It’s not uncommon for cats to sneeze, but if the frequency suddenly increases or if their nasal discharge doesn’t stop, it’s important to take notice! It could be a sign of a life-threatening illness. In the first part, let’s talk about the causes and prevention of sneezing.

Is this sneezing a cold?

Common misunderstandings at home. Have you ever thought, “Maybe the cat caught a cold because it was cold?” when your cat sneezed? Cat sneezes are different from human colds, so resting or keeping them warm won’t help them recover. It’s also a no-go to give them human cold medicine. If a cat ingests acetaminophen, the main ingredient, it can cause toxicity and be dangerous. Avoid giving them leftover or prescribed medication if it doesn’t match their symptoms. Misuse of antibiotics especially can lead to the emergence of resistant bacteria. Always give them prescription medicine from an animal hospital.

The causes of cat sneezing can be broadly divided into “physiological phenomena” and “diseases (infectious and non-infectious).” Let’s confirm the characteristics of each.

There are two main causes of cat sneezing: “physiological phenomena” and “diseases (infectious and non-infectious).” Let’s examine the characteristics of each.

Physiological phenomena of cat sneezing

Sneezing as a physiological phenomenon occurs when the nasal mucosa is stimulated, rather than due to illness. For example, when dust or litter enters the nostrils, it can cause irritation and prompt a “Achoo!” response. In winter, when there is a significant temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, opening windows or doors can introduce cold air and stimulate sneezing. These phenomena are similar to human sneezing.

Causes of Cat Sneezing

Infectious and non-infectious (other than infectious) diseases.
One cause of sneezing is “infectious diseases,” where viruses or bacteria cause inflammation in the nasal mucosa.

Herpesvirus infection

Herpesvirus infects the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose, causing symptoms such as conjunctivitis, sneezing, and nasal discharge. When the nose is blocked, cats may lose their appetite due to not being able to smell food, and especially kittens under six months old may develop pneumonia and die. Sneezing can spread to other cats (through droplet infection), so in households with multiple cats, isolate the cat with symptoms. Even in households with only one cat kept entirely indoors, there is a risk of infection from outdoor cats coming onto the balcony, so caution is necessary.

Feline Calicivirus Infection

Feline calicivirus infection often presents with more severe symptoms of oral ulcers and gingivitis than sneezing and nasal discharge.
It is highly contagious, similar to norovirus, and can be transmitted through the hands of owners who touch other cats.

Bacterial infections alone

The symptoms of bacterial infections alone are only sneezing and nasal discharge, without any abnormalities in the eyes.
However, if secondary bacterial infections occur in areas of the mucosa irritated by herpesvirus infection, sticky yellow or green nasal discharge may occur, leading to nasal congestion and an increased risk of severity.

Cat breeds prone to infection

Persians have slightly weaker immune systems in their nasal mucosa and are prone to developing viral and bacterial infections. It’s important to be cautious as they may also develop mold in their nasal passages.

Scottish Folds, a brachycephalic breed, have narrow nasal passages, which can lead to irritation of the mucous membranes with each breath, making them prone to sneezing, nasal discharge, and nosebleeds. While it cannot be definitively stated that they are at a higher risk of infection, it’s important not to overlook signs of illness. If they seem to have difficulty breathing, treatment may involve using a nebulizer to remove sticky nasal discharge. Depending on the severity, surgery to widen the nostrils or improve nasal passage may be necessary.

Causes of Sneezing: Non-infectious (other than infectious) Diseases

Sneezing can also occur due to diseases other than infectious diseases caused by viruses or bacteria. It’s commonly associated with nasal issues, but it’s important to know that mouth or blood pressure issues can also be related.

Allergic Rhinitis

Sneezing may occur due to allergic rhinitis, a disease other than infectious diseases caused by viruses or bacteria. While it’s often associated with nasal issues, it’s important to know that mouth or blood pressure issues can also be related.

Tumors (Lymphoma)

Tumors (lymphoma) that develop in the nose can also be a cause of sneezing. Initially, clear or pink nasal discharge or bleeding may occur from one nostril, and when the tumor erodes the boundary (nasal septum), it may start to discharge from both nostrils. This disease is mainly seen in cats aged 7 and older.

Periodontal Disease

When inflammation occurs in the deep roots of canines (fangs), leading to periodontal disease, it may spread to the nasal mucosa. Cats aged 7 and older should be particularly careful.

Hypertension

In cats aged 11 and older, hypertension may cause minor bleeding from the nose, and the stimulation of the nasal mucosa may result in sneezing.

Preventing Diseases through Vaccination and Regular Check-ups

Among the diseases that manifest with sneezing symptoms, infectious diseases can be prevented through the administration of combination vaccines. Combination vaccines consist of “core vaccines” and “non-core vaccines.” Core vaccines target diseases such as feline herpesvirus infection, feline calicivirus infection, and feline panleukopenia virus infection, which are commonly seen in cats. This is a crucial point. Even cats kept entirely indoors should receive regular vaccinations.

Non-core vaccines include diseases such as feline leukemia virus infection. It is recommended for cats that go outdoors or are at risk due to their environment. Consult with a veterinary clinic and administer a three-way combination vaccine (core vaccine), or a four-way or five-way combination vaccine (core vaccine + non-core vaccine) regularly.

Consider cat sneezing as a sign of illness. Since sneezes that resolve on their own are rare, it’s important to visit the veterinary clinic promptly.

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