Why Does My Cat Keep Sneezing?

Allergies: Just like people, cats can suffer from allergies to things like dust, pollen, and food. Sneezing is a common symptom of allergies in cats.

Upper respiratory infection: Sneezing is a common symptom of upper respiratory infections (URIs) in cats. Symptoms tend to affect your cat's head and may include: sneezing, runny nose, nasal discharge, squinting, puffy or red eyes, conjunctivitis, and a fever. URI's are often caused by viruses or bacteria. Some URI's are contagious to people.

Foreign Objects: In some cases, cats will sneeze if they have a foreign object stuck in their nose. Check your cat's nasal passages for any debris or objects that may have gotten stuck.

Dental Issues: Dental problems such as gum or teeth infections can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria which might travel into your cat's nasal cavity and cause persistent sneezing.

Nasal Polyps: Nasal polyps can cause chronic sneezing and are usually removed surgically.

Trauma: Injury to their nasal passages can also cause ongoing sneezing.

Respiratory Tumors: Sneezing can be a sign of a problem in your cat's nasal cavity, such as a tumor or polyp.

Chronic Sinusitis: This condition is characterized by prolonged inflammation of the sinus passages and is often accompanied by secondary bacterial infections.

Heartworm Disease: Although typically seen in dogs, heartworms can also affect cats and may lead to chronic coughing, sneezing, and other respiratory symptoms.

To accurately determine the cause of your cat's sneezing episodes and receive appropriate treatment, consult with a veterinarian. They will be able to examine your cat's nasal passages and run necessary tests to identify the underlying issue and recommend the best course of action for your pet's health.