
Recurring sneezing over several hours or days.SymptomsĬommon symptoms of upper respiratory infection in cats include: These types of infections can last anywhere from 7 to 21 days, with 7 to 10 days as the average duration for uncomplicated cases. Often referred to as the “common cold” or the “cat flu”, upper respiratory infections can be viral, bacterial and even fungal, although that’s less common. Sneezing is a common symptom of upper respiratory infections (URIs) in cats.

Causes of Sneezing in Cats Upper Respiratory Infections In these cases, intravenous fluids and additional nutritional support are often needed for immediate treatment, followed by any needed prescriptions such as antibiotics, anti-nausea medications and appetite stimulants. This can result in a serious and potentially fatal condition called hepatic lipidosis (or fatty liver disease). Unlike the human body that can go weeks or even months without eating, a cat’s body goes into starvation mode after only 2-3 days. Some conditions may also cause difficulty swallowing. Loss of appetite is a very common symptom of upper respiratory conditions in cats due to loss of smell and/or taste, as well as the inability to breathe out of the nose. This is especially important if your cat has stopped eating. If the sneezing persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, a visit to the vet is most likely needed for proper diagnosis and treatment. Kittens, on the other hand, should always be seen by a veterinarian when suffering from these types of symptoms. If your cat is only sneezing on occasion with either no other symptoms or very mild symptoms, you may be able to wait a day or two and simply monitor her for any changes. Sneezing accompanied by other symptoms could be a sign your cat is suffering from an upper respiratory infection or other underlying condition that may require veterinary care. On the other hand, if your cat is sneezing a lot and you’ve noticed discharge from the nose or eyes along with a lack of energy and loss of appetite, then it may be something to worry about. If you notice your cat sneezes more when you clean the bathroom, or after doing his business in his own bathroom, he could be having a reaction to a chemical in the cleaning products or dust in litter. If it’s more than just occasional, look for patterns: Does it happen around the same time of day? Does it only happen in a certain room or during family activities? Looking for patterns can help determine if your cat is sneezing due to an irritant, such as dust or perfume, or if it’s caused by an infection or other underlying condition. There’s probably no reason to worry about the occasional sneeze here and there – it may just be something in the air irritating her nasal passage.

Inflammation of nasal cavity and/or sinuses.

A foreign object like a piece of lint, grass or a hair.Why is My Cat Sneezing?Ĭats can sneeze for a variety of reasons, such as: However, there are other conditions that can also lead to those cute little sneezes. Ah, the cat sneeze – it may be one of the cutest sounds you’ll ever hear, but is it ever a cause for concern? Just like their humans, cats can catch colds and suffer from upper respiratory and sinus infections.
