One of the prettiest sounds you’ll ever hear is a cat sneeze, but is it ever a cause for alarm? Like people, cats can get colds, upper respiratory infections, and sinus infections. Other illnesses, though, can also cause those adorable little sneezes.

Causes of Sneezing in Cats

Virulent Upper Respiratory Infections

Cats with upper respiratory infections (URIs) frequently sneeze. Upper respiratory infections, also known as the “common cold” or “cat flu,” can be viral, bacterial, or even fungal, though that is less frequent.

These infections can last for a week to a month, with the average uncomplicated case lasting seven to ten days.

Symptoms

• Sneezing repeatedly for several hours or days
• Unusual nasal or eye discharge that can be clear, yellow, green, or crimson
• Repeatedly swallowing or coughing
• Fatigue or fever
• Reduced appetite or dehydration

Cats that are young, old, immunosuppressed, and unvaccinated are more likely to get URIs than other cats. Those housed in groups, such as shelters and multicat families, are also susceptible because many of the viruses that cause these ailments are highly contagious, especially if they haven’t received vaccinations.

Treatment

Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases for more extensive care such intravenous fluids and nutritional supplementation. Upper respiratory infections can result in pneumonia, persistent breathing problems, and even blindness if they are not treated.

If you think your cat has an upper respiratory infection, try these fast fixes to help:

• Clean your cat’s nose and face frequently with warm, moist cloth to remove any discharge.
• To get your cat to eat, try warming up some canned food.
• Make sure your cat has plenty of access to fresh water.
• Run a humidifier to keep the nasal passages in your cat wet.

Sinus and Nasal Problems

Examples of inflammatory illnesses that can affect cats include sinusitis and rhinitis. While rhinitis, also known as a “stuffy nose,” is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, sinusitis is an infection of the sinus lining.

These two conditions are usually brought on by upper respiratory infections and are generally referred to as “rhinosinusitis” in cats.

Symptoms

Signs of sinusitis and rhinitis in cats, in addition to frequent sneezing, include:

• In minor situations, there is no nasal discharge OR, in severe cases, yellow, green, or bloody.
• Breathing that is labored, snoring, or mouth breathing
• Scratching one’s face
• Fearfulness with ocular discharge

Treatment

A comprehensive physical examination and study of your cat’s medical history are required for the diagnosis of rhinitis and sinusitis. Along with a nasal wash, a rhinos copy—which entails putting a tiny endoscope into the mouth or nose for improved vision of the nasal structure—may be required to gather samples.

A nasal flush, broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat or prevent bacterial infections, and a dose of steroids to open the nasal and sinus cavities are all possible treatments. In severe situations, intravenous fluids and nutritional care may also be required.

Upper respiratory diseases that are persistent

Chronic respiratory disorders can also be the cause of persistent and frequent sneezing in cats. The most frequent type of rhinitis, chronic rhinitis, typically results from immune system and nasal passage lasting harm.

Symptoms

Infections and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract are indications of chronic upper respiratory diseases in cats, but may last for weeks, months, or in short bursts. Recurrent bacterial infections brought on by ailments like chronic rhinitis might make the symptoms worse.

These signs could consist of:

• Coughing fits
• Runny, stifled nose
• Yellow, thick nasal discharge
• Reduced appetite
• Drooling and swallowing issues
• Either one or both eyes are discharged

Cats who have already recovered from severe acute viral infections, such as feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus, are more prone to develop chronic upper respiratory illnesses with symptoms that recur frequently or infrequently. Additionally, they are more vulnerable to virus reactivation brought on by stress, illness, or immunosuppression.

Treatment

Further research is required to identify the underlying causes of chronic illnesses, such as:

• Testing of the blood and urine to find viruses and other infectious disorders
  chest, nose, and throat X-rays or other types of sophisticated imaging (CT or MRI)
• Using rhinos copy to see the components inside the nose more clearly
• Unfortunately, there is no treatment for cats’ chronic upper respiratory diseases; instead, symptoms are often managed with regular veterinary care and drugs. Tiny biopsies from the nose to check for any germs are present.

Vaccines

Some vaccinations, such as those given to prevent upper respiratory infections, can also make cats sneeze. But within a few days, symptoms normally go away on their own.

Avoid the Cold by Taking Precautions

Naturally, prevention is always preferable to therapy. You might be able to keep your cat healthy and prevent them from sneezing for the rest of their lives by taking a few extra actions.

Vaccinating your cat on the schedule advised by your family veterinarian is one of the greatest strategies to prevent some infections. Call your local veterinarian if you have any questions about the health of your cat. The doctor is there for just that!