Mary Allen
A cold can be uncomfortable – also for our kitties. But does a cat that sneezes really just have a cold or can there be more to it? PetReader provides answers and reveals when the animal’s cold nose has to go to the vet.
Can cats sneeze? The answer is clear: yes. Our fluffy friends belong to those kinds of animals that can sneeze just like us humans. These include dogs, chickens, and elephants. If your cat sneezes, there can be various causes – and sometimes a visit to the vet is necessary.
You should first check whether your cat only had to sneeze briefly once or whether this happens more often and perhaps often in a row. If there is a single sneeze, there is usually nothing to worry about. Then there is probably one of the following reasons:
- Tickling in the nose;
- Dust or dirt;
- Strong smells such as perfume, cleaning products, cigarette smoke, or candles;
- Small foreign objects such as crumbs or fluff;
- Allergy triggers such as pollen, mold.
Some cats also sneeze when you blow on their nose or when they have an injury on or in their nose. If the trigger of the animal sneezing attack lies in such environmental factors, you usually do not have to go to the vet immediately.
However, sometimes serious illnesses can also be behind the sneeze. Then the diagnoses of the experts are important in order to treat your kitty properly.
My Cat Sneezes – Do I Have to Go to the Vet with My Cat?
Caution is therefore advised if symptoms other than sneezing occur:
- Nasal discharge, especially yellowish or bloody;
- Difficulty breathing, snoring;
- Fever;
- Appetite and weight loss;
- Watery eyes;
- Drooling;
- Tiredness or depression;
- Diarrhea;
- The bad condition of the fur.
If the symptoms persist for a few days at the latest, you should have them clarified by experts.
Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between a sneeze and other cat noises. Wheezing, coughing, and strangling hairballs can sometimes sound very similar. It can therefore be helpful to film your cat’s supposed sneezing with your mobile phone before you go to the vet’s practice. This helps with the later diagnosis.
Sneezing in Cats: Various Causes and Solutions
Possible causes of frequent sneezing with possibly additional symptoms are infections of the upper respiratory tract, problems with the nose and sinuses, bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.
According to the magazine “PetMD”, for example, the feline herpes virus occurs in 80 to 90 percent of cats and can express itself through sneezing, among other things. Sometimes dental problems or even tumors cause a cat to sneeze.
According to the “Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic”, there are various options for treating animal runny noses. Depending on the cause, the vet may prescribe eye or nose drops or antibiotics. A nasal rinse can provide quick relief. It also helps remove foreign objects.
Conclusion: If your cat sneezes, it’s not the end of the world. To be on the safe side that there is no more serious problem, it is worth going to the vet.