Why is My Cat Sneezing So Much in Raleigh, NC?

Like us humans, sometimes our pets sneeze and cough. Cats will sometimes do this for a variety of reasons, and the occasional sneeze is nothing that cat owners should worry about. However, excessive sneezing fits can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem that requires a vet’s attention. This will leave many cat owners asking themselves: why is my cat sneezing so much?

Cats often let out the occasional sneeze because something is tickling their nose or throat. However, excessive sneezing can be a sign of medical conditions such as allergies, upper respiratory infections, and even dental disease. As a result, taking your cat to the vet is a good idea if you find them sneezing excessively.

In this article we will be explaining all of the reasons why cats sneeze. In addition to this, we will be letting you know when it is a good idea to take your cat to the vet for excessive sneezing. Now, without further ado, let’s get into it!

Something is Tickling Your Cat’s Nose or Throat

It is completely normal for cats to give out the occasional sneeze and even have the occasional sneezing fit. Usually this occurs simply because something is tickling your cat’s nose or throat. This is not something that you should necessarily rush your cat to the vet about. However, if you suddenly see your cat sneezing more often than normal without any noticeable cause then it may be that something else is causing your cat to sneeze. In this case, you may want to call your vet about your cat’s increased amount of sneezing.

Your Cat Has Just Gotten an Intranasal Vaccine

Intranasal vaccines are known to cause sneezing in cats. This is because the foreign liquid in your cat’s nose can be uncomfortable for them, and it can cause them to have a runny nose as well. If your cat has just had an intranasal vaccine and they are sneezing then this is not a serious problem at all, and it should clear up within a day or so.

Allergies are a Very Common Cause of Sneezing in Cats

Allergies are an extremely common cause for sneezing in cats. Luckily, it is fairly easy to tell if a cat is sneezing because they have allergies. This is because cats with allergies will exhibit more symptoms than just sneezing. Some other common signs of allergies in cats include things like a runny nose, tearing eyes, and itchy and red skin. Your cat may excessively lick or scratch these itchy areas, especially around their face, paws, and bellies. Usually, allergies can be treated by allergy medication prescribed to you by a vet.

It is important to note that sometimes cats with allergies can develop scaly or scabbed skin in their sensitive areas, and this is a result of excessive scratching. If this is occurring with your cat then you should take them to the vet for this as soon as possible. Your vet may need to prescribe you some ointment and antibiotics to either prevent or treat a skin infection.

Upper Respiratory Infections Can Cause a Cat to Sneeze

Sneezing is also commonly caused by upper respiratory infections, and these infections could either be viral or bacterial. Cats will often exhibit other symptoms along with sneezing if they have an upper respiratory infection. These other symptoms commonly include coughing, nasal and eye discharge (often a yellow or green color), and lethargy.

If you suspect that your cat is sick then you should always take them to the vet as soon as possible. They will be able to provide you with medication that will either help clear up your cat’s infection or help manage their symptoms. In addition, it is a good idea to quarantine your cat in an isolated area and disinfect surfaces regularly until they are recovered from their illness if you have other cats. This will help limit the spread of the illness to your other pets.

They Breathed Something in by Mistake

Have you ever breathed in some lint? Well, if you have then you know that your body will make you sneeze until the lint comes out of your nose. Cats sometimes do this too. However, their nostrils can be pretty small, and sometimes they will not be able to get the object out by themselves through sneezing.

Although sneezing is a natural response to breathing in a foreign body, in these more extreme cases you will likely need a vet’s assistance. Once the vet has identified that your cat does indeed have something lodged in their nose, they will either flush it out or pull it out with a pair of tweezers. Your cat will likely be under anesthesia for both procedures. This is because they can be very uncomfortable and make it extremely difficult to get the foreign body out safely when awake.

Dental Disease Can Sometimes Cause Sneezing in Cats

Although it may seem surprising to most people, dental disease can cause sneezing in cats. This is simply because the size of a cat’s head is very small, which means that the roots of their teeth lie extremely close to their nostrils. This can cause sneezing when the roots of their teeth are inflamed as a result of having an advanced form of dental disease.

In addition to sneezing, cats with dental disease will usually have bad breath and have difficulty eating. Sometimes cats will have bleeding gums or noticeable tooth decay as a result of dental disease as well. If you believe that your cat is suffering from dental disease, then you should take them to the vet as soon as possible. Here they will be able to identify what kind of dental disease that your cat has and provide you with treatment options. In addition, a vet will also be able to give you some tips on how you can make your cat’s life more comfortable at home.

Conclusion

Although there may be a variety of reasons as to why your cat is sneezing, there is typically nothing to worry about.

If you have further questions regarding your cat’s sneezing behavior, Bowman Animal Hospital and Cat Clinic in Raleigh, NC is here to help. Give us a call at [clinic phone] or make an appointment online!