PET HEALTH
Why Is My Cat Sneezing So Much?
Is your cat sneezing a lot? A few common conditions could be to blame, ranging from allergies to environmental irritations to viral infections. With that said, it’s important to ensure there aren’t any underlying health issues causing them to sneeze — as cute as that little “achoo” might be.
Here are some reasons why your cat might be sneezing, what you can do about it, and when to be concerned.
When in Doubt, Get Your Cat Checked Out
Why Is My Cat Sneezing?
Your cat could be sneezing for several different reasons. And while an occasional cat sneeze can be perfectly normal, frequent sneezing, sneezing blood, or other unusual symptoms may call for a trip to the vet.1
If your cat’s sneezing is more than just the odd tickle in their nose, it could be due to one of these common causes of sneezing in cats. Take a closer look.
Viral respiratory infections
There are a few different viruses that can cause upper respiratory infections in cats, including feline herpesvirus type-1 and feline calicivirus.1 Beyond sneezing, other symptoms of upper respiratory infections in your cat can include nasal congestion, conjunctivitis (inflamed eyes), and discharge from the nose or eyes.2
Staying on top of your cat’s vaccinations is a good way to prevent some of these viral infections from causing sneezing or other issues.
Bacterial infections
Bacteria like Bordetella bronchiseptica and Chlamydophila felis can also lead to infections that may result in sneezing, among other symptoms. Bacterial infections are contagious but typically treatable with antibiotics.3 Plus, there are vaccines available to help prevent these bacterial infections.
Allergies
Cats can have allergies, just like humans. Some common symptoms of allergies can include sneezing or coughing, vomiting or diarrhea, pustules, red or itchy skin, ear infections, scratching, and difficulty breathing.4
Cats can be allergic to substances in their environment, like dust. Food allergies can also develop. Your vet may be able to figure out if your cat has allergies and, if so, what they’re allergic to.
Dental disease
It may be surprising, but dental disease and sneezing in cats can be related. Severe cases of dental disease can lead to bone loss. This can sometimes result in a fistula — or hole — between their nose and mouth, causing them to experience sneezing and other nasal symptoms.5,6
Irritation
A cat’s nose can become irritated or inflamed — just like a human’s — if they inhale an object or are exposed to something irritating in their environment.7 The effect can be worse if your cat is allergic to any of these environmental irritants:
- Cigarette smoke
- Perfume
- Cleaning products
- Candles or essential oils
- Air fresheners
- Dust
- Pollen
- Grass
- Mold
If your cat begins sneezing repeatedly, take a quick inventory of anything in their environment that may have triggered it.
Fungal infections
Infections caused by fungus, such as cryptococcosis, can make your cat sneeze. Feline cryptococcosis is caused when cats inhale spores found in bird droppings and decomposing plants.
The good news is that antifungal treatments can usually fix the issue.8
Nasal tumors
Cancer is a word you never want to hear in regard to your pet, but persistent sneezing could indicate a tumor in the nasal cavity or sinuses. There are different kinds of nose cancer a cat can be diagnosed with, but excessive sneezing is a symptom of all of them.9
That said, only about 1% of cat tumors are in the nose — so don’t immediately assume cancer if your cat is sneezing a lot.9 You can check in with your vet to make sure.
When Should You See a Vet for Cat Sneezing?
If you’re wondering, “Why is my cat sneezing all of a sudden?” your first thought might be to check with your vet. However, if your cat’s only sneezing occasionally and has no other symptoms, you probably don’t need to worry or call your veterinarian.
If the sneezing becomes more frequent or even constant, you should bring your cat to a professional.1 This is especially true if you notice any other symptoms, such as:
- Frequent coughing
- Nasal discharge, including blood
- Difficulty breathing
- Behavioral changes
- Loss of appetite or weight
Your vet will then try to determine the underlying cause of the sneezing via a physical exam or imaging — like X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs. They may also perform a nasal flush, rhinoscopy, or biopsy.
Cat Insurance Can Help if Your Cat Keeps Sneezing
From wellness visits to vaccinations to treating health issues that may be causing your cat’s sneezing, a cat insurance policy with a preventive care add-on can help cover the costs.
Take Stardust, for example. When this kitten encountered an environmental allergen that triggered sneezing, the symptoms were concerning enough that her pet parent took her to the vet. The exam alone cost $210, but thanks to a MetLife Pet Insurance policy, they were reimbursed about $190 of the cost.10
Want to focus more on having fun with your cat than worrying about their health and vet bills? Get your free quote today so you’re prepared if your cat’s sneezing goes from occasional to concerning.
