How Much Sneezing Is Too Much For A Cat
Introduction
Your cat sneezing isn’t exactly a common occurrence, but it does happen. When you hear your favorite feline making the tell-tale “achoo” sound, though, you may worry that something’s wrong. After all, she looks like she’s in pain when she sneezes and it doesn’t seem normal. Before you panic, though, take a deep breath—understanding what’s causing your cat to sneeze is key to helping her feel better. And even if there is an issue? It likely won’t be too serious for her (or for your budget). That said, if you’ve noticed that your kitty is having some respiratory issues recently or has more than just one symptom going on at once, it’s always smart to err on the side of caution and make sure her health is in check by taking her to the vet as soon as possible.
Excessive sneezing in cats isn’t just a nuisance—it can also be painful and uncomfortable. But how much sneezing is too much?
Sneezing is a common but annoying symptom in cats. Sneezing can be caused by allergies, infections, and even tumors. It’s usually not a sign of serious illness unless it occurs frequently or with other symptoms like fever or loss of appetite. If your cat sneezes more than once per hour for more than two weeks, it could be a sign that something is wrong.
An occasional sneeze is nothing to worry about.
When a cat sneezes, it is usually nothing to worry about. A cat’s immune system is so effective at keeping them safe from everyday illnesses that colds, flu and other viral infections are not common in them.
However, there are some situations where excessive sneezing can indicate a problem. If your cat’s sneezing becomes more frequent or severe than usual (particularly if accompanied by other symptoms such as lethargy or loss of appetite), then you should consult your veterinarian for advice on how best to proceed with treatment.
Sneezing when they’re eating or drinking is normal.
Sneezing when they’re eating or drinking is normal. Sneezing while a cat is eating or drinking indicates that they are clearing their nostrils of dirt or debris. It’s important to understand that cats are very clean animals, and sneezing helps them stay tidy.
Sneezing that lasts over a few days might be something more serious.
If your cat is sneezing, it’s important to keep an eye on the situation. While some cases of sneezing are benign, other issues may be more serious. Sneezing that lasts over a few days might be something more serious.
Here are some signs to watch out for if your cat keeps sneezing:
- A respiratory infection can cause sneezing and coughing. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, see a vet immediately. This could lead to pneumonia or other complications so it’s best to get things checked out as soon as possible!
- A foreign body in the nose is also another reason for cats to be constantly sniffling around (and eventually sneezing). You might want to try using cotton swabs with water or saline solution on them so that you can gently remove anything that might be stuck up there
If your cat’s sneezes are producing discharge, she may have an infection.
If your cat’s sneezes are producing discharge, she may have an infection. If you see mucus coming from your cat’s nose or mouth, it’s important to call the vet right away. While this could be nothing more than a mild respiratory infection that will resolve itself on its own after a few days of rest and medication, it could also be something more serious like feline rhinitis or feline upper respiratory disease (URI).
A runny nose in cats is not only uncomfortable for them—it can also be dangerous if left untreated!
Sneezing paired with difficulty breathing is probably a serious issue.
If your cat is sneezing but seems otherwise healthy, it’s probably nothing to worry about. But if your cat has an issue with breathing, especially one that happens regularly or after the sneezing stops, you should see a veterinarian right away.
A sneeze paired with difficulty breathing could indicate any number of problems such as:
- Allergies or other inhaled irritants (dust or pollen)
- Respiratory infections like feline asthma or kennel cough
- Heart problems such as heart murmurs and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
There are also some rarer causes to consider:
- Cerebral palsy, which can lead to changes in behavior and sometimes difficulty walking—it usually affects kittens between 4–8 weeks old.
Sneezing in addition to other symptoms is cause for concern.
If your cat is sneezing in addition to other symptoms, you should consult with a veterinarian. Sneezing can be a symptom of many conditions, including respiratory infections and even more serious issues such as lung cancer or heart disease.
In particular, if your cat’s sneezing has progressed from occasional sneezes to frequent bouts of violent hacking fits accompanied by phlegm production and coughing up hairballs, it’s time to visit the vet. The severity of these symptoms indicates that there may be something wrong with their sinuses (the air cavities behind the nostrils) or lungs (the organs responsible for oxygen intake).
To help keep your cat from getting sick, try to keep her from interacting with infected cats if possible, and clean out any dust, dander or pollen from your home frequently.
You can help your cat stay healthy by following these steps:
- Wash your hands frequently. This is especially important if you have a cold or something similar, as it will keep you from passing germs to your cat. If you’re around other cats who are sneezing and coughing, try to avoid them for a few days until they get over the illness.
- Clean any dust or dander from your home regularly with an air filter and vacuum cleaner that’s designed for people with allergies (you’ll find these at most major retailers). Wash bedding frequently in hot water, and clean clothes worn during petting sessions with antibacterial soap before wearing again.
Conclusion
If you’re concerned about your cat’s health, it’s always a good idea to consult with a vet.