Is a cat sneezing continuously due to allergies or a cold? What should you do if your cat keeps having a runny nose? Learn how to prevent cat sneezing.

Preface

Sneezing is a useful bodily function. With an "Achoo!", the body forcefully expels irritants from the nose. Therefore, a cat sneezing might just be a normal process of clearing its nasal passages and is usually nothing to worry about. However, if your cat sneezes continuously, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose or eye discharge, it could indicate an underlying health issue.

Why does a cat keep sneezing? Causes of sneezing in cats

There are many reasons why a cat sneezes. Moreover, for cats, multiple causes often occur simultaneously, so diagnosing the reason for sneezing can be difficult. Here are three main categories of potential causes:

1. Upper respiratory infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi

Over 80% of sneezing cats have an upper respiratory infection. The three main pathogens causing upper respiratory infections are: Feline Herpesvirus, Feline Calicivirus, and Chlamydia felis.

  • Feline Herpesvirus: Also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis. This virus is highly contagious among cats but does not transmit to humans. Stress can increase the likelihood of outbreaks. While cats of all ages can be infected, kittens have the highest incidence rate.

  • Feline Calicivirus: This virus is highly contagious among cats. Infected cats may show fever, sneezing, runny nose, and lethargy. Oral ulcers are the most common issue, often accompanied by drooling. Severe cases can affect the respiratory tract and even cause pneumonia.

  • Chlamydia felis: Chlamydia felis is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted to humans. Cats infected with Chlamydia felis develop conjunctivitis, which may cause excessive blinking, tearing, and even purulent discharge around the eyes. This is often accompanied by loss of appetite, weight loss, and fever. Young kittens and senior cats with weaker immune systems are most susceptible.

2. Inhalation of irritants or allergies

If your cat sneezes only occasionally, something might be irritating its nasal passages. You can try to identify the allergen by observing when the sneezing occurs. For example, does it happen after you clean the house? Or after lighting a scented candle?

Here are some common irritants or allergens for cats: cigarette smoke, perfume, pesticides, cat litter (especially dusty types), cleaning agents, candles, dust, pollen, etc.

3. Other causes of sneezing in cats

Other causes include chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, etc. Infection and inflammation of tooth roots can lead to fluid accumulation in the sinuses, which may also cause sneezing. In rare cases, sneezing can be a sign of cancer. Additionally, it is common for cats to sneeze for four to seven days after receiving an intranasal vaccine; such sneezing typically lasts no more than a few days.

Does a cat continuously sneezing and having a runny nose need to see a vet?

If your cat sneezes only once or twice occasionally and has no other symptoms, it is usually fine. Just observe for a few days. However, if the cat sneezes continuously or frequently, accompanied by other symptoms (such as those listed below), be sure to take your pet to the vet.

Here are some symptoms that require veterinary attention:

  • Persistent sneezing (lasting for several days without stopping)

  • Accompanied by nasal discharge or runny nose

  • Eye discharge

  • Loss of appetite

  • Weight loss

Among these, a cat stopping eating is very important! Loss of appetite is a very common symptom of feline upper respiratory disease (because some conditions can cause difficulty swallowing). Unlike humans, a cat's body can enter starvation mode after just 2–3 days without food, which can lead to severe and life-threatening conditions such as hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease).

 

How to Prevent Sneezing in Cats? 3 Tips to Share

1. Maintain a clean environment

To reduce the chance of your cat sneezing due to allergies, the main approach is to minimize potential allergens in the environment, such as dust, pollen, and mold. Therefore, try to keep your home tidy, clean regularly, avoid using chemical products, and, notably, use low-dust cat litter whenever possible.

2. Get regular vaccinations

Vaccination can greatly reduce the risk of your cat contracting viral diseases. Be sure to vaccinate your cat regularly to better protect its health. There are many vaccines available on the market today; it is recommended that you discuss a suitable vaccination plan for your pet with your veterinarian.

3. Practice isolation

Upper respiratory infections in cats are highly contagious. In multi-cat households, if you notice one cat showing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, or eye discharge, it is advisable to immediately isolate the other cats, seek veterinary care as soon as possible, and thoroughly disinfect the environment to reduce the risk of cross-infection.

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