Cat owners warned that sneeze could be sign of 'kitty chlamydia' or herpes
Hundreds of animal species are known to sneeze, including the likes of chickens, dogs, elephants and even pandas. However, if you've observed your feline friend sneezing more than usual, you might be pondering the cause. Could it be an allergy, a common cold in cats, or perhaps something more serious?
While sneezing is a perfectly normal behaviour for cats, there are several reasons why they might have a tickly nose. Experts at Pet MD have compiled a list of potential ailments that could be causing your cat's sneezes. They also provide guidance on when sneezing should raise alarm bells and when it's time to consult a vet.
According to their website, "If your cat's sneezing occasionally, it may just be part of the normal process to clear their nose and usually isn't concerning."
They add: "However, if the sneezing is persistent or if other symptoms are present, it may indicate an underlying disease." But before you jump to conclusions about your cat's sneezing, bear in mind that it can be surprisingly tricky to distinguish between a cat sneezing, coughing, gagging, reverse sneezing, hiccupping, retching, or wheezing.
Therefore, it might be necessary to seek a vet's expertise to determine whether your cat is indeed sneezing, reports the Daily Record. The specialists suggest recording your cat during a 'sneezing' bout to assist the vet in making an accurate diagnosis.
Five health conditions that cause cats to sneeze
1. Viral Respiratory Infections
Herpesvirus in cats is primarily known for causing upper respiratory symptoms, such as sneezing and discharge from both the nose and eyes, with stress often worsening these signs.
Feline herpes operates in cycles, which means a cat might recover from respiratory issues and be well for a period before falling ill again under stressful conditions. It's advised to contact your vet if your cat exhibits these symptoms.
2. Bacterial infections
According to Pet MD, "Bacterial infections almost always play a secondary role in upper respiratory symptoms in cats". They note that if you observe yellow or green mucus coming from your sneezing cat's nose or eyes, this unusually coloured discharge indicates a bacterial infection.
Bordetella, mycoplasma, and chlamydia are typical culprits behind bacterial infections in a cat's nasal area, generally managed with antibiotic treatments.
3. Inflammation and irritation
Sneezing in cats can also be triggered by inflammation, which is frequently a sign of various other health issues in felines.
Treatments may involve oral steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate inflammation, and vets can further explore any additional health problems that might be causing your cat's discomfort.
4. Foreign material
Experts have stated, "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 is another unexpected condition that can lead to your cat sneezing. This is due to the fact that a cat's upper jaw teeth roots are situated right next to the nasal passages.
Therefore, when teeth become infected or inflamed, the barrier between the tooth socket and the nose can be breached, triggering sneezing.
Regardless, if you notice your cat has been sneezing excessively, it's advisable to consult a vet as it could signify a range of issues with your pet.
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