Why Is My Cat Sneezing? Causes and When to See a Vet

What it usually means

The most common cause of ongoing sneezing in cats is an upper respiratory infection. VCA says feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus account for about 90 percent of these, with bacteria such as Bordetella and Chlamydia behind some of the rest. They spread easily between cats through direct contact and shared bowls, litter boxes and bedding, which is why they are so common in shelters, multi-cat homes and newly adopted kittens.

Other causes include irritants such as dusty litter, smoke, perfume, cleaning sprays and air fresheners; a blade of grass or other object stuck in the nose; dental disease, where an infected upper tooth root affects the nasal passages; and, less commonly, nasal polyps, fungal infection or tumors in older cats. Herpesvirus also stays in the body after recovery, so stress can bring sneezing back months or years later.

Signs that come with it

A cat with a respiratory infection usually has more than sneezing. Look for clear, cloudy or yellow-green discharge from the nose or eyes, red or swollen eyelids, squinting, congestion that makes your cat breathe through the mouth, and a lower appetite, because a blocked nose means they cannot smell their food. Calicivirus can cause painful mouth ulcers, which make eating harder still.

Cornell also lists coughing, fever and lethargy. If sneezing comes on suddenly with pawing at the face or one-sided nasal discharge, think of a foreign object. Long-running sneezing on one side, nosebleeds or swelling over the nose in an older cat are signs to get checked properly rather than nursed at home.

When to call your vet today

Call your vet the same day if your cat has not eaten for a day, if the eye or nose discharge is thick, yellow or green, if your cat is squinting or holding an eye shut, or if they are quiet, feverish or hiding. VCA also advises seeing a vet for kittens, breeding cats and cats with chronic illness, which are more likely to develop complications.

Call too if signs have lasted more than about ten days, keep coming back, or do not improve with the treatment you were given, or if you see nosebleeds, one-sided discharge or facial swelling. A cat that will not eat is a real concern; cats can develop serious liver problems after a few days without food.

When it's an emergency

Go to your vet or the nearest emergency vet immediately if your cat is breathing with effort, breathing with an open mouth while resting, has blue or gray gums, or is breathing very fast. Cornell notes that a resting breathing rate should not exceed about 35 breaths a minute. Count the rise and fall of the chest for 30 seconds while your cat sleeps and double it.

Also treat as urgent a kitten that is weak, cold or not nursing or eating, any cat that has collapsed, and a cat that is severely dehydrated or has stopped drinking. If the sneezing started after contact with a chemical, spray or plant, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (a fee may apply).

What you can safely do at home

Most mild cat colds can be nursed at home with your vet's guidance. VCA suggests using a humidifier, or bringing your cat into a steamy bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day, to loosen congestion. Gently wipe the eyes and nose with a soft, damp cloth. Offer strongly scented wet food, slightly warmed, to tempt a cat that cannot smell well.

Keep a sick cat away from other cats, and wash bowls, bedding and litter boxes. Do not give human cold, allergy or pain medicine, and do not use human nasal sprays or eye drops; several are dangerous for cats. Avoid scented litter, smoke and air fresheners while your cat recovers. If your cat stops eating, call rather than waiting.

What the vet will likely check

Your vet will ask how long the sneezing has lasted, whether your cat is eating, whether other cats are affected and about vaccinations. They will examine the eyes, nose, mouth and teeth, listen to the chest and take a temperature. For a typical cat cold, diagnosis is often made from the exam, and treatment focuses on supportive care.

Your vet may prescribe eye medication or antibiotics if there is a secondary bacterial infection, and fluids or appetite support for cats that are not eating. For persistent or one-sided sneezing, further tests can include swabs for specific infections, x-rays or CT of the nose, dental x-rays, and a look inside the nose under anesthesia to find polyps, objects or growths.

Prevention

Vaccination is the main protection. The core cat vaccines cover herpesvirus and calicivirus; Cornell notes they reduce how severe the illness is and how much virus a cat sheds, though they do not always prevent infection. Keep vaccinations up to date, and ask your vet about extra vaccines if your cat boards or goes to shows.

Keep a newly adopted cat separate from your other cats for one to two weeks and watch for sneezing. Reduce stress, which can reactivate herpesvirus, with a steady routine and quiet hiding spots. Choose a low-dust, unscented litter and avoid smoking or spraying aerosols around your cat. Regular dental care also prevents the tooth-root problems that can cause sneezing.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.