Cat Sneezing Problems
A sneezing cat may have a cold or other respiratory illness. He may
have something stuck in his nose. These are just two of the possible
causes for sneezing in cats.
A cold in a cat may be viral, bacterial, or fungal in nature. Each will
require a different treatment, best done by your vet. Since sneezing
can be caused by many different things, and because you may not know
exactly how sick your cat is, you should seek the advice of your vet.
Cats may also sneeze in response to strong chemicals or cigarette
smoke. Different cats show different sensitivities to chemicals. Many
flat-faced cats are more sensitive to chemicals and may sneeze in
response to exposure. Suspect your perfume, cleaners, or insecticide
sprays if you cat suddenly starts sneezing.
Allergies may cause your cat to sneeze. Cats are susceptible to the
same allergies as humans, such as trees, grasses, pollens, and other
airborne allergens. Allergy testing may be required if your cat is
bothered by excessive sneezing.
Other uncommon causes of sneezing in cats may be nose polyps, cancer,
and ear infections. If you suspect any of these, or if you just cannot
determine the cause of your cat’s sneezing, take him to the
vet
for diagnosis.
If your cat sneezes blood, it may or may not be serious, but should be
checked immediately. It may be as serious as nose cancer, or as simple
as a mild cold.
An uncommon cause for a cat sneezing is dental problems. Tooth
abscesses or infections in the upper teeth can travel to the nasal
cavity and cause sneezing. Only a vet can determine the exact cause and
possible treatment.
Sneezing becomes a problem when it causes the cat to become cranky.
Additionally, a sneezing cat makes it almost impossible for the cat, or
the owner, to get adequate sleep. This can lead to irritability for
both.
A veterinarian is the only one who can decisively determine what is
causing the cat to sneeze. Methods of determining the cause may include
physical exam, an MRI, blood tests, nasal swabs, polyp biopsy, skull
x-ray, and endoscope of the nasal passage, biopsy of the nasal lining.
Treatment for the bleeding depends, of course on the cause. Treatment
may include surgical intervention, medicine to treat viral or bacterial
infections, and treatment for allergies or asthma, as indicated.
Though a sneezing cat is no joke, there have been some superstitions
surrounding cats over the years. Some of these include: cat sneezing
once –rain is predicted; cat sneezing three
times—the
family will catch a cold; and good luck will come to all who hear a cat
sneezing.