Cat owners warned that simple sneeze could be sign of grim illness
Is it an allergy, a feline version of the common cold, or potentially something more concerning?
Whilst sneezing is completely natural behaviour for cats, there are various reasons why they might develop an irritated nose. Specialists at Pet MD have put together a comprehensive list of possible conditions that could be triggering your cat's sneezes.
They've also outlined when sneezing becomes worrisome and when a trip to the vet is necessary.
Their website states: "If your cat's sneezing occasionally, it may just be part of the normal process to clear their nose and usually isn't concerning." If your cat is sneezing it could be a sign of an illness (Image: Alexandre Morin-Laprise via Getty Images)
They continue: "However, if the sneezing is persistent or if other symptoms are present, it may indicate an underlying disease."
Yet before drawing any hasty conclusions about your cat's sneezing, remember that distinguishing between a cat sneezing, coughing, gagging, reverse sneezing, hiccupping, retching, or wheezing can be remarkably challenging, reports the Mirror.
Consequently, you may need to consult a veterinary professional to establish whether your cat is genuinely sneezing. The experts recommend filming your cat during a 'sneezing' episode to help the vet reach an accurate diagnosis. Five health conditions that cause cats to sneeze
1. Viral Respiratory Infections
Herpesvirus in felines is chiefly recognised for triggering upper respiratory problems, including sneezing and discharge from the nose and eyes, with stress frequently exacerbating these symptoms.
The feline herpes condition works in patterns, meaning a cat may bounce back from breathing difficulties and remain healthy for a while before becoming unwell again during stressful periods. Veterinary consultation is recommended if your cat displays these warning signs.
2. Bacterial infections
Pet MD states that "Bacterial infections almost always play a secondary role in upper respiratory symptoms in cats", noting that yellow or green mucus from your sneezing cat's nose or eyes signals a bacterial infection due to this abnormally coloured discharge.
Common bacterial culprits affecting a cat's nasal region include Bordetella, mycoplasma, and chlamydia, typically treated with antibiotic therapy.
3. Inflammation and irritation
Cat sneezing can also result from inflammation, which often signals various underlying health conditions in felines.
Treatment options may include oral steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation, whilst vets can investigate any additional health concerns that could be causing your cat's distress.
4. Foreign material
Specialists have noted that "Inhaling a foreign material, such as blades of grass, can of course cause irritation in the nasal passages".
"When these intruders are inhaled by a cat, the body's response is to sneeze to expel the foreign debris. While this approach might work for smaller particles like dust, larger objects are difficult for a cat to remove through sneezing."
5. Dental disease
Dental disease can also be a surprising culprit behind your cat's sneezes. The roots of a cat's upper jaw teeth are located very close to their nasal passages.
So, if there's an infection or inflammation in the teeth, it can break down the barrier between the tooth socket and the nose, leading to sneezing.
However, if your feline friend is sneezing more than usual, it's wise to get them checked out by a vet as it could indicate various health issues.
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