Cat Sneezing

Like human beings, cats will sneeze every once in a while. It should be nothing to worry about. But if your cat has been sneezing frequently, then this is something that should most certainly concern you. Even though it may not be a serious problem and may simply be because of exposure to an irritant, it is always important to check it out as sneezing can be a symptom of a serious underlying problem. On the positive side though is that sneezing can be a sign that the cat’s respiratory system is functioning well. Below are some of the major reasons why your cat may sneeze.

Respiratory Infections

Continuous sneezing may be a sign of an infection of the cat’s respiratory system. The highly contagious adeno virus or influenza virus are some of the more common sources of Cat Upper Respiratory Infection which can manifest through the sneezing. The viruses are spread by sharing food and water amongst cats. So if you own more than one cat or if your cat interacts with other cats in the neighborhood and you notice that any of the other cats is sneezing, then make sure you isolate your non-sneezing cat from the sneezing ones in order to prevent the spread of the infection.

Sneezing is a natural respiratory reaction as your cat’s body tries to ‘eject’ a foreign matter or an infection. So if some form of virus or bacteria is festering in your cat’s lungs, throat or nasal cavity, your cat’s sneezing is the attempt by their body to get rid of the infection. As with any health condition, the longer it lasts the more concerned you should be. If your cat has been sneezing for a long time and if the sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms such as swollen glands and excessive mucus production, pay a visit to the veterinarian as soon as possible. The veterinarian will provide you with a precise diagnosis so you can get your cat on the correct treatment fast.

Cat Allergies

Just like humans, cats do suffer from Cat Allergies and may be sensitive to certain chemicals and substances. If you notice that your cat sneezes after you spray a pesticide, wear cologne or perfume, or after you have used a certain household product, then this could be the cause of your cat’s sneezing. Feline noses, especially of Persians and other cat breeds that have flat faces, can be easily irritated by dander or dust and this could lead to occasional sneezing as the irritants congest their nasal passage. Another symptom of an allergy is if you notice that your cat often sneezes at a particular time of the year. In this case, something in the air at that time of the year (such as too much pollen) might be causing the sneezing.

Dental problems

That’s right – dental problems can cause sneezing! And yet this is the place where cat owners would least expect to be the source of the problem leading, to the problem going undetected for a long time. A dental problem, such as an advanced tooth abscess or other infections that affect the upper dental area, can penetrate the cat’s nasal region leading to frequent sneezing.