1. What are the most common causes of sneezing in cats?
Allergies are the most common cause of sneezing in cats. Usually, this is an allergy to plant pollen or ragweed. As a secondary reaction, their eyes will become watery and sometimes crusty. This primarily occurs during certain times of the year (such as springtime when plants are pollinating).
I’ve always wondered if people that have hay fever, actually have an allergy to cat dander. It would stand to reason that if a person was allergic to pollen from plants, they’d probably be allergic to cats, since 90% of cat allergies are caused by their dander. They say dogs cause the most allergies in humans but it’s really the fur and saliva from cats that causes the reaction. Their fur is light and airborne so when you pet your cat or a dog with long thick hair, a lot of it goes into the air in their saliva droplets which you breathe in and then the immune system in your lungs reacts to it. The symptoms of cat allergy are just like hay fever but worse. Once you’re sensitized to a certain level, the symptoms will persist year round even if you don’t come in contact with a cat.
Why do my cats sneeze so much?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions cat owners have about their feline companions.
The veterinary profession has not pinpointed the exact reason why cats sneeze so much, but there are some theories .
One theory suggests that in many cases, a cat’s sneezing is triggered by simple irritation of the nasal cavity which leads to the sneezing. This may be due to allergens in the cat’s environment or possibly some type of irritant, such as dust.
Another theory about why cats sneeze so much has to do with certain neurologic disorders, which are associated with head shaking and abnormal respiratory noises including sneezing . These neurologic disorders can include seizures, head trauma and brain tumors.
It is not uncommon for a cat to sneeze occasionally and it may be nothing more than the feline version of an “allergies.” If your cat is sneezing often or if you notice any other changes in behavior such as lack of appetite or lethargy, consult your veterinarian .
How can you tell if your cat is sneezing because of a cold or another illness?
Cats are known to have many different types of physical reactions when they are ill. Sneezing is one common reaction that can occur in cats, especially if they are suffering from a respiratory illness like the flu or an upper-respiratory infection (URI). Cats can also exhibit other signs indicative of illnesses, such as runny noses , watery eyes, coughing, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Most cases of sneezing in cats are caused by simple colds or upper respiratory infections (URI). The sneezes are due to inflammation in the nasal passages. If your cat has either a URI or a common cold, there is no need for concern unless the symptoms are severe. If your cat has an upper respiratory infection, they may sneeze for a few weeks or months, but usually the symptoms go away on their own.
If your cat is sneezing and has other symptoms such as runny nose, watery eyes, lethargy, or a cough , it may be due to feline asthma. In this case, you should take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
What are some tips for helping your cat recover from a bout of sneezing?
Sneezing is typically not harmful, although persistent sneezing can be a symptom of an allergic reaction or other disease.
There are many tips for helping your cat recover from a bout of sneezing.
If your cat is sneezing with no discharge present it is most likely due to allergies or environmental irritants such as dust, smoke or pollen.
Keeping your feline friend indoors will help diminish their exposure to environmental triggers and increase the likelihood of recovery from a bout of sneezing.
Placing food grade anti histamines such as benadryl in your cat’s meal can help reduce the effects of allergies.
Applying a topical antihistamine lotion to your cats face before they are exposed to outdoor irritants will also be beneficial.
If sneezing persists for over 24 hours, however, it is time to visit the veterinarian.
