Why does my cat sneeze?
It is normal for your cat to sneeze occasionally; just like us, sometimes she needs to expel something that bothers her nose. However, when sneezing becomes frequent or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to pay attention and look for the cause.
What is sneezing in cats?
Sneezing is a rapid expulsion of air through the nose and mouth, often accompanied by sudden movements of the head. It may seem harmless, but sometimes secretions such as clear, yellow, green or even bloody mucus are also expelled, which may be indicative of a larger problem.
Main causes of sneezing in cats
1. Environmental irritants: Dust, tobacco smoke, cleaning products or air fresheners can irritate your cat’s respiratory tract. They have a very sensitive sense of smell, so even small amounts of irritants can affect them.
2. Foreign bodies: Something as simple as a blade of grass or litter particles from their litter box can get stuck in your cat’s nose, causing continuous sneezing.
3. Respiratory infections:
– Viral infections, such as feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus, are the most common causes of persistent sneezing. These diseases are often accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, tearing or runny nose.
– Bacterial infections, identified by yellow or green mucus, may also be responsible.
4. Allergies: Although less common in cats than in humans, some may be allergic to elements such as pollen, certain foods or chemicals.
5. Dental or nasal problems: Tooth root infections or the presence of polyps or tumours in the nostrils may be underlying causes of frequent sneezing.
What if my cat has other symptoms?
If the sneezing is accompanied by watery eyes, persistent nasal discharge, coughing or loss of appetite, it could be a more serious respiratory infection. Diseases such as feline herpes often cause sneezing and watery eyes, especially in young cats or cats with low defences.
What to do if my cat sneezes?
〰️ Observe the pattern: If he sneezes occasionally and has no other symptoms, keep calm and watch him for a few days.
〰️ See a vet: If the sneezing is persistent, there is a bloody discharge or signs of infection (irritated eyes, fever, tiredness), see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Tips on how to care for a sneezing cat
⚪️ Prevention: the key to a healthy cat: Make sure your cat is up to date on feline herpesvirus and calicivirus vaccinations. This will help prevent the most common respiratory infections.
⚪️ Create a clean environment: Keep his space free of dust and use natural cleaning products.
⚪️Asegúrate keep him hydrated: Provide fresh water at all times.
⚪️ Avoid irritants: Reduce the use of air fresheners, scented candles or chemicals around him.
⚪️ Protect him from the cold: A warm, comfortable space will help boost his immune system.
📌 In summary, occasional sneezing is no cause for alarm, but if it becomes frequent or is accompanied by other symptoms, don’t hesitate to see your vet. Early diagnosis can make all the difference in getting your cat back to health quickly.
