BLOG / Cat

Why Is My Cat Sneezing?

main banner
by Alexander Thompson
May 02, 2022
5 minute read
TABLE OF CONTENTS
  • Causes of Sneezing in Cats and What to Do
  • Is My Cat Suffering From a Cold or Something Worse?
  • How Do You Treat Nasal Branches in Cats?
  • Other Important Treatment Tips
  • Conclusion
Your role as a cat parent doesn’t end with providing food and water – you are also responsible for keeping them healthy at all times. Sneezing occurs as a regular symptom in most mammals, especially when there is any form of nasal discomfort.
Cats are not left out – these beautiful creatures also sneeze occasionally, and this is fine. However, it becomes a problem when the sneezes become more frequent, for example, multiple times consecutively. These kinds of situations warrant your immediate action as the cat parent.

Causes of Sneezing in Cats and What to Do

The first inference you can draw from a sneezing cat is that something is wrong with their health. For example, they may be battling an allergy, chronic rhinitis, viral infection, or nasal discomforts. All of these are causes of frequent sneezing in cats.
The first step is to monitor closely and see if your cat is unwell. If they are, you should take a closer look to understand the cause. Sneezing often comes with a few common symptoms, making it tricky to determine the exact disease your cat is suffering from.
Below are some of the common causes and solutions of cat sneezes;
a sneezing cat

1. Allergy

Cats are not immune to allergens, especially those in their immediate environment. And like humans, the smell of irritants can force your cat to sneeze. The same happens when cats smell certain vapors or fumes in the atmosphere. While cats with an allergy will sneeze more frequently than those without one, allergy-influenced sneezes do not last, so you should not get worked up.

What Should You Do?

If you notice your cat sneezes only at a specific time and season of the year, it is most likely due to allergies. Therefore, consult your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.

2. Viral Infection

Cats are also prone to infectious diseases, including those that spend almost all their time indoors. For example, feline upper respiratory infection is an infectious disease that comes with symptoms like fever, anorexia, mouth ulcers, cough, and watery eyes.
Contact with other wild cats is one of the major causes of viral infections in cats, especially in the case of calicivirus and herpes. These highly-contagious viral infections are associated with symptoms like frequent sneezing and runny nose in cats.

What Should You Do?

Take your cat to the vet for immediate and comprehensive treatment. The vet can examine your cat, determine the exact virus causing the sneezing, and then prescribe the proper treatment.

3. Chronic Rhinitis

Loud sneezes, loud breaths, and abnormal secretions in your cat’s nose all indicate the possibility of a bacterial infection. This situation requires immediate attention and effective treatment. Otherwise, it may develop into chronic rhinitis in the affected cat. Cats in this situation tend to sneeze frequently whenever they are uncomfortable, just like humans do when they have a nasal cold.

What Should You Do?

It is important to treat chronic rhinitis on time in cats, or else it turns into pneumonia. Once you notice your cat shows any of the symptoms mentioned above, arrange a visit to the veterinarian immediately for professional diagnosis and treatment.

4. Sinusitis

The sinuses are present at the back of your cat’s nose. When these get inflamed, it leads to sinusitis, which comes with symptoms like nasal congestion, frequent runny nose, painful breathing, and swollen nose bridge.

What Should You Do?

You can give your sneezing cat some anti-inflammatory medications in the first few days. However, if the symptoms persist, get your cat to a vet hospital as soon as possible.

5. Feline Chlamydia Infection

The feline chlamydia infection occurs in cats more frequently than we think, and the associated symptoms include the production of more eye mucus, nasal discharge, and sneezing. In cases where the symptoms are too severe, it may lead to inflammation of the respiratory system and conjunctivitis.

What Should You Do?

The highly contagious nature of the feline chlamydia infection means you should commence treatment immediately. Consult your vet on how to proceed.

6. Feline Calicivirus Infection

Cats with the feline calicivirus infection show symptoms like sneezing, fever, and running nose. If the infection is severe, they may also experience a significant increase in saliva production and a decrease in appetite.

What Should You Do?

Take your cat to the pet hospital as soon as possible. While your cat is at the vet, disinfect your home thoroughly and keep all other pets away – for about six months.

7. Feline Cryptococcosis

Cryptococcosis in cats comes with reduced appetite, bloody nasal discharge, purulent nasal discharge, sneezing, and other symptoms. The discomfort also extends to the respiratory system, leading to sudden snoring. The cat may experience eye diseases like retinal detachment, optic neuritis, ataxia, and spasms if it gets to the central nervous system.

What Should You Do?

Ensure prompt vaccination and regular deworming of the cat, both internally and externally. It would help if you also took the infected cat out of the house, so you do not contract the virus.

8. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (Feline Nasal Branch)

The feline viral rhinotracheitis forces the cat’s body system to produce more mucus or tears. But that’s not all; the infected cat also shows symptoms like fever, bloodshot eyes, runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. Extreme cases may lead to rhinitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and other eye diseases.

What Should You Do?

It is important to note that the causative virus of the feline viral rhinotracheitis is highly infective with multiple infection routes. So, in addition to adequately treating your sick cat, you should also disinfect your home entirely and sundry your cat supplies.
a sneezing cat

Is My Cat Suffering From a Cold or Something Worse?

The early stage of most diseases comes with sneezing as a symptom. So, it can be tricky for cat owners to determine if their cat is suffering from cat nasal branch or just dealing with a cold
Here are three points to help you make the right call:
  • How frequent is the sneezing?
  • How long does the sneezing last without stopping?
  • Does the sneezing come with snot or nasal water?

How Do You Treat Nasal Branches in Cats?

Contrary to popular belief, the nasal branch in cats is not a dangerous situation. That said, early detection and prompt attention are vital to managing the problem effectively. The nasal branch has symptoms similar to the regular cold in cats. That is why new shit shoveling officers struggle to differentiate them.
Cold occurs in your cat when its body is cold. The symptoms, in this case, include nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. It has little or nothing to do with appetite and the overall spirit of the cat.
Cats with nasal branches show early symptoms similar to that of the common cold – they sneeze and develop runny noses. However, these are not all. You will also notice fever, purulent discharge, conjunctivitis, secretion-blocked eyes, tearing of the eyes, paroxysmal cough, and higher body temperature.
Body temperature is the biggest distinguishing factor in the early days. Start by measuring the body temperature of the cat. Body temperatures of 39.5 degrees and above means you should visit a vet immediately for fever reduction. But temperatures between 38.5 and 39 degrees are not problematic.
a sneezing cat

Other Important Treatment Tips

Here are other things you should know and observe during treatment;

Avoid Bathing Your Cat

Bathing a sick or cold cat will only aggravate the situation and prolong the treatment. It can also be fatal in some cases.

Keep Your Cat Indoors

A cat’s resistance or immunity drops to its lowest when they are sick. They are more prone to bacterial and germ infections at this point, most of which cause skin diseases. Taking sick cats may also put other cats at risk.

Keep Taking Lysine

It is essential to take lysine consistently during treatment, but you may stop if there are no visible improvements.

Do Not Vaccinate

Only cats that are healthy and asymptomatic should be vaccinated. So, ensure your cat is fully cured before presenting it for vaccination.

Conclusion

Spring comes with the strongest wave of nasal branch outbreaks. That is why cat owners are advised to stay indoors more and ensure their cats do not have contact with wild or sick cats. Once you discover your cat is infected, the first thing to do is isolate it. Then disinfect the surroundings and set up a long-time treatment plan for the cat, starting with stabilization.
We must always take charge as pet parents. The health of our pets depends on our actions and inactions. This article serves as a guideline for every cat parent dealing with cold or similar sickness in cats. Remember, it is always recommended to consult a vet whenever you notice anything out of the ordinary.
SUBSCRIBE
Subscibe for our newsletter to get updates on the latest products, offers, and more.
CATEGORIES
Latest Articles
Professing love to your furry companions with considerable care.
Dog
Embarking on the exciting adventure with your canine pals.
Cat
Launching the journey into your feline friends' inner world.
CATEGORIES
Latest Articles
Professing love to your furry companions with considerable care.
Dog
Embarking on the exciting adventure with your canine pals.
Cat
Launching the journey into your feline friends' inner world.
BLOG / Cat
How to Prevent Cat Drinking Fountain From Getting Moldy?
by Alexander Thompson
Sep 08, 2023
3 minute read
For our furry friends, cat fountains provide a steady supply of clean, circulating water. These fountains, however, can unwittingly produce a moist atmosphere that promotes mold growth. You might be worried about potential mold problems if you’re thinking about buying a cat fountain. Mold spores that land on wet surfaces inside the fountain can quickly grow and develop mold patches that are fuzzy and either black or white.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
What Is A Hairless Cat Called?
by Alexander Thompson
Aug 17, 2023
3 minute read
Hairless cats are always a sight to behold. You do not encounter these captivating felines with unique appearances every day. Also known as Sphynx cats, hairless cats exist in different patterns and colors. These charming creatures are popular for their fine fuzz or thin coat of downy hair. Other endearing yet distinctive features of Sphynx cats have made them a topic of interest among pet lovers and enthusiasts across the globe.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How To Tell A Cat’s Age?
by Alexander Thompson
Aug 03, 2023
2 minute read
It is common among cat owners to ask how old their furry pal is. Unfortunately, most cat parents cannot answer this question - only a few know their pets’ exact or estimated age, either in cat years or human years. Knowing your cat’s age can help attend to their needs and keep them happy and healthy.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
Kidney Disease in Cats: What Should You Know?
by Alexander Thompson
Jul 25, 2023
4 minute read
Billi is a 14-year-old cat who can use pet buttons to since May 2020. Many people may wonder whether Billi truly comprehends the meaning of the buttons. To be frank, we are unsure! But we can confirm that she presses the button in the appropriate context most of the time and she thoroughly enjoys using them.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How To Trick Your Cat to Drink More Water?
by Alexander Thompson
Jul 07, 2023
4 minute read
The desert ancestry of cats means they take less water compared to their canine counterparts. Getting your cat to drink more water can help prevent urinary problems and ensure their kidneys and urinary tract operate properly. The only hurdle here is how difficult it can be to encourage cats to drink more water.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
What Is Urinary Tract Infection in Cats?
by Alexander Thompson
Jun 29, 2023
3 minute read
Cat’s bathroom habits are not strange to most owners. Spending time cleaning the litterbox provides an excellent way to assess your pet’s bathroom habits and, more importantly, their urinary tract health. A change in the bathroom behavior of your cat may indicate the presence of a urinary tract problem. Problems associated with urinary tracts present in cats of all kinds. Antibiotics can solve some of these urinary tract infections (UTIs), while surgery may be necessary for extreme issues like bladder stones and blockages.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
Is Your Cat Dehydrated? Here Is How to Find Out
by Alexander Thompson
Jun 20, 2023
2 minute read
Cats need water to stay hydrated and healthy. Adequate hydration in cats has a few benefits, including improved body temperature regulation, better digestion, and prevention of urinary tract issues. The nature of cats as obligate carnivores means their diet is made up of mostly protein-rich products. However, this also puts them at risk of dehydration. That is why cat owners must always ensure their cats can easily access fresh and clean water.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How To Make Your Cat Use Water Fountain?
by Alexander Thompson
Dec 15, 2022
2 minute read
Cat owners must have had the experience of having cat bowls with water in them. But instead, these cats are more interested in drinking from the owner’s cup. Many cats even end up breaking several cups. You may also discover that your cat is attracted to the sound of running water whenever you turn on a faucet or shower. They are even eager to lick the flowing water, but to no avail. As a cat owner, you may then prepare a water fountain for your feline friend only to find out that your pet is uninterested in it. Fortunately, this is the right place if the aforementioned has been your experience. This blog can help you make your cat fall in love with a water fountain, whether you have purchased one or not.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How Often Should You Replace Cat Water Fountain Filter?
by Alexander Thompson
Dec 07, 2022
2 minute read
Your pet’s overall well-being is your sole responsibility as a pet owner. You must provide all the love and support your furry friend needs to stay healthy and happy. But you can only do this when you understand what is expected of you. One of these expectations is providing your pets with a regular supply of safe, clean, healthy food and water. Cat water fountains help to meet this need partly.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How to Get Rid of Cat Smell?
by Alexander Thompson
Nov 30, 2022
2 minute read
Homeowners get irritated by lingering cat smells. And sometimes, the home residents become used to the scent and no longer notice. However, guests and potential buyers will notice the smell. Moreover, cats find their smells offensive. Cats usually use urine to mark territories. A cat may develop behavioral issues after smelling another cat’s scent, especially a cat from another household. These behavioral issues include agitation, aggression, or peeing in inappropriate places like outside their litter boxes. For example, your cat may continue peeing on the carpet due to the lingering urine smell on that spot. 
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How to Take Care of Senior Cats?
by Alexander Thompson
Nov 24, 2022
2 minute read
One way to keep your domestic cat alive and healthy for as long as possible is to feed her well. However, it gets somewhat tricky when your feline friend grows old. Wondering how old your cat is? Cats age in a different way from humans. The aging in cats often depends on the breed and the environment they live. Generally, cats that are 11 years old are considered to be in their senior stage.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
Should Your Cat Use An Elevated Bowl?
by Alexander Thompson
Nov 17, 2022
2 minute read
Cats are known for being choosy about what they eat. However, your cat’s willingness to eat might depend on how and what you feed her every day. Choosing the best food bowl can be tricky, considering the endless options available in the market. One of these options is an elevated cat feeder, which becomes much more popular in recent days. Unlike traditional cat food bowls designed to sit flat on the ground, the elevated cat bowls sit up, adopting an elevated position to make your furry ball eat in a comfortable manner.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
Tips for Taking Plane with Your Cat
by Alexander Thompson
Nov 14, 2022
2 minute read
We have grown so close to our pets that we see and treat them as part of our family. That means they are most likely to follow us wherever we go, including on planes. Taking your furry friend on an airplane is more complex than it seems. It requires adequate planning, from knowing the best airlines for such trips to preparing your cat for every possible situation weeks before the trip. It is also important to have contingency plans to take care of unforeseen flight cancellations or delays.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How Long Do Cats Sleep?
by Alexander Thompson
Nov 10, 2022
2 minute read
Cats sleep most of the day. On average, some cats can sleep 15 hours a day, some even sleep up to 20 hours a day. This is because cats are crepuscular creatures – they are more active at dawn and dusk while sleeping in between.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How to Pick The Right Toys for Your Cat?
by Alexander Thompson
Oct 11, 2022
3 minute read
Toys are essential supplies in a cat’s life. You need these exciting pieces to keep your cat’s hunting instincts and desires active. Toys also consume your cat’s physical energy and create a strong bond between you and your furry friend. However, most cat owners do not know the right toys to choose for their cats.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How to Find A Lost Cat
by Alexander Thompson
Sep 12, 2022
2 minute read
Cats are naturally curious animals and love playing hide-and-seek with their owners. So, these feline creatures get lost from time to time. If your cat is missing, you shouldn’t be too worried. Instead, you should determine the scope of the search first and then start your search immediately. This blog discusses effective methods that can help in finding your cat. But hopefully, you won’t have to use these methods.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How Much Should You Feed Your Cat?
by Alexander Thompson
Sep 02, 2022
3 minute read
Usually, cat food packaging contains instructions on how much food to feed your cat at each age and weight stage. Nevertheless, some cat owners, especially novice owners, are still concerned that their cat is not eating enough or overeating. Furthermore, the eating habits of different breeds of cats may vary. So, correctly judging the quantity of food your furkid consumes seems important.
Read More
SUBSCRIBE
Subscibe for our newsletter to get updates on the latest products, offers, and more.
SUBSCRIBE
Subscibe for our newsletter to get updates on the latest products, offers, and more.