Cats are adorable and often quite vocal. One of the many vocalizations they make on a regular basis is sneezing. It’s often heard at least a few times per day, whether it’s a single sneeze or a few in a row. Most of the time, cats sneezing is completely normal and nothing to worry about. But why do cats sneeze?
Most cats sneeze as a way to clear their nasal passages of irritants. This could be anything from a hairball to a piece of dust. They may also sneeze due to allergies or a cold, just like humans do. However, cats can sometimes sneeze due to other causes, such as a tumor or a fungal infection. So it’s important to know what could be causing your cat’s sneezing.
Common Causes for Cats Sneezing
The most common cause for cats sneezing is an irritant in their environment. This could be anything from pollen to dust. If your cat spends a lot of time outdoors, they may be more prone to sneezing due to environmental irritants. It’s also possible that your cat may be allergic to certain things in their environment, such as certain plants or animals.
Another common cause of cats sneezing is a cold or upper respiratory infection. Just like humans, cats can get colds and other respiratory infections that may cause them to sneeze. This can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or fungus. If your cat is sneezing and has other symptoms such as a runny nose or coughing, it’s possible they have a cold or upper respiratory infection.
Allergies and Cats Sneezing
Cats can also suffer from allergies just like humans. Allergies can cause cats to sneeze due to an overreaction of their immune system. Allergies can be caused by anything in their environment, from pollen to food. If your cat is sneezing due to allergies, they may also have other symptoms such as itchy eyes or skin, or a runny nose.
Infectious Diseases and Cats Sneezing
Infectious diseases can also cause cats to sneeze. These diseases can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Some of the most common infectious diseases that can cause cats to sneeze are feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and rhinotracheitis. If your cat is sneezing and has other symptoms such as a runny nose or coughing, it’s possible they have an infectious disease.
Nasal Tumors and Cats Sneezing
Nasal tumors can also cause cats to sneeze. These tumors can be benign or malignant, and can cause a variety of symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing. If your cat is sneezing and has other symptoms such as a runny nose or difficulty breathing, it’s possible they have a nasal tumor.
Ways to Help Your Cat Stop Sneezing
If your cat is sneezing due to an environmental irritant or allergies, there are some steps you can take to help reduce their sneezing.
First, you should try to reduce their exposure to the irritant or allergen. If the irritant is something in your home, such as dust or carpet fibers, you should try to keep the area clean and free of dust. If the allergen is something outside, such as pollen, you should try to keep your cat indoors during high pollen times.
You can also try giving your cat an antihistamine to help reduce their sneezing. However, you should always check with your vet before giving your cat any medication.
How to Tell When a Cat Sneeze is Serious
Most of the time, cats sneezing is nothing to worry about. But in some cases, it can be a sign of a more serious condition. If your cat is sneezing and has other symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing, or difficulty breathing, it’s important to contact your vet. It’s also important to contact your vet if your cat is sneezing for long periods of time or if the sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting or lethargy.
Please register to leave a reply below and to post in the Forums.
English