The infrequent sneeze from the cat is totally natural and shouldn't worry you, but frequent sneezing might. Sneezing is the body's mechanism for clearing an irritant out of the nose and is a common response in humans to discomfort in the nasal passages. A trip to the vet may be necessary if your cat's sneeze doesn't stop or if it's accompanied by other symptoms like coughing or a runny nose and eyes.
Reasons Cats Sneeze
Reasons Cats Sneeze
Numerous things can cause a cat to sneeze. It's crucial to seek treatment because some conditions can be more severe than others. If your cat is sneezing more frequently than normal, there are a few possibilities:
1: A higher respiratory infection
2: Toxin exposure Reaction to pollen, dust, or another allergy
3: Object in the Airway, such as a Grass Blade
4: Structural deviation
5: Cancer (frequently lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma)
Why is the cat sneezing?
Upper respiratory tract infections, typically brought on by viruses like feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus, are the most typical reason for persistent sneezing in cats. While both of these viruses can spread between cats, humans cannot contract them. Stress frequently worsens symptoms of illness or increases cat-to-cat transmission.
The goal of treatment for feline colds and flu is to manage symptoms as your cat battles the virus, much like with human colds and flu. Antibiotics can be used to treat secondary bacterial infections brought on by viral illnesses. Cats can have fungal infections in their noses, but these are less common.
In contrast to people, cats do not often sneeze due to allergies, but they may do so if they inhale something irritating. Cigarette smoke, dirty cat litter, scents, cleaning solutions, mold, dust, pollen, and even candles are examples of potential irritants. Keep an eye on the timing of all sneezing to try to determine the cause. For example, does your cat sneeze while you are cleaning your home or right after you change the cat litter?
Rarer causes of chronic sneezing in cats may involve tumors in the nasal cavities, inhaled foreign objects like grass blades, and dental root infections that are leaking into the cat's sinuses.
Treatment of cat sneezing
If your veterinarian suspects a viral component, they can provide antivirals. They might also recommend the use of antibiotics if they anticipate a bacterial infection. Anti-inflammatories and other drugs may or may not be necessary. Some veterinarians advise using saline nose drops.
After administering the most basic URI treatment, if your cat's condition does not improve, your veterinarian may check for underlying illnesses that compromise your cat's immune system, such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). Although many conditions cannot be cured, they are frequently treatable, enabling cats to live generally healthy lives. Cats who have URIs may also have other, more severe illnesses. To find out if there is an underlying condition, your veterinarian will probably suggest lab tests.
A rhinoscopy may be advised by your veterinarian if all other options have been exhausted. While the cat is unconscious, a tiny camera is inserted into its nasal passages to check for anomalies. Cats occasionally swallow microscopic foreign objects into their airways, such as grass blades. A rhinoscopy frequently reveals and removes this. Additionally, nasal polyps, tumors, enlargement of the upper airway, and anatomical abnormalities could also be discovered during a rhinoscopy. During the procedure, polyps and tumors may or might not be removed. Sometimes additional surgery or cutting-edge imaging techniques, such as a CT scan, are required.
How to Stop Cat Sneezing
However, there are some things you may try at home to avoid sneezing in the future if your cat has been sneezing often for some time but shows no other symptoms of sickness.
Do you now have a different litter? Cats may sneeze while using litter that is dusty or fragrant. Try switching to an unscented, low-dust cat litter.
Use any recent goods in your house? Certain scents, including those of cleaning products, candles, scented oils, inhaling smoke, detergents, and perfumes, can irritate certain cats. Change to mild or unscented items. Think about using inexpensive cleaning supplies like baking soda and diluted vinegar.
Do you need to clean your home? Your cat can react to dust and pollen in your home. Keep in mind that cats frequently hang out on the ground. Thoroughly sweep and hoover your house. Use a non-toxic, odorless cleaner to clean surfaces.
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