A sneezing cat is not unusual. Just like humans, they can have something stuck in their nose or their membranes can become inflamed or irritated and sneezing is the fastest and most efficient way to clear it out. Some breeds just sneeze more often than others. No one really knows why, but breeds with short nostrils and flat faces, like Persians, end up sneezing more than other cat breeds.
In many cases, an allergen is the culprit. Approximately 15% of all cats have some type of allergy. They are most likely due to:
- Insects: Fleas are the majority, as saliva from the flea’s mouth can trigger an allergy. Even when the fleas are killed, the itching may continue for some time.
- Airborne allergens: The same allergens that give us hay fever can also cause allergies in cats, including pollen, grass, and mold.
- Food and medications: Cats can be allergic to certain foods and medications, including some vaccines.
If your cat is sneezing due to an allergy, you may also notice other symptoms, including your cat constantly licking its paws, rubbing its face, or coughing. These are not always present, but they can be. Your cat may also get hives that appear about half an hour after exposure to an allergen. Hives can appear anywhere on your cat and go away after a day. The cause of hives can include insect bites, new foods, a medication or vaccine, or insecticides used to treat your lawn.
If you suspect that your sneezing is caused by an allergy, first try to determine the cause. If you have changed anything in the home (the cat’s litter or food, used an insecticide in the house, etc.), remove them and see if your cat feels better. If it’s the food, your vet may recommend some milk of magnesia to clean out the belly more quickly. Treatments with Benadryl and cortisone can also be used. A vet needs to administer them. Don’t try to do it yourself.
If your cat is suspected of having an infection, isolate her from any other animals, as the infection can be contagious. You probably also want to keep children away, as some bacteria and even viruses can be spread through contact with humans.
An abscess in the upper jaw can also cause sneezing. It can spread to the nasal passages, causing them to swell and close.
Another cause can be dust and moths. When they scramble around in the litter box, your cat can inhale them or get into the fur. Keeping the litter box clean is the best way to solve this problem and don’t use the litter in the bottom of the bag, it’s usually dust. The cat likes a clean box and this can even eliminate some behavior problems, such as spraying or going to the bathroom in another part of the house.
Finally, you’ll want to check your cat’s nose to see if anything is lodged in it. This is particularly true if your cat is constantly sneezing. They may be trying to expel the object. If you can’t get the object out or it seems to be too far down the nostril, you’ll want to get your cat to the vet as soon as possible, especially if it’s stressing her out or she’s having problems. heavy breathing
As usual, keeping track of your cat’s personality and behavior is a good way to tell if something is wrong. If your cat sneezes from time to time, it’s no big deal. But if they suddenly start sneezing when they never did or the sneezing gets worse, it could be a symptom and not just a sneeze.
