Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

Cat-choo! Why your cat may be constantly sneezing

Shannon Cooper
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…
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
Why do cats open their mouths when they smell? It’s for a really cool reason
The Flehmen response is a little-known reaction in felines that allows them to take in more of their surroundings
A white and tabby cat with their mouth open

Think of the last time you smelled something foul. How did you react? If you're truly made of steel, you may not have reacted at all, but for most people, it's impossible not to flare your nostrils at least. You may have even made a face! All of these reactions are perfectly natural, though humans aren't the only species that reacts to smells, both good and bad. Even your cuddly cat sniffs out the world around them sometimes,
If you've ever noticed your cat reacting to a smell, you're not alone. Some folks have even noticed their cat opening their mouth -- and even sticking out their tongue -- while smelling, but it's not so clear what this means. Is this a reaction to a scent, or is it just a way to get an extra thorough sniff? Whatever it may be, we're here to find out.
Needless to say, you're not alone if you're wondering, "Why do cats open their mouths when they smell?" We've scoured trusted sources to find out, and this is what we know.

Why do cats open their mouths when they smell?
Watching your curious cat open their mouth in a kind of sneer while they get a good sniff of something can raise a lot of questions -- it's understandable. When people do this, it's usually a response to an unpleasant smell, but when cats do this, they're actually trying to get a better understanding of the scent in the air.

Read more
How long do cats live? The answer may actually depend on their human parent
Learn about the average cat life expectancy and how you can extend it
Kitten sitting on a tree stump in front of a tree

Cats are wonderful additions to our families, and they can quickly become beloved family members. But, like most pets, cats have shorter lives than humans. As tragic as this is, it's only normal to want to spend as many years as possible with your cat. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help increase the chances of your cat living a long and healthy life.
But it's also important to be realistic about your cat's lifespan. How long do cats live? First, it's important to remember that cat life expectancies are really just a guideline — it's best to just appreciate and enjoy each day you can share with your fur baby.

How long do cats live as pets?

Read more