Why Is My Cat Sneezing? Common Causes Explained

A sneezing cat can be adorable, but when it becomes frequent or forceful, it’s natural to worry. Cats sneeze for many of the same reasons we do: irritants, infections, allergies, or something stuck in the nose. While one or two sneezes are usually harmless, persistent sneezing can be a sign that something deeper is going on.

One of the most common causes is a feline upper respiratory infection, often caused by viruses like herpesvirus or calicivirus. These infections spread easily in shelters or multi-cat homes and tend to resurface during times of stress.

Cats with viral infections usually sneeze frequently and may have watery eyes, nasal discharge, or a slight decrease in appetite. If ignored, these infections can lead to secondary bacterial issues, making symptoms worse.

Environmental irritants are another frequent trigger. Dust, perfume, cleaning sprays, scented candles, cigarette smoke, and even dusty cat litter can irritate a cat’s nose. Some cats are much more sensitive than others, and a simple switch to unscented litter or more frequent dusting can reduce sneezing dramatically.

Allergies can also be the culprit. Cats can develop allergies to pollen, mold, dust mites, and certain foods. While dogs often show allergies through skin issues, cats may express them through sneezing, watery eyes, or itchiness. If your cat sneezes more during particular seasons — especially spring or fall — environmental allergies may be to blame.

Occasionally, sneezing is caused by something physically stuck in the nasal cavity. A blade of grass, a bit of debris, or even an overly fluffy food crumb can irritate the nose. These episodes typically cause sudden, repeated sneezing, often with head shaking or pawing at the face.

Dental disease is a surprising but significant cause of chronic sneezing. The roots of a cat’s upper teeth lie very close to the nasal passages, and dental infections can break into the sinus cavity.

This leads to ongoing sneezing, nasal discharge, and sometimes a foul smell. Regular dental care is essential for overall health and may resolve the sneezing if tooth disease is the root cause.

More rarely, growths such as nasal polyps or tumors can interfere with airflow, causing sneezing, noisy breathing, or discharge. These conditions require veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

When Sneezing Means Trouble

While occasional sneezing isn’t a concern, certain symptoms deserve a vet visit:

Sneezing paired with:

• thick or colored nasal discharge
• loss of appetite
• lethargy
• difficulty breathing
• bleeding
• persistent coughing

These signs indicate an underlying issue that needs prompt attention.

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Helping Your Cat at Home

Keep your cat’s environment dust-free, use unscented products, and ensure good ventilation. Running a humidifier can help soothe irritated nasal passages, especially during winter.

Sneezing in cats is common and often harmless, but sometimes it is your pet’s way of telling you something is wrong. Paying attention to associated symptoms and your cat’s overall behavior will help you determine whether it’s just a tickle — or time to call the vet.