There are several common causes of sneezing in cats. Here are some of the most frequent ones:
Infections
- Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats: These are very common in cats and can be caused by viruses such as feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. Bacterial infections can also occur secondary to viral infections.
- Fungal Infections: Fungal infections like cryptococcosis and aspergillosis can affect the nasal passages and cause sneezing.
Allergies
- Environmental Allergies: Cats can be allergic to pollen, dust mites, mold, and other environmental allergens.
- Food Allergies: Certain ingredients in cat food can cause allergic reactions, leading to sneezing.
Irritants
- Dust and Debris: Inhalation of dust, dirt, or other debris can irritate the nasal passages.
- Scented Products: Strong perfumes, air fresheners, and cleaning products can also cause irritation.
Foreign Bodies
- Nasal Foreign Bodies: Objects like grass seeds or small toys can get lodged in the nasal passages.
Dental and Oral Problems
- Dental Disease: Infections or abscesses in the teeth or gums can cause sneezing.
- Oral Tumors: Tumors in the mouth or nasal cavity can also lead to sneezing.
Other Causes
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like pemphigus can affect the nasal mucosa.
- Anatomical Abnormalities: Congenital or acquired deformities in the nasal passages can cause sneezing.
How to Tell if a Cat Has Allergic Rhinitis?
You can tell if your cat is suffering from allergic rhinitis by doing the following.
1. Observe the symptoms
- Sneezing: cats with allergic rhinitis will sneeze frequently, which may be paroxysmal, with multiple sneezes in a row at a time.
- Runny nose: nasal secretions increase and may be watery or purulent.
- Itchy nose: the cat may frequently scratch its nose with its paws or rub its nose on objects.
- Nasal congestion: In severe cases, this may lead to breathing difficulties with open-mouth breathing or shortness of breath.
- Eye symptoms: some cats may be accompanied by conjunctivitis, with symptoms such as red, swollen eyes, tearing and increased discharge.
2. Search for allergens
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Environmental factors
Observe whether the cat has symptoms aggravated when exposed to certain substances or in a specific environment, such as pollen, dust mites, mould, perfume, cigarette smoke, etc.
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Food factors
Consider whether the symptoms appear after changing cat food or adding new food, common allergic foods include beef, chicken, fish, dairy products, etc.
3. Medical examination
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Physical examination
The veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive physical examination of the cat, including examination of the nasal cavity, mouth, eyes and other parts of the body, to observe whether there is inflammation, redness, swelling, discharge and other abnormalities.
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Laboratory examination
Blood tests may be performed to rule out the possibility of other diseases and to detect the presence of allergic reactions. Nasal secretion tests may also be performed to determine if there is an infection or allergic reaction.
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Allergen testing
A skin test or blood test is performed to determine what substances the cat is allergic to.
If a cat is suspected of having allergic rhinitis, it should be taken to a veterinarian promptly for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What to Do if Your Cat Sneezes?
There are several remedies for a sneezing cat, depending on the underlying cause. Here are some common remedies:
Home Remedies
- Maintain a Clean Environment: Regularly clean your cat's living area, including the litter box, bedding, and feeding area, to reduce dust and allergens. Use unscented cleaning products to avoid irritation.
- Humidifier or Steam: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can help relieve nasal congestion. You can also place your cat in a steamy bathroom while running a hot shower for a few minutes a couple of times a day.
- Saline Nasal Spray: Saline nasal sprays can help keep the nasal passages moist and reduce congestion. Ask your vet for a recommended product.
- Warm Compress: Gently apply a warm, damp cloth to your cat's nose for a few minutes to help soothe irritation.
- Probiotics and Vitamin C: Probiotics can help boost your cat's immune system, and vitamin C may aid in recovery. Consult your vet before giving any supplements.
Medical Treatments
- Antibiotics: If your cat has a bacterial infection, your vet may prescribe antibiotics. Ensure you give the correct dose as directed.
- Antihistamines: In cases of allergies, your vet may recommend antihistamines. However, never give human antihistamines without consulting your vet first.
- Steroidal or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories: These may be prescribed to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
- Surgery: In cases of foreign bodies, tumors, or severe dental disease, surgery may be necessary.
Dietary Adjustments
- Soft, Smelly Food: Offer your cat soft, smelly foods like canned tuna or sardines to stimulate their appetite, especially if they have a reduced sense of smell due to congestion.
- Hydration: Ensure your cat has access to fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration, especially if they have a fever or are not eating well.
Preventive Measures
- Vaccinations and Deworming: Keep your cat's vaccinations and deworming up to date to prevent infections.
- Avoid Irritants: Minimize your cat's exposure to potential irritants such as cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, and cleaning products.
- Regular Vet Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups to detect and treat any potential health issues early.
When to See a Vet
🚨 Take your cat to the vet if:
- Sneezing lasts more than a few days
- There is yellow, green, or bloody nasal discharge
- Your cat is lethargic, has a fever, or stops eating
- Sneezing is accompanied by coughing or wheezing
A vet may prescribe antibiotics, antihistamines, or antiviral medications depending on the cause.
