Sneezing is one of the body’s useful reflexes that expel irritants, pollutants and foreign material from your cat’s airway and overall respiratory system. And while occasional sneezing is perfectly normal, frequent or extremely persistent hiccupping, retching and wheezing should be a reason for concern. Besides, don’t forget that the vet has to first confirm that your cat is actually sneezing in the first place. That being said, here’s a quick primer behind some of the reasons your cat is sneezing.
Causes of Cat Sneezing
A cat sneezing is typically the result of a myriad of possible underlying causes which could be dental disease, chronic inflammation, respiratory infections, inhalation of irritants or even cancer. Speaking of which, bacterial infections are among the leading causes of respiratory symptoms that lead to cat sneezing. One of the ways that you can use to identify possible bacterial infection is a characteristic green or yellow discharge from your kitty’s eyes or nose. Other than that, irritation and inflammation resulting from allergic reactions can also contribute to cat sneezing. Fortunately, NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) have proven to be quite effective against these types of triggers.
How Serious is Cat Sneezing?
The seriousness of cat sneezing is mostly dependent on the primary trigger of the sneeze reflex. Is it an infection or environmental? Oftentimes, the irritants that trigger the sneeze reflex are environmental such as pollen, dust or mold inhaled by the kitty which triggers the sneezing. Now, if this is the case, the sneezing is usually not that serious since it means that getting rid of the irritants will also solve the sneezing problem. However, if the sneezing is a result of viral or bacterial infection, then you will have to eliminate the underlying pathogen first.
When Do I See the Vet?
Cat sneezing in of itself is not necessarily a serious problem. The gravity only becomes palpable when it is accompanied by a few tell-tale signs that signify a deeper underlying problem. And this includes the likes of nasal discharge, unexplained weight loss, lack of appetite, persistent rough cough and a fever that refuses to go away. Sometimes the nasal discharge is accompanied by pus-coloured mucus or even blood, which raises concerns for cancer. It is recommended to take your cat to the veterinary clinic as soon as such symptoms become evident.
References: BluePearlVet, WebMD, PetMD
