Why Is My Cat Sneezing? Causes & When to Worry

Common Causes of Cat Sneezing

Sneezing is a natural reflex that helps clear the nasal passages. In cats, it can be triggered by various factors:

Cause	Frequency	Additional Symptoms
Viral Infection (URI)	Very Common	Nasal discharge, eye discharge, fever
Allergies	Common	Itchy skin, watery eyes, seasonal pattern
Environmental Irritants	Common	Usually just sneezing, no discharge
Dental Disease	Moderate	Bad breath, one-sided discharge
Foreign Object	Less Common	Sudden onset, pawing at nose
Nasal Polyps/Tumors	Rare	Chronic sneezing, bloody discharge

Upper Respiratory Infections

Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are the most common cause of persistent sneezing in cats. These are often called "cat colds" but are caused by feline-specific viruses and bacteria:

Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1)

The most common cause of URIs in cats. Once infected, cats carry the virus for life, with flare-ups during stress. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, eye discharge, and sometimes fever.

Feline Calicivirus (FCV)

Another common viral cause that can also cause mouth ulcers, limping, and lethargy in addition to respiratory symptoms.

Bacterial Infections

Bacteria like Bordetella, Chlamydophila, and Mycoplasma can cause or complicate respiratory infections. Bacterial infections often produce thicker, colored discharge.

Did You Know?

Up to 90% of cats in shelters may carry feline herpesvirus. The virus stays dormant and can reactivate during times of stress, illness, or immune suppression.

Allergies and Irritants

Cats can be sensitive to various environmental allergens and irritants that trigger sneezing:

Common Allergens

Pollen: Grass, tree, and weed pollens (seasonal)
Dust mites: Found in bedding, carpets, and upholstery
Mold spores: In damp areas of the home
Food ingredients: Less common but possible
Insect proteins: From flea bites or other insects

Environmental Irritants

Cigarette smoke: A major respiratory irritant for cats
Perfumes and air fresheners: Strong scents can trigger sneezing
Cleaning products: Especially those with strong chemicals
Dust from cat litter: Dusty litters can irritate airways
Candles and incense: Smoke and strong fragrances
Essential oils: Many are toxic and irritating to cats

Warning: Essential Oils

Many essential oils are toxic to cats, including tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus oils. Even diffusing these oils can cause respiratory irritation or poisoning in cats.

Other Causes of Cat Sneezing

Dental Disease

Tooth root infections in the upper jaw can extend into the nasal cavity, causing sneezing and nasal discharge (often on one side only). Other signs include:

Bad breath
Difficulty eating
Drooling
Facial swelling

Foreign Objects

Grass blades, seeds, or other small objects can get lodged in a cat's nasal passages. This typically causes sudden, violent sneezing and pawing at the nose. A vet visit is needed to safely remove the object.

Nasal Polyps and Tumors

Less commonly, growths in the nasal passages can cause chronic sneezing. Polyps are benign but can obstruct airways. Tumors are more concerning and may cause bloody discharge. Both require veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

Fungal Infections

Rarely, fungal organisms like Cryptococcus can infect the nasal passages, causing chronic sneezing, discharge, and facial swelling.

Home Care Tips

For mild sneezing without other concerning symptoms, these home care measures may help:

Comfort Measures

Use a humidifier: Moist air helps soothe irritated nasal passages
Steam therapy: Run a hot shower and let your cat breathe the steam (supervised) for 10-15 minutes
Keep warm: Ensure your cat has cozy, warm spots to rest
Encourage eating: Warm up wet food to enhance aroma if appetite is reduced

Reduce Irritants

Switch to a low-dust or dust-free cat litter
Avoid smoking around your cat
Use unscented cleaning products
Remove air fresheners, candles, and incense
Don't use essential oil diffusers around cats
Vacuum and dust regularly to reduce allergens

Hygiene

Gently wipe discharge from nose and eyes with a warm, damp cloth
Clean food and water bowls daily
Wash bedding regularly
Keep the litter box clean

When to See the Vet

While occasional sneezing is normal, certain signs warrant veterinary attention:

Seek Veterinary Care If:

* Sneezing persists for more than a few days
* Discharge is yellow, green, or bloody
* Your cat has difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
* Loss of appetite or not drinking
* Lethargy or hiding
* Fever (warm ears and nose, shivering)
* Eye discharge, squinting, or redness
* Facial swelling
* Sneezing is accompanied by coughing or wheezing
* Your cat seems to be in pain

What to Expect at the Vet

Your veterinarian may perform various tests to diagnose the cause of sneezing:

Physical examination: Checking nose, throat, teeth, and overall health
Blood tests: To check for infection or underlying conditions
Nasal swabs: To identify viruses or bacteria
X-rays or CT scan: To visualize nasal passages and sinuses
Rhinoscopy: Using a camera to look inside the nasal passages
Dental examination: Under anesthesia if dental disease is suspected

Prevention Tips

While not all causes of sneezing are preventable, you can reduce your cat's risk:

Keep vaccinations current: Vaccines protect against feline herpesvirus and calicivirus
Regular vet checkups: Catch dental issues and other problems early
Reduce stress: Stress can trigger herpesvirus flare-ups
Good nutrition: A healthy diet supports immune function
Clean environment: Regular cleaning reduces allergens and irritants
Keep indoor: Reduces exposure to infected cats and outdoor allergens
Quarantine new cats: Keep new cats separate for 2 weeks to prevent spreading infections

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my cat sneezing?▼

Common causes of cat sneezing include viral infections (like feline herpesvirus), allergies, environmental irritants (dust, perfume, smoke), foreign objects in the nose, dental disease, or nasal polyps. Occasional sneezing is normal, but persistent sneezing may indicate an underlying health issue.

When should I worry about my cat sneezing?▼

See a vet if your cat has persistent sneezing lasting more than a few days, bloody or colored discharge from the nose, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, lethargy, eye discharge, or fever. These signs may indicate an infection or other condition requiring treatment.

Can cats catch colds from humans?▼

No, cats cannot catch human colds or flu. However, cats can get their own viral upper respiratory infections that cause similar symptoms. These feline viruses are species-specific and spread between cats, not from humans to cats.

How do I treat my cat's sneezing at home?▼

For mild sneezing, keep your cat comfortable, use a humidifier, ensure good hydration, and eliminate potential irritants. Clean any discharge gently with a warm damp cloth. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, seek veterinary care rather than attempting home treatment.

Is cat sneezing contagious to other cats?▼

If your cat's sneezing is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, it can be contagious to other cats. Upper respiratory infections spread through direct contact, shared food bowls, or contaminated surfaces. Isolate sick cats and practice good hygiene.

Can allergies cause cat sneezing?▼

Yes, allergies are a common cause of cat sneezing. Cats can be allergic to pollen, dust mites, mold, certain foods, cleaning products, or cigarette smoke. Unlike humans, cats with allergies often have respiratory symptoms, skin issues, or both.

The Bottom Line

Occasional sneezing is normal for cats, often caused by dust, strong smells, or minor irritation. However, persistent sneezing, especially with discharge, lethargy, or other symptoms, warrants veterinary attention. Common causes include upper respiratory infections, allergies, and environmental irritants.

Keep your cat's environment clean and free of irritants, maintain vaccination schedules, and monitor for changes in behavior or symptoms. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian to ensure your feline friend stays healthy and comfortable.