Cat Sneezing: A Cold, an Allergy or Something Else?

Call your vet now if

• Your cat is breathing with their mouth open, panting, or seems to be working hard to breathe
• They have stopped eating, or have eaten very little for around a day
• They are lethargic, hiding, or much quieter than usual
• They are a very young kitten and are sneezing, have runny eyes or nose, or aren't feeding well
• Their eyes are very swollen, cloudy, held shut, or seem painful
• There is blood coming from the nose, or a lot of thick discharge
• They have mouth ulcers, are drooling, or seem to find eating painful
• They may have inhaled or come into contact with something harmful, such as smoke or chemicals

Occasional sneezing versus ongoing sneezing

Cats sneeze for the same basic reason we do: something irritates the lining of the nose. A single sneeze, or a short burst now and then, is often just a reaction to dust, a sniff of something strong, or a bit of fluff. If your cat is otherwise behaving normally, eating well and has clear eyes, it is reasonable to keep an eye on things.

Ongoing sneezing is different. If your cat is sneezing several times a day, for more than a few days, or the sneezing seems to be getting worse, it is time to speak to your vet. Possible causes range from infections to dental problems, something stuck in the nose, or growths in the nasal passages, so a proper check is the only way to know.

Signs of cat flu

"Cat flu" is the everyday name for upper respiratory infections in cats, usually caused by viruses, sometimes with bacteria joining in. It is common, especially where many cats mix, such as in rescue centres, catteries and multi-cat homes. Signs can include:

• Sneezing, often in fits
• Runny or crusty eyes, sometimes with redness or squinting
• Discharge from the nose, which may start clear and become thicker, yellow or green
• Going off food, often because they can't smell it
• Seeming tired, low or feverish
• Mouth ulcers or drooling in some cases
• A croaky miaow or a change in voice

Some cats recover from a mild bout with good nursing care, but others become quite poorly, and only your vet can judge which. Even if your cat seems to be coping, it is worth calling to ask whether they should be seen.

Some cats who have had cat flu carry the virus long-term and may have flare-ups during times of stress. If your cat has repeated episodes, your vet can talk you through how to manage them.

Kittens and unvaccinated cats

Kittens and cats who aren't fully vaccinated are more likely to catch cat flu and can become seriously ill from it. Young kittens in particular can quickly become dehydrated and weak if they stop feeding, so don't wait to see whether a sneezing kitten improves. Call your vet.

Vaccination doesn't always stop a cat catching cat flu, but it usually makes illness much milder. If you are unsure whether your cat's vaccinations are up to date, your vet can check. Our guide to bringing home a kitten covers early health care.

Dust, scents and other irritants

Some sneezing has nothing to do with infection. Things around the home that can irritate a cat's nose include:

• Dusty cat litter, especially when it is poured or scratched about
• Scented products such as air fresheners, plug-ins, candles, incense, sprays and strong cleaning products
• Cigarette or other smoke
• Perfumes, hairspray and aerosols
• Pollen and household dust

If you notice sneezing seems linked to certain times or places, such as after the litter tray is topped up or when a particular room is cleaned, try a low-dust, unscented litter and cut back on fragranced products. Good ventilation helps too. Some essential oils and scented products can be harmful to cats as well as irritating, so it is sensible to avoid using them around your cat. If you suspect exposure to something harmful, call your vet.

Allergies in cats are possible but are less often the cause of sneezing than in people, and itchy skin is a more common sign of allergy in cats. Your vet can help you work out whether allergy is likely.

Discharge from one side only

Pay attention to whether discharge is coming from one nostril or both. Discharge that affects only one side, especially if it is persistent, bloody, or smells unpleasant, can sometimes point to a problem in that part of the nose, such as something lodged inside, a tooth root problem, or a growth. This doesn't mean something serious is happening, but it is a good reason to book an appointment rather than wait.

Other things to mention to your vet include any swelling on the face or nose, noisy breathing, or sneezing that started suddenly with lots of pawing at the face, which might suggest something stuck.

Keeping your cat eating

Cats rely very heavily on smell to decide whether food is worth eating. A blocked nose can make even a favourite dinner seem uninteresting. While you are following your vet's advice, you can help by:

• Warming wet food slightly to body temperature, stirring well to avoid hot spots. Warm food gives off more smell.
• Offering strong-smelling foods your cat already likes, in small, fresh portions.
• Gently wiping the eyes and nose with clean, damp cotton wool, using a fresh piece for each side.
• Sitting with them in a steamy bathroom for a short time can help some cats breathe more easily. Never leave them unattended and keep them away from hot water.
• Keeping fresh water available and making it easy to reach.

Never force-feed. If your cat isn't eating, or is eating much less, speak to your vet. A cat going without food can become seriously unwell, which we explain in why is my cat not eating.

Keeping track

It can help to note when sneezing happens, how often, what any discharge looks like, and how well your cat is eating and drinking. Logging these in Petopedia each day can show your vet whether things are improving or getting worse, which is easy to lose track of over a week. Knowing what is normal for your pet makes changes easier to spot.

The bottom line

A sneeze now and then is part of life for most cats. Sneezing that sticks around, comes with discharge or puts your cat off food deserves a vet's opinion, and some signs, especially breathing difficulty, refusing food or a poorly kitten, need help straight away. If in doubt, call.