Why cats sneeze: the cause can be very serious

Periodic sneezing in a cat is normal and if your furry cat sneezed once or twice there is no need to worry. Perhaps he got some dust or his own hair in his nose, and he reflexively gets rid of the foreign body. Sometimes cats sneeze due to excitement or certain movements.

However, if the sneezing is regular and accompanied by other symptoms, you may need to see a veterinarian. Pets WebMD talked about the causes of sneezing in cats in more detail.

Infection

One of the main causes of sneezing in a purrfect cat is infection. Like the common cold in humans, these infections are more common in young cats, especially those taken from shelters. Many of these infections can be prevented by early and complete vaccination.

Infections can be bacterial, viral or fungal. To determine what your cat has caught, your veterinarian will most likely take a swab of his mouth, throat, eyes, or nose. Based on his results, treatment will be prescribed.

Common viral infections that cause sneezing in purrs are feline herpes and calicivirus. Having been ill, the cat is still a carrier of this infection, and the owner must carefully monitor its health. And be sure to do annual vaccinations to prevent a relapse.

Other conditions that cause sneezing in cats include:

• feline infectious peritonitis,
• feline immunodeficiency virus;
• feline leukemia;
• chlamydia;
• bordetella;
• mycoplasma.

Allergy

Like humans, cats can be very sensitive to allergens. So, if your cat doesn't sneeze all the time, but occasionally, and it bothers you, look for what might be irritating her nasal passages. Does it happen after you light candles before dinner? After your cat has gone to the litter box? After you've cleaned the house?

Typical feline allergens are:

• cigarette smoke;
• perfume;
• pest sprays;
• cat litter fillers, especially those that create dust;
• cleaning products;
• candles;
• house dust;
• plant pollen.

In cats, allergies are a less common cause of sneezing than in humans. An additional symptom of this condition is itchy skin in the pet.

Other causes of sneezing in cats

Less common factors that can make your pet sneeze may include:

• A foreign body in the airways;
• Inflammation of the roots of the teeth;
• very rarely, but it can still be a symptom of cancer.

If you don't know why your cat is sneezing, be sure to show him to the vet. Especially if the sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms. For example:

• a discharge from the eyes, swelling or sores;
• profuse nasal discharge, especially yellowish or greenish;
• fatigue and depression;
• high fever;
• salivation;
• decreased appetite or weight loss;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• wheezing or coughing;
• poor coat condition;
• difficulty in breathing;
• diarrhea.

Earlier OBOZREVATEL told about the explanation of scientists why cats purr.

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