Why do cats sneeze: the reason can be very serious

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

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

Infection

One of the main causes of sneezing in cats is an infection. Similar to the common cold in humans, these infections are more common in younger cats, especially those adopted from shelters. Many of these infections can be prevented with early and complete vaccination.

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

Common viral infections that cause sneezing in cats are feline herpes and calicivirus. After being ill, the cat remains a carrier of such an infection, and the owner should closely monitor its health. And be sure to get annual vaccinations to prevent a relapse.

Other diseases that cause sneezing in cats include:

• feline infectious peritonitis,
• feline immunodeficiency virus
• feline leukemia
• chlamydia
• Bordetella
• mycoplasma.

Allergies.

Like humans, cats can be very sensitive to allergens. So, if your cat sneezes not all the time, but from time to time, and you are worried about it, look for what might be irritating its nasal passages. Does it happen after you light candles before dinner? After your cat went to the litter box? After you cleaned the house?

Typical feline allergens are:

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

Allergies are a less common cause of sneezing in cats than in humans. An additional symptom of this condition is itchy skin.

Other causes of sneezing in cats

Less common factors that may cause your cat to sneeze include

• a foreign body in the airways
• inflammation of the roots of the teeth;
• very rarely, but still a symptom of cancer.

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

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

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

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