Why does my cat sneeze a lot? Humans are not the only ones who sneeze, animals like dogs and cats do too. Although it is very common for it to happen occasionally, when we notice that our pet sneezes more than normal, it is a sign that something is happening and that they may be sick.
In the case of cats, one of the most common pets, they can sneeze due to movement and even emotion. However, here at OneHOWTO we explain what are the possible causes that answer your question about “Why does my cat sneeze a lot?” and the symptoms you should be aware of when this happens.
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Why Does My Cat Sneeze A Lot? – Causes Of Sneezing In Cats
Like people, cats expel air sharply from the nasal passages and the mouth to clean any external agent within the mucous membranes; The problem occurs when the little feline begins to have a runny nose and sneeze very often.
Apart from a drip, you may have watery eyes and loss of appetite for the simple fact of not being able to smell your food, hence it is of the utmost importance consult the vet to find the exact reason for frequent dribbling and sneezing.
Normally, the main causes of sneezing in cats are the following, although there are also other possible ones as we will see later.
Allergens that make your cat sneeze a lot
Cats can have respiratory allergies due to particles in the environment and even to some food with a particular smell. Observe what you are using that is new at home and if every time you use it the frequent sneezes start, if so, you will know that it is. Remember that the nose of felines is extremely delicate and any strong odor that they do not tolerate well can irritate their mucous membranes.
Between the cat respiratory allergies can be presented:
- Dust.
- Dusty cat litter.
- Insecticides, disinfectants or spray perfumes.
- Candles.
- Chlorine, soap and other cleaning products.
These kinds of allergies don’t always cause sneezing, so keep an eye out for any other symptoms like a skin rash or constant itching. In this case, it is necessary to take it to a veterinary consultation where the professional will prescribe antihistamines or steroidsdepending on what you need.
Your cat sneezes a lot due to viruses or bacteria
The bacterial and viral infections They are very common in cats and generally have symptoms such as frequent sneezing. However, many of these can be prevented after vaccination.
One of the most common viral infections that, among other symptoms, causes sneezing is feline herpes, transmitted from one infected cat to another through food or mutual cleaning with their tongues. Although it is a difficult virus to treat, medication can improve the animal.
Another very common virus is feline calcivirus; This is characterized by focusing mainly on the cat’s mouth and lungs, triggering an infection which, if not treated in time, can turn into pneumonia.
Other causes that generate frequent sneezing in cats
As we mentioned before, most of the sneezing in cats They are due to allergies, viruses and bacteria, however these can trigger complications and other kinds of diseases which would cause serious problems in the feline’s health.
The FIV or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus it develops very slowly in the cat, but when it is triggered it can cause severe damage to the cat’s immune system and therefore make it more susceptible to other kinds of infections.
- Feline infectious peritonitis.
- Leukemia.
- Chlamydia.
- bacteria like Bordeaux or Mycoplasma.
In very rare cases, sneezing may be due to a nasal obstruction and on rare occasions it is a symptom of cats with cancer. There have also been cases where cats with dental problems, say infected roots or teeth, generate secretions towards the paranasal sinuses, causing frequent sneezing. Please note that the intranasal vaccines they can cause sneezing for 4 to 7 days.
When to see the vet
Since you noticed the frequency in the sneezes, keep an eye on it. If he is away from home, make sure he stays inside and away from any of the allergens mentioned above. If you notice that it is due to its sand, change it for another. Observe for a few days, approximately 5, if you do not have sneezing with blood, excess fluids, watery eyes or any other symptoms such as these:
- Fever.
- Loss or lack of appetite.
- Weightloss.
- Fatigue.
- Eye inflammation, discharge, or conjunctivitis.
- Cough.
- Nasal discharge with a yellowish or greenish color.
- Diarrhea.
- vomiting.
- Difficulty breathing accompanied by gasping and wheezing.
- Dull or falling hair.
If a few days go by and you continue to sneeze or if you notice several of these symptoms, take your cat to the vet as soon as you can
There is a vaccine known as FVRCP vaccine and is indicated for cats at an early age, to prevent feline herpes and other serious viral diseases. It is also used to protect the animal from FIV and some other infection that originates from it. The best option is talk to the vet and consult him if it is indicated or not for your cat to give him said vaccine.
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