Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

Cat-choo! Why your cat may be constantly sneezing

By

Cats and other furry animals often make humans sneeze, but what causes cats to sneeze? Cats occasionally sneeze just like we do. It’s the body’s natural reaction to irritants entering the nasal passage. Even for kitties, this is completely normal (and super cute, too).

But if your cat sneezes frequently or has other symptoms, it could indicate a more serious issue. Your vet will be able to check out your cat and provide treatment if needed. But how do you know if a sneeze is more than a sneeze? Keep reading to learn about the causes of sneezing, when to see a professional, and what the treatment may be.

Cat sneezing with flowers
Nailia Schwarz/Shutterstock

Causes of cat sneezing

Determining why your cat’s sneezing is not always straightforward. Several different things can make a cat sneeze. Here are a few of the most common causes.

Recommended Videos

Allergens or inhaled irritants

If your kitty sneezes only occasionally, something may be bothering her nasal passages. Irritants and allergens include dusty cat litter, cigarette smoke, scented sprays, candles, pollen, mold, and dust. Look for patterns when your cat sneezes. Does she do it only in a certain area of the house or after you’ve cleaned the litter box? This can help you narrow down a cause. However, allergies are a less common cause of sneezing than they are for humans. If the sneezing is allergy related, your cat may also have itchy skin.

Infections

If you find yourself asking, “Why does my cat keep sneezing?” a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection may be your answer. Often, continual sneezing is caused by an upper respiratory infection. Other infections that can cause sneezing include feline herpes virus, feline calicivirus, FIV, feline infectious peritonitis, Bordetella, and chlamydia. In this case, you should visit the vet to get a diagnosis. Infections are more common in younger cats and those who are coming from animal shelters. You can prevent infections by getting your cat vaccinated early.

Other causes

Tons of other factors can contribute to cats’ sneezing. Cats can sneeze for four to seven days after getting an intranasal vaccine. Kitties also sneeze to remove a nasal blockage. Tooth inflammation and infections can also cause sneezing. In rare cases, sneezing can be a symptom of certain cancers.

Is sneezing a serious problem?

Sneezing can be a sign of a more severe issue, depending on the cause. If it is triggered by an environmental factor, like dust or other irritants, sneezing is not a serious problem. Usually, these sneezes are isolated incidents, not ongoing issues. But if your cat’s sneezing is caused by disease or infection, the issue could require more attention. For cats that sneeze continually, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your vet to get a proper checkup.

Calico cat sneezing
DC Studio/Shutterstock

When should you see the vet?

Cats that sneeze only sporadically or experience no other symptoms don’t need to visit the vet. If they have only mild symptoms, you can monitor their condition for a few days before deciding. Schedule an appointment with the vet if your cat sneezes often or nonstop, sneezes blood, or experiences other symptoms. This could be a sign of a serious condition or illness that requires medical care to remedy.
Underlying conditions that cause sneezing can be uncomfortable or painful for your cat. Other symptoms to look out for include nasal discharge, weight loss, loss of appetite, worsening symptoms, and symptoms lasting more than a few days. Your vet can determine the cause of your cat’s sneezing and provide a treatment plan to relieve her pain.

What is the treatment for cat sneezing?

When your cat’s sneezing is caused by underlying health issues, the remedy depends on the cause. Your vet will be able to give you more specific information on your cat’s potential treatment options. In kitties with chronic conditions, keep in mind that treatment is designed to reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms, not cure the problem. Some remedies can include:

• Antibiotics
• Nasal lavage
• Humidifiers
• L-lysine
• Steroids
• Antihistamines
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Decongestants
• Surgery, in rare cases

Cats sneeze randomly all the time, and most often, it’s not a major problem. Sometimes allergens or other particles irritate their nasal passages, causing them to sneeze. Other times, however, sneezing can be the result of a medical condition that needs attention. If your cat sneezes constantly or has other symptoms of a potential issue, call your vet right away. They will determine the cause and let you know what to do next. But often, there is no reason to worry when your kitty sneezes. Hopefully, this guide can help you handle your cat’s next sneeze attack.

If you want more cat-related content, you might want to know the real reason why cats randomly scratch people.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Shannon Cooper
Shannon Cooper
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Shannon Cooper has written about everything from pet care and travel to finance and plumbing in her seven years as a writer…
Is your cat obese? 5 ways to help them slim down
Obesity left unchecked can lead to health problems
An obese tabby cat perched on a red wooden table

World Pet Obesity Week is in the fall, so it's the purrfect chance to get your kitty on a diet to slim down in time. According to a survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), roughly 61% of cats and 59% of dogs in the U.S. alone are overweight or obese. While few things are more adorable than a chunky cat, obesity in cats comes with a multitude of health risks.

Have you been wondering if your cat needs to lose a few pounds? We're here to share how you can tell if your cat is obese, the potential health problems caused by cat obesity, and five helpful things you can do to help them lose weight. 
What causes obesity in cats?

Read more
Why do cats eat plastic (and when you should be concerned)?
The reasons for this behavior might be surprising
Cat in a basket with plastic bag

Cats are quirky — sometimes puzzling — creatures. Part of the fun of kitty parenthood is laughing off these funny, curious traits and perhaps looking into what each might mean. Is your cat staring at you because they're plotting against you? Why does your cat want to sleep on your chest? Does your kitty wish you would get back to the office already after several years of this work-from-home thing?

Often, these questions — and our search for answers — are all in good fun. Cats are cats, and that's why we love them. Yet, if your cat eats plastic, you might wonder, "Why does my cat eat plastic?" You'll want to get a formal answer to this question from a vet.

Read more
Why do cats lick themselves? It goes beyond just cat grooming
This totally normal behavior could mean a few different things
A cat licking his paw while lying in front of a blue background

Cats spend the majority of their time doing one of a few things: eating, resting, grooming, using the litter box, or causing havoc. Their routines can become predictable at times, so it's not even worth a second glance when you catch your cat licking themselves as obviously -- and loudly -- as possible. Cats groom themselves all the time, after all, but when does licking become a bit too much?
Even though cat grooming is completely normal, if it becomes noticeably excessive, your kitty may be licking themselves -- or even licking you -- for another reason. Luckily, we can help you understand why cats lick themselves and how you can tell what may be going on. Here's what you'll want to know and what to look out for.

Is my cat grooming? When licking is normal

Read more