Definition
Just like humans sneeze from time to time, it’s normal for a cat to occasionally have an explosive release of air through their nose and mouth. It’s just a normal reaction to irritants that find their way into nasal passages. Persians and other flat-faced breeds are more prone to sneezing because of their reduced nasal passages. If your cat’s sneezing continues for several days, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian because it could signal a more serious problem such as an abscess.
Causes
The most common cause of feline sneezing is an upper respiratory infection caused by a virus. These viral infections are extremely contagious. If your cat has been in the presence of other felines, a Parainfluenza virus or Adenovirus infection may likely be the cause of their infection that resulted in frequent sneezing.
Symptoms
Sneezing itself can be a symptom of the health concerns outlined above that range from the mild (irritants) to the very serious (feline leukemia). Symptoms that may accompany sneezing include: swollen eyes and glands, coughing, discharge, fever, loss of appetite, eye discharge, or sores in the mouth. The presence of any of these symptoms in combination with sneezing should prompt you to immediately contact your veterinarian to arrange an evaluation of your cat.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The treatment your cat receives will depend on the results of the medical examination.
Factors your veterinarian may check:
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Other symptoms present in conjunction with the sneezing
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Type of discharge (if any)–serous (clear), mucoid, purulent, bloody
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Age of your cat
Once the cause of the sneezing (and other symptoms) is identified, the following treatments are among the possibilities:
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Dental problem–possible tooth removal if there is abscess
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Fungal infection–antifungal drugs
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Bacterial infection–antibiotics
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Cancer–Chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy
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Cat flu (feline herpesvirus or calicivirus)–fluid treatment for dehydration, force feeding if cat is anorexic, removal of discharge blocking breathing
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Foreign body–removal of object in nasal passage
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Allergy–elimination of cause from environment
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Polyps–surgical removal
FAQ
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Q. |
My cat has been sneezing ever since we got her back from the boarding facility last week. Did she catch a cold? |
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A. |
Because upper respiratory infections are readily passed from one cat to another, especially in close quarters, it is likely that your cat is suffering from this type of infection. We recommend you contact your veterinarian and take your cat in for evaluation and treatment. |
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Q. |
How can a dental problem cause my cat to sneeze? |
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A. |
On occasion a tooth will become abscessed and the infection penetrates the nasal region resulting in frequent sneezing. |