Overview:

Just like humans, cats also sneeze from time to time. Sneezing is a sign of nasal irritation & is a reflex reaction defined as the expulsion of air from the nose. It may be with or without nasal discharge.

What are the causes of sneezing in cats?

There are many causes of sneezing. Some more serious than others. Some possible causes include;

• Upper respiratory infection (either caused by a virus or bacteria). This is the most common cause of sneezing in cats.
• Allergies
  
• Irritants (cigarette smoke, dust etc)
• Foreign object (grass seed etc)
• Dental abscess
• Nasal polyps
  
• Nasal cancer
• Fungal infection

How does your veterinarian diagnose the cause?

Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination of your cat & obtain a medical history. Other signs accompanying the sneezing, the type of discharge (if any) along with the age of the cat may give your veterinarian an idea of the likely cause.

There are different types of nasal discharge:  serous (clear), mucoid, purulent, bloody.

If the sneezing is accompanied with a mucoid nasal or ocular discharge, fever, loss of appetite, eye discharge, sores in the mouth an upper respiratory infection is the likely cause.

If the cat is shaking her head & or pawing at the nose, a foreign object may be lodged in the nostril.

Nasopharyngeal polyps are quite rare in cats.

If the cat also appears to suffer from itching, face/paw rubbing allergies may be the cause.

If the sneezing occurs at a particular time of year  it may be the result of a seasonal allergy, ie; pollen.

If the sneezing on & off for a few hours, this may be nasal irritation or allergy (smoke, perfume etc).

Sneezing accompanied by blood may be a sign of nasal cancer or fungal infection.

Tests your veterinarian may wish to perform include;

• Cytology (microscopic examination) of nasal secretions
• Bacterial culture of nasal secretions
• Biopsy of the nasal tissue
• Rhinoscopy (examination of the nasal passages) with a small flexible tube known as an endoscope
• X-ray or CT scan can detect dental abscess or cancer. This requires general anaesthesia
• Platelet count in the case of blood coming from the nostrils
• Fungal serology  

How is sneezing in cats treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of the sneezing.

Dental treatment & possible removal of a tooth in the case of a dental abscess.

Antifungal drugs for fungal infections.

Antibiotics for bacterial infections.

Chemotherapy & or radiotherapy for cancer.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent viral infections in cats, but if your cat already has caught 'cat flu' (feline herpesvirus or calicivirus), in most cases supportive care is all that can be provided. This may involve fluid treatment for dehydration, force feeding if the cat has become anorexic, removal of discharge from nose to assist breathing & eyes. L-Lysine may be recommended if the cause is Feline Herpesvirus & or antivirals. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses, but may be prescribed to treat secondary bacterial infections.

Removal of the foreign body if that is the cause.

If possible, removal of the cause of the allergy.

Surgery to treat polyps.