Why is My Cat Sneezing?

Do you have a cat? Have they been sneezing lately? Are you concerned about what could be causing this symptom in your pet? If any of this sounds like you, don’t worry—you’re not alone.

Many cat owners worry about sneezing in their cats, and sometimes, this symptom can indicate an underlying health problem. In the article below, you’ll find information about some of the most likely reasons why your cat could be sneezing, arranged by severity. Read through this information to find out more about potential causes of feline sneezing.

Mild Causes

Listed below are the mild causes that are making your cat sneeze:

Pollen Allergy

Many cats deal with pollen allergies. These allergies may occur year-round, or they may flare up at times of the year when pollen counts are especially high. Seasonal and year-round allergies can both cause sneezing along with other respiratory symptoms in cats. Indoor and outdoor cats alike can suffer from pollen allergies, but of course, an indoor cat is less likely to be exposed to allergens.

Food Allergy

Although food allergy typically causes coat and skin health problems in cats, it can sometimes lead to respiratory symptoms, too. If your cat’s symptoms seem to worsen shortly after they have eaten, and if they are accompanied by stomach upset and poor coat health, there is a chance food allergy is the culprit.

Contaminants

Contaminants in your cat’s environment may lead to sneezing and other respiratory symptoms. These types of contaminants may include smoke, dust, and other similar substances that are not necessarily harmful, but can cause irritation. If you smoke indoors, this contaminant may cause your cat to sneeze often and can be potentially hazardous to their health as well.

Aromas

Similarly to contaminants, aromas may sometimes cause a cat to sneeze too. Aromas in the environment may come from candles, air fresheners, or essential oils. While many of these items and substances may be only mildly irritating to a cat, some can be toxic, so use them with caution.

Moderate Causes

Listed below are the moderate causes:

Respiratory Infection

Respiratory infections may be bacterial or viral, and they can sometimes be fungal, too. Cats are highly prone to respiratory illnesses, and many cats can have at least one of these types of infections at some point. If you think your cat has an infection, they should be seen by a veterinarian for treatment.

Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that may affect your cat’s ability to breathe comfortably through their nose. Some polyps are visible from the outside of the nose, but many are not. These growths will likely need to be removed, but are otherwise not too serious for most cats.

Asthma

Asthma is more common in cats than you might realize. If your cat’s allergy symptoms seem worse than typical feline allergies, talk to your vet about the possibility that your pet could have asthma. Your vet can help you determine the right way to diagnose and treat feline asthma.

Severe Causes

Listed below are the severe causes of this condition that need veterinary care:

Nasal Tumor

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that may affect your cat’s ability to breathe comfortably through their nose. Some polyps are visible from the outside of the nose, but many are not. These growths will likely need to be removed, but are otherwise not too serious for most cats.

Dental Disease

Dental disease can also lead to sneezing symptoms in cats. Cats who have broken, diseased, or rotting teeth may be prone to sneezing, as well as those who have gum disease. Keep up with your cat’s dental hygiene needs to help them stay healthier overall and to reduce the risk of severe complications as well.

Gum Abscess

A gum abscess can occur in cats with poor dental hygiene, but it can also happen in cats with healthy mouths, too. Any cat who is cut or injured on the gums or mouth has a risk of developing an abscess, which can lead to sneezing and other symptoms.

Feline Leukemia

Feline leukemia is a serious and usually fatal condition in cats. Although some cats have very few symptoms, many will suffer from respiratory problems including sneezing. A cat who sneezes frequently and seems sick overall may be dealing with a chronic health problem like feline leukemia and should be seen by a vet right away.

Contact a Veterinarian if Your Cat is Sneezing

With the help of this guide, you should be able to narrow down the possibilities and work to determine what’s causing your cat to sneeze. However, you may have difficulty pinpointing the problem, and you may need to ask your vet for more information.

Additionally, be sure to talk to your vet if your cat’s sneezing doesn’t seem to improve in a few days, or if it gets worse. Contact Orlando Vets by calling any of our locations if you have any questions or concerns about your cat sneezing. Our team of compassionate and talented veterinarians will give your cat a diagnosis and treatment plan that works best.