Symptom · Cats
Cat sneezing: what it means and when to call the vet
Occasional sneezing is normal. Sneezing with runny eyes and nose is usually a viral "cat flu", which most adult cats recover from in one to three weeks. Cats that stop eating, kittens and cats with breathing difficulty need a vet.
By Maya HartCommon causes
- Feline herpesvirus or calicivirus
- Irritants such as dust, smoke or scented products
- Something stuck in the nose
- Dental disease affecting the nose
- Nasal polyps (young cats)
What you can do at home
- Gently wipe discharge from eyes and nose
- Warm strong-smelling food — cats eat by smell
- Steam from a shower can loosen congestion
- Keep the cat indoors and away from other cats
What the vet may do
- Examine the eyes, mouth and nose
- Antibiotics if a bacterial infection has followed the virus
- Eye treatments for ulcers
- Fluids and appetite support for cats that stop eating
Prevention
- Core vaccination against herpesvirus and calicivirus
- Reduce stress, which can reactivate herpesvirus
The details
Feline herpesvirus stays in the body for life after infection and can flare up with stress — a move, a new pet or boarding. Vaccination doesn’t stop infection but makes the illness much milder.
Questions owners ask
Is cat sneezing an emergency?
Often it can be watched at home for a day, as long as none of the warning signs appear. Go now if you see: open-mouth breathing or struggling to breathe; not eating for more than 24 hours; a kitten that is lethargic or not feeding.
What causes cat sneezing?
Feline herpesvirus or calicivirus; Irritants such as dust, smoke or scented products; Something stuck in the nose; Dental disease affecting the nose; Nasal polyps (young cats).
What can I do at home?
Gently wipe discharge from eyes and nose. Warm strong-smelling food — cats eat by smell. Steam from a shower can loosen congestion. Keep the cat indoors and away from other cats.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts