughing, poor hair quality, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, and any of the above symptoms when your cat is sneezing requires a visit to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
What tests will the doctor do?
Routine examination items (selected according to the condition):
Comprehensive physical examination
This examination should be carried out for any animal coming to the hospital for examination , the doctor can have an understanding of the basic situation of the cat.
Basic blood tests:
Such as blood routine, SAA (inflammatory response protein), to evaluate the inflammation of the body.
Imaging examinations:
X-rays of the chest and the assessment of respiratory diseases are inseparable from the auxiliary diagnosis of X-rays.
Screening for infectious pathogens:
panel testing, PCR testing (including herpes, goblet, chlamydia, mycoplasma, and Bosch Bacillus), young animals and immunocompromised animals need to be excluded from infectious diseases.
A common cause can usually be diagnosed by one or more of the above basic tests. If your cat doesn’t respond to treatment as it should, further testing may be needed.
Screening for underlying diseases affecting the immune system:
feline AIDS, feline leukemia
Nasaloscopy (requires anesthesia):
Internal structure of the nasal cavity Abnormal, nasal tumor or suspected foreign body
Cat undergoing nasal endoscopy
Nasal secretion cells Microscopic examination:
Suspected bacterial/fungal infection
What are the treatment options?
Drug therapy
Antibiotics and antiviral drugs were given according to the cause and condition. Some veterinarians may also recommend intranasal medication if there is excessive nasal secretions that block the nostrils.
If the basic antibiotic treatment fails to improve for a period of time, a drug susceptibility test may be required to select a targeted drug for treatment.
Nasaloscopy
Nasaloscopy is not only a diagnostic method, but also a therapeutic effect ,
Nasal polyps, tumors, swelling of the upper airway, structural deformities or foreign bodies may be found during rhinoscopy.
Foreign bodies can be removed through a nasal endoscope.
Surgical treatment
Polyps, tumors, dental problems, etc. usually require surgery.
Congenital structural abnormalities, such as Garfield’s congenital small nostrils, can be improved by “plastic surgery”.
Prognosis
In most cases of sneezing, symptoms gradually resolve to normal after treatment.
However, the condition of some animals may develop into chronic disease, and the animals will have recurrent upper respiratory tract symptoms.
Others, such as sneezing caused by immune system disorders, are also difficult to cure, but with management, cats can lead relatively healthy lives. Cats who have been infected with herpes virus or calicivirus may relapse.
How to care for a sneezing cat?
After the cat comes home from the doctor, be sure to follow the doctor’s treatment plan. Here are some tips to help your cat recover as quickly as possible:
Keep eyes and nose clean by wiping your cat’s eyes and nose with a tissue or pet wipes moistened with warm water every day.
A humidifier (warm moisture) can also be used to help discharge nasal secretions and relieve cat nasal discomfort.
Make sure the cat is eating. Excessive nasal secretions can affect your cat’s sense of smell, which can lead to a poorer cat’s appetite.
A cat that goes without food for several days is at risk of developing fatty liver, which can be fatal. Cats can be provided with heated canned cat food to ensure their daily nutritional intake.
Provide adequate and clean drinking water.
Do not give cats any medicines (especially human medicines) without consulting a veterinarian,
Many human medicines are toxic to cats (such as those containing acetaminophen). Using cold medicine will destroy the cat’s red blood cells and endanger the cat’s life).
Most cold medicines used by humans are toxic to cats
If your cat has a very poor appetite (which has not improved with other measures), or has particularly severe or worsening symptoms, be sure Hospitalization may be required to return to the clinic as soon as possible.
How to prevent sneezing?
One of the best ways to prevent upper respiratory viral infections (herpes, calicivirus) is to get regular vaccinations.
Some other household measures are also mentioned in the text:
Choose low-dust, non-pungent cat litter
Clean the room frequently and choose Pet-specific cleaners
Do not smoke indoors
Do not use fragrant perfumes
Clean the cat’s face every day
Take the cat regularly Physical examination
Warm reminder: If you want to know more about cat sneezing, please click “Cat Sneeze After Bathing” to watch.
