Have you ever been startled by your cat sneezing and wondered why cats sneeze and if they can suffer from allergies like humans? A cat’s sense of smell is 14 times better than ours and allergies are a common condition for them to struggle with. Let’s break down the facts about a cat’s achoo so you can learn more about their extraordinary sense of smell and learn to identify why your cat keeps sneezing.
Why Do Cats Sneeze?
Cats sneeze for the exact same reason you do: to clear irritants from their nasal passages. An occasional sneeze triggered by dust, pollen, or a tickle in the nose is normal, and typically nothing to worry about if your cat seems healthy otherwise. However, if your cat sneezes frequently or persistently, this could be a sign of an issue like allergies, respiratory infections, or irritants in the air. If sneezing goes on for several days, or appears alongside other symptoms, it’s best to contact your vet.
It’s worth noting that indoor cats sneeze just as often as outdoor cats. Things like dust, mould, and scented products can all trigger a sneeze. You may also notice something called a “reverse sneeze” which involves rapid inhalation, and can sound like snorting or choking. Though it may sound concerning, reverse sneezes are usually harmless. Just like regular sneezes, however, if it becomes frequent or persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s best to take your cat to the vet.
Cats have more than 200 million odour receptors, making their sense of smell incredibly strong. Cats sneeze for many of the same reasons that humans do! Most cat sneezing happens because particles in the air have irritated your pet’s nasal passage. Mould, smoke, dust, fragrances and even their fur can cause your cat to sneeze. It is a natural defence mechanism against unwanted particles in the air, however, if your cat keeps sneezing you could be dealing with more serious allergies or an illness.
A cat’s sense of smell allows them to identify people and objects, which is why their sense of smell is so powerful, this also helps them sniff out catnip treats you may have hidden in secret spots. This means the optimal function of their olfactory system is even more important for their overall health and well-being.
Common Causes of Cat Sneezing
Why do cats sneeze often? Here are some of the most common causes of cat sneezing to be aware of:
Allergies
Allergies are a common condition that cats can suffer from. Cats can be allergic to many of the same things we are allergic to, including their fur!
There are 4 different types of allergies found in cats: insects (fleas), food allergies, skin allergies and environmental allergies. Cat allergies could be caused by common triggers such as pollen, cleaning products, food, scented litter, smoke, plants, fabrics and medications.
Allergies can cause respiratory difficulties in cats so it is important to be vigilant for the range of symptoms, which include: repeated sneezing, coughing, wheezing, runny eyes, vomiting, diarrhoea and repeated licking or grooming. Cats may also appear lethargic and less interested in activities they usually enjoy like playing games.
External materials
External materials refer to foreign objects trapped on your pet’s nose that could be causing discomfort and repeated bouts of sneezing. Common external materials that could get stuck in your cat’s nose are food, bones, plants, plastic from toys and litter.
Other symptoms include your cat pawing at their nose/face. Coughing or retching may also be observed if the object has travelled from the nose to the larynx. If you think your sneezing cat has external materials trapped in their nose you should contact your vet for advice.
Respiratory infections
Respiratory infections are another common cause of sneezing in cats. Like humans, cats can catch colds, flu and more serious respiratory infections. Symptoms are similar to those we experience when we have colds, including sneezing, coughing, runny nose, fever, lethargy and congestion. Cats are more susceptible in places like catteries or multi-cat households.
You may need to take them to the vet as some infections may be caused by bacteria and your pet could need antibiotics.
Cats can also suffer from hay fever-like symptoms due to nasal irritation from pollen and can also develop respiratory difficulties, so it is important to monitor and take note of their symptoms and contact your vet if they continue.
Dental Disease
Dental disease may cause sneezing in cats, because the roots of a cat’s upper teeth sit very close to the nasal passages and sinuses. If your cat’s tooth becomes infected, it can spread into the nearby sinus cavities. The resulting irritation can lead to nasal inflammation and repeated sneezing.
Environment
Just like with humans, a cat’s environment can also trigger sneezing, particularly if there are a lot of irritants in the air. Substances like dust, cleaning sprays, and even some types of cat litter can irritate your cat’s nostrils and cause them to sneeze. Outdoor environments can also expose your cat to allergens like pollen, mould spores, and other plant material, which might agitate their nose and cause sneezing.
Stress
Stress can’t directly cause sneezing in cats. However, it can worsen the underlying respiratory issues which cause cats to sneeze. For example, viruses like feline herpesvirus can stay mostly dormant in the body and flare up during periods of stress. This can cause symptoms like sneezing, nasal discharge, or watery eyes. Many things can cause stress in cats, including moving house, sudden changes in routine, or visits to the vet. During times like these, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your cat and monitor how their immune system is holding up.
My Cat Keeps Sneezing a Lot: When Should I Worry?
Occasional “tickle” sneezes are perfectly normal for cats, and usually nothing to worry about. However, if you notice your cat sneezing in repeated fits over several days, this could indicate an issue that needs veterinary attention.
Persistent sneezing can be triggered by environmental irritants, for example dust, smoke, pollen or scented cleaning products. If you notice your cat sneezing a lot, it can be helpful to consider whether there’s been any changes in your cat’s surroundings lately. This is especially true if your cat has only just started exploring outdoors, as irritant exposure is a common concern when new owners start wondering “can a kitten go outside?”
Other symptoms that appear alongside sneezing can also give you clues about the cause. Watery eyes or a clear nasal discharge can point to allergies. A thicker, cloudier discharge, fever, lethargy, or a loss of appetite could indicate an infection or cat flu, which you should contact your vet about. If you notice breathing difficulties, blood in the discharge, or a sudden loss of appetite, these could be the signs of a medical emergency, and require urgent medical attention. Note that snoring can appear alongside sneezing as part of a respiratory issue, so understanding cat snoring causes and when to be concerned is a good idea for any cat owner.
How do you treat a sneezing cat?
You can prevent and manage cat sneezing by making simple changes around your home and monitoring if they make a difference to your cat’s health. Maintaining good respiratory health for cats is as important as ours, these changes will not only benefit your cat but will also improve the overall air quality indoors for everyone.
- Firstly, focus your attention on where your cat seems to experience allergies around your home and then make extra efforts to clean and hoover these areas.
- Some cats may sneeze when entering the litter tray due to fragranced litter, try changing their litter to an unscented brand.
- Air purifiers with a HEPA filter can also help with issues such as dust and pollen around your home triggering your pet.
- Frequently grooming your cat may help if you suspect their fur is a trigger.
- Using hard floors may help if you suspect your pet is triggered by the carpet.
- Antihistamines or other allergy medications may be prescribed by your vet if allergy symptoms continue. You can help administer these by hiding them inside treats!
Embracing the occasional achoo
Ultimately, your cat’s respiratory health isn't that different to ours. Some cats sneeze more than others and some are slightly more sensitive to certain triggers like dust or fragranced litter.
Repeated or prolonged bouts of sneezing accompanied by other symptoms may point to underlying allergies or even a respiratory infection. Always check with your vet if you have concerns about your cat’s sneezing pattern, especially if the problem worsens, is accompanied by any other symptoms or persists.
Check out our delicious range of Dreamies™ Treats for days when your pet needs a pick-me-up.
Prevention & Vaccines
Annual vaccinations are an important part of preventing some of the common causes of sneezing in cats, particularly feline herpesvirus and calicivirus, the two conditions which together cause “cat flu”. Making sure your cat is vaccinated will not only reduce the severity of symptoms, but also reduce the risk of infection spreading from one cat to another. Veterinary charities such as the PDSA and Blue Cross emphasise that vaccination, along with keeping a clean home and limiting exposure to sick cats, are the most effective ways to prevent sneezing episodes.
Cat sneezing-FAQs
Why is my indoor cat sneezing?
Indoor cats can sneeze for a number of reasons, even though they’re protected from outdoor allergens. Common triggers include strong cleaning products, household dust, scented sprays, smoke, and even some varieties of cat litter. Indoor cats can also carry dormant infections like feline herpesvirus, which may occasionally flare up and agitate sneezing. Though keeping a clean home and monitoring environmental triggers can reduce irritation, you should always consult a vet about persistent sneezing.
Do cat colds go away on their own?
Similar to humans, mild viral colds usually resolve without treatment in 1-3 weeks, particularly if your cat has generally good health otherwise. Supportive care, such as keeping them hydrated, ensuring easy access to food, and maintaining a warm, stress-free environment can all help to speed up recovery. However, if you notice your cat’s symptoms worsening, or being accompanied by a thick nasal discharge, lethargy, or a sudden change in appetite, it’s often a good idea to contact a vet.
Is sneezing a symptom of FIV?
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) mainly weakens your cat’s immune system, rather than causing sneezing itself. However, cats with FIV can develop respiratory infections, which may result in increased sneezing. Remember that sneezing alone isn’t a reliable indicator of FIV, and you’ll need to take your cat for testing to get a definite diagnosis. If your cat is FIV-positive, it’s crucial to monitor for recurring respiratory signs, and keep up regular veterinary care to ensure infections are managed promptly.
