Cat Sneezing with Feline Fancy Logo.

Why is my Cat Sneezing? | Common Reasons and Solutions

Why is my Cat Sneezing? | Symptoms, Causes

Though an occasional sneeze from your cat is perfectly normal and not worrisome, frequent sneezing may warrant your attention.


Why is my Cat Sneezing? For humans, sneezing is a natural reaction to nasal passage irritation, helping to expel irritants from the nose. If your cat sneeze persists, or if other symptoms develop, such as a runny nose, eye discharge, cat cough, or if there's yellow green purulent discharge or blood, it might be time for a visit to your cat vet. Persistent cat sneezing can indicate an upper respiratory infection, nasal cavity issues, or even a respiratory tract problem in your cat. 


It might be caused by a bacterial infection, dental disease, or a virus feline in nature. Other possible causes for cat sneezing include inhaling irritants like dust or perfume, cat allergies, or a foreign body in the nasal passage. A clean house and reducing cat stress can help alleviate symptoms. If your cat develops lethargy fever or symptoms like reverse sneeze, consult your vet to ensure your cat's immune system is healthy.


What is cat sneezing?


A cat sneeze is a forceful expulsion of air from the mouth and nose, sometimes accompanied by a shower of discharge. This discharge can be clear or, if an upper respiratory or bacterial infection is present, it may be bloodstained or yellow and green. Typically, a cat sneeze is a minor occurrence meant to expel an irritant from their nasal cavity. However, repeated cat sneezing can indicate a larger health issue.


Symptoms like excessive nasal or eye discharge, coughing, wheezing, reduced appetite, and fatigue can signal an infection in a sneezing cat. Causes can include irritants like cat litter, allergens, a nose tickle, or more serious conditions such as dental disease or a respiratory infection. In a cat home, knowing these symptoms and causes can help address any health issues promptly, whether they are related to a reverse sneeze or common cat ailments.


Why is my cat sneezing?


Persistent cat sneezing often stems from upper respiratory tract infections, commonly caused by viruses such as feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. These infections are contagious among cats but not transferable to humans. Stress can exacerbate symptoms and facilitate viral transmission between cats.


Similar to human colds and flu, treatment aims to manage symptoms while the cat's immune system combats the infection. Viral infections may trigger secondary bacterial infections treatable with antibiotics. Although less common, fungal infections of the nasal passages can occur in cats. It's crucial to consult your veterinarian for accurate diagnosis and treatment.



Unlike humans, allergies typically do not cause cat sneezing. However, if a cat inhales irritants like cigarette smoke, cigarette smoke, dusty litter, perfume cigarette, cleaning agents, mold, dust, pollen, or candles, it may induce sneezing episodes. Observing when sneezing occurs such as during household cleaning or after changing litter can help identify potential triggers.


Other causes of persistent cat sneezing include tooth root infections draining into sinuses, inhaled foreign bodies such as grass blades, or nasal polyps and tumors. If your cat sneezes frequently or shows other concerning symptoms like nasal discharge, reduced appetite, or lethargy, prompt veterinary attention is advised to ensure proper management and treatment.


Why does my indoor cat keep sneezing? 


If your indoor cat is frequently sneezing, it could indicate an upper respiratory infection, commonly known as cat flu. These infections are typically contracted outdoors through contact with other cats, but viral particles can also be inadvertently brought indoors on clothes, shoes, or belongings.


If you notice your cat sneezing excessively or even sneezing blood, it's crucial to promptly contact your trusted veterinarian for appropriate treatment discussions. Alongside viral infections, other potential causes of persistent cat sneezing include irritant allergens, nasal irritation, or more serious conditions like nasal polyps or tumors.


If your vet suspects something other than an infection as the cause, they will discuss alternative possibilities with you. It's also advisable to practice good hygiene after interacting with cats from colonies, shelters, or those with respiratory symptoms to prevent potential transmission to your own cats at home.


Why does my kitten keep sneezing? 


Occasional sneezing in your kitten is typically not a cause for concern. However, if your cat sneezes frequently or exhibits signs like sneezing blood, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. Sneezing can often be triggered by strong odors such as cleaning products or the cooking of spicy or pungent foods. Environmental factors like dust, pollen, perfume, or cigarette smoke may also provoke sneezing episodes.


In some instances, persistent sneezing could indicate an infection, especially if your cat displays additional symptoms. It's important to seek prompt veterinary attention if you suspect an infection, as young kittens can deteriorate quickly compared to adult cats.



Always prioritize your cat's health by addressing any concerning symptoms early through professional veterinary care.


Why is my elderly cat sneezing? 


It’s normal for our feline friends to sneeze occasionally, including elderly cats. As long as the sneezing isn't frequent or accompanied by other symptoms, such as a reverse sneeze, there's usually no cause for concern. However, it's important to remember that elderly cats, like humans, are more prone to infections. A tickle in the nose can cause a cat to sneeze, and while this symptom of sneezing isn't typically worrisome, elderly cats also have a higher likelihood of developing tumors as they age. Therefore, they may require more frequent veterinary attention.


What to do if your cat keeps sneezing?


Ensure your cat receives regular vaccinations against feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus to help prevent these viral infections.


If your cat only sneezes occasionally and is otherwise healthy, monitor them for a few days to see if there's any pattern to the sneezing.


However, if your cat's sneezing becomes persistent, if they sneeze blood, or exhibit other symptoms such as excessive nasal discharge, runny eyes, fatigue, coughing, difficulty breathing, or a loss of appetite, schedule a veterinary appointment as soon as possible. Most causes of sneezing in cats are easily treatable, and your cat should be feeling better soon.


FAQ's

1. Why does my cat sneeze so much?


Your cat may sneeze frequently due to allergies, respiratory infections, irritants like dust or smoke, or other underlying health issues. If the sneezing persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult a vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

2. Why does my cat meow when i sneeze?


Your cat may meow when you sneeze because the sudden noise startles them, they are mimicking you, or they are responding to what they perceive as a distress signal. It could also be their way of communicating curiosity or concern.

3. How to make a cat sneeze to clear nose?


To help a cat sneeze to clear its nose, you can use a saline nasal spray designed for pets or bring them into a steamy bathroom to loosen mucus. Always consult your vet before trying any home remedies.

4. What is the meaning of reverse sneeze cat?


A reverse sneeze in cats is a rapid, forceful inhalation through the nose, often caused by irritation or inflammation in the throat, nasal passages, or sinuses. It sounds like the cat is snorting or honking and is usually harmless.

5. Can cats get colds and sneeze because of them?


Yes, cats can catch colds and develop upper respiratory infections, leading to sneezing. Common culprits include feline herpesvirus and calicivirus.



Kelly with her cat Eddie Stafford.

Kelly Rushton

Meet Kelly Rushton, a dedicated cat enthusiast and proud owner of Feline Fancy Ltd. With a heart as big as her household, Kelly is the loving mum to 10 charming Ragdoll cats. In her world, felines reign supreme, and she brings professionalism and warmth to everything she does. Through her blog, Kelly shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering insights into cat care, behavior, and the joy of living alongside these majestic creatures.

About us
Back to blog