Why Is My Cat Sneezing So Much? Common Causes & What to Do

When your cat starts sneezing repeatedly or you notice an uptick in the amount they’re sneezing, it’s normal to be concerned. The sneezing itself is a natural reflex that helps clear irritants from the cat’s nose, but frequent sneezing may indicate an underlying problem. In this article, we’ll answer the question you likely have in this scenario: Is my cat’s sneezing normal, or should I be concerned?

Is Occasional Sneezing in Cats Normal?

Remember, sneezing is a natural reflex that helps clear irritants from the nasal passages. You wouldn’t be concerned if you yourself were sneezing on occasion, and you shouldn’t be concerned if your cat is doing the same.

Your cat may sneeze if they get dust or household irritants up their nose, when they smell something strong like a perfume or cleaning product, or if they’re dealing with any cause of temporary nasal irritation.

So long as there are no other symptoms, occasional sneezing is not usually a cause for concern. When the sneezing is frequent or accompanied with other symptoms (more on these later), then it’s time to consider common cat sneezing causes and what you should do to help your cat.

Common Causes of Frequent Sneezing in Cats

If you’ve noticed your cat sneezing a lot, the following are common causes of frequent sneezing in cats that you should consider:

1. Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs): URIs are one of the most common causes of frequent sneezing in cats. Usually, URIs in cats are caused by viral infections, but cats can also get bacterial URIs or develop a bacterial infection secondary to a viral infection. Because of how common URIs are in cats, we’ll cover these in more detail in a later section.
2. Allergies: Occasionally, environmental allergies can cause frequent sneezing in cats. These allergens could include dust, mold, pollen, household chemicals, and more. It’s worth noting, however, that allergies in cats are more likely to cause skin conditions than they are to cause hay fever signs.
3. Nasal Irritants: Any nasal irritant can cause sneezing. If exposure to the irritant continues, the cat may sneeze frequently until the stimulus is removed. These irritants include things like smoke, cleaning products, and scented products (candles, perfumes/colognes, air fresheners, etc.)
4. Foreign Objects: A cat may sneeze if a foreign object is lodged in the nasal passages. The sneezing aims to dislodge the foreign object. Grass is a common foreign object that can get stuck in a cat’s nose.
5. Dental Problems: Severe dental disease can sometimes affect the nearby sinus cavities. As a result, the inflammation may trigger a cat to sneeze a lot.

Less common causes of frequent sneezing in cats include nasal tumors and fungal infections. If other causes have been ruled out, it’s important to consider these less common but dangerous causes of frequent sneezing.

Symptoms That May Accompany Cat Sneezing

If sneezing is frequent or accompanied by other symptoms, your cat may be dealing with an illness or health condition that needs treated.

Signs to watch for include:

• Nasal discharge
• Watery or swollen eyes
• Excessive blinking or squinting
• Coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty eating
• Sores in the mouth or on the nose
• Loose teeth
• Foul breath (halitosis)
• Lethargy
• Nosebleeds
• Swelling over the bridge of the nose or facial swelling

These symptoms may indicate respiratory infection or more serious illness. Make sure to contact your veterinarian if you’re noticing symptoms.

Cat Upper Respiratory Infections

As previously mentioned, URIs are among the most common reasons a cat may sneeze a lot. The most common causes of URIs in cats are viral, specifically feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. Bacteria that can cause or complicate upper respiratory infections in cats include Bordetella bronchiseptica and Chlamydophila felis.

Other cat upper respiratory infection symptoms that frequently accompany sneezing in cats include:

• Nasal congestion and discharge
• Discharge from the eyes
• Excessive blinking or squinting
• Swollen conjunctiva (pink tissue) around the eyes
• Reduced appetite
• Sores in the mouth or on the nose

Much like humans can get cold sores in times of stress (also caused by a herpesvirus), cat URIs can recur in times of stress. Examples of triggers include moving to a new home, a new pet or child entering the home, and home maintenance projects. Kittens, shelter cats, unvaccinated cats, and cats with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and/or feline leukemia virus (FeLV) may be more vulnerable to URIs.

Most mild URIs will improve with supportive care. If symptoms are severe or not improving, veterinary treatment may be needed. It is possible for URIs to create permanent damage to the eyes or the inside of the nose. Permanent changes to the inside of the nose may predispose the cat to frequent sneezing and nasal discharge.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Sneezing in Cats

Most cases of sneezing will be diagnosed with a history and physical exam. If the veterinarian can see that your cat has signs of a URI, for example, they can usually diagnose the condition with no further testing.

If additional testing is needed, it could include:

• Testing for FIV and FeLV
• Routine blood work and urinalysis to check systemic health
• Culture to determine the specific cause of infection
• Urine testing or other forms of testing for fungal infections
• Skull and/or dental radiographs
• Rhinoscopy, which is the placement of a camera into the nasal passages (usually performed by a specialist)
• CT scan of the head (usually performed by a specialist)

Treatment Options for Sneezing Cats

Cat sneezing treatment depends on the underlying cause.

Possible treatments could include:

• Supportive care, such as subcutaneous fluids or appetite stimulants
• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antiviral medications
• Antihistamines for allergies
• Removal of foreign body
• Dental cleaning with or without tooth extractions
• Surgery, radiation, or other specialized treatments for tumors
• Antifungal medications

Mild irritation may resolve once environmental triggers are removed. If sneezing continues, however, follow up with the veterinarian.

When to See a Veterinarian

If you’re asking, “Why does my cat keep sneezing?” it’s probably a good idea to see a veterinarian. You should see your veterinarian if sneezing is repetitive or accompanied by other signs.

Here’s when to worry about cat sneezing:

• Sneezing that lasts more than several days
• Cloudy, yellow, green, or blood-tinged nasal discharge
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or fever

Cat sneezing is very rarely caused by a medical issue that would be considered an emergency. Seek emergency attention if your cat is bleeding heavily from the nose or if they’re having difficulty breathing, especially if they’re breathing with their mouth open.

No matter the cause of cat sneezing, early diagnosis is associated with better outcomes and can help prevent complications.

Tips for Preventing Respiratory Irritation in Cats

The following tips can help you prevent many causes of respiratory irritation in cats:

• Keep living areas clean and dust-free with regular vacuuming
• Avoid strong chemical cleaners and fragrances
• Maintain good ventilation and humidity levels in the home
• Keep your cat indoors
• Keep vaccinations up to date
• Take care of your cat’s dental health with toothbrushing, dental treats, and other dental products
• Have your pet seen regularly for wellness exams

Key Takeaways

While occasional sneezing in cats is usually harmless, frequent or persistent sneezing may indicate a health issue, such as an upper respiratory infection, dental disease, or other health concerns. Consult a veterinarian if sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms, like nasal discharge or loss of appetite. Early intervention can help your cat feel better more quickly.