why does my cat keep sneezing
why does my cat keep sneezing
Your cat sneezes often? Cats sneeze just like humans as a defensive reflex. In this way, dust and other foreign bodies can be removed from the nose. This is a natural reaction that is no longer worrying. However, it can also be triggered by an allergy or disease such as cat flu. In such cases, you should take your cat to the veterinarian. Below you will read why cats sneeze and when a visit to the doctor is necessary.
1. Causes of sneezing in cats
The causes of sneezing are already numerous in humans. Cats have a much better sense of smell than humans. With 60 million olfactory cells, they have more than twice as many as we humans. So it can easily happen that a cat is sensitive to a stimulus and has to sneeze.
Here are the most common causes:
1) Cleaning agents, perfumes, deodorants, etc.
In the household, many products are used that have strong odors. In addition, perfumes and other often contain propellants that can irritate the mucous membranes. If your cat sniffs the perfume or cleaning agent, it may well be that she has to sneeze. In these cases, the irritation lasts only briefly and should pass quickly.
2) Dry heating air
Not only humans are sensitive to dry heating air in winter, but also cats. With dry room air, the mucous membranes produce more moisture and the nose tries to get rid of the excess secretion immediately. This is called the sneezing stimulus.
It can help to increase the humidity in the room. If the cat is still sneezing, the trigger is not the dry heating air.
3) Dust
Because of the much stronger sensitivity of the cat's nose, it reacts accordingly easily to dust. Often cats start to sneeze when you use the vacuum cleaner. This is because the dust particles are swirled around. When the cat has freed itself from the particles, it will stop sneezing again.
4) Cold or infections
In winter, cats can catch a cold just like humans. In healthy animals, the infection disappears after a few days and is not a cause for concern. As in humans, the symptoms are in addition to sneezing: difficulty swallowing, runny nose and very rarely cough.
There is only cause for concern if the cold persists for more than two weeks or if the symptoms of fever are added. Cats have a normal body temperature between 37.8 and 39.2 degrees Celsius. In both cases, the animal should be examined by a doctor.
5) Cat flu
Not to be confused with an ordinary cold is the cat's cold, which is a serious disease. It is triggered by bacteria and viruses. If the disease is treated too late, there is a risk of consequential damage and can even lead to death in very young cats. However, with early treatment, cats can fully recover.
The symptoms of cat flu are very similar to those of the common cold.
6) Allergy
In the case of an allergy, the immune system reacts with a pathologically excessive defensive reaction to certain harmless environmental substances. Such a defensive reaction can be sneezing. Cats can also have a sensitivity to house dust and pollen and therefore sneeze. If an allergy is suspected, the veterinarian can make a diagnostic therapy.
7) Foreign bodies
Relatively often foreign bodies are also the cause, e.B. cat grass, which enters the nose via the throat: In the case of very sudden symptoms such as one-sided nasal discharge and severe restlessness, you should immediately introduce your cat to a veterinarian.
8) Volume increases
Circumferential increases in the nose (benign as polyps or malignant) are also possible.
2. Your cat sneezes. Need to worry?
If your cat sneezes only entertainingly and it is due to dust or a strong smell, you do not need to worry.
But if the sneezing lasts longer and happens unusually often. If there are other symptoms and your cat's general condition (listless or appetiteless) changes, then she should be examined by a veterinarian. In case of uncertainty, it is better to have the animal examined.
When to go to the veterinarian?
If your cat has been sneezing for a long time and other symptoms are added, you should call a veterinarian. Symptoms of cat flu include:
- Discharge from the nose
- Discharge from the eyes
- Anorexia
- Lethargy, lots of sleep
- Tongue ulcers
3. Diagnosis of sneezing
The causes are so numerous that the veterinarian is dependent on the owner survey (anamnesis) to limit the conceivable diagnoses. In addition, the vaccination certificate provides information about the current vaccination status of the cat and which pathogens can be excluded.
The clinical general examinationis then started, whereby the respiratory tract is first examined: mucous membranes, nasal discharge, eyes, listening, palpation of the lymph nodes, depending on the general condition, measuring fever. If nothing conspicuous can be detected, a tooth check also follows. Finally, the imaging procedures such as X-ray or further examinations with the endoscope can be used.
4. Treatment for sneezing cats
Treatment of sneezing depends largely on the cause. Since the trigger is very often not dangerous and sneezing occurs irregularly, treatment is sometimes not necessary at all. Very good is also in mild symptoms a support of the immune system, decongestant drugs or mucus removers. Antibiotics are very rarely necessary for sneezing.
In the event that the cause is a disease or allergy, the correct treatment will be discussed with the doctor.
5. Conclusion: Cat sneezes
Have you had the vaccination against cat flu done? If not, you should definitely have your cat examined!
In addition, you should catch up on the vaccination - according to STIKO, the vaccination is also recommended for domestic cats.
In very few cases, sneezing your cat is a cause for concern. If the cause is a small cold, an otherwise healthy cat can survive this well without veterinary help.
However, it is important that you observe your cat closely. If symptoms occur or the sneezing lasts exceptionally long, a doctor should be consulted.
Thanks for reading: Cat sneezes: Why and what to do?, Sorry, my English is bad:)