What's going on when a cat sneezes?

It's normal for a cat to sneeze occasionally, as long as the frequency is less than 2 times a day, no special treatment is needed. However, if the cat starts to sneeze more frequently, it's time for owners to pay attention. Cats have very sensitive noses, and sudden sneezing attacks can be caused by unusual smells, excessive dust, or inhaled foreign objects. In most cases, removing the foreign object can alleviate the symptoms. Allergies can also cause cats to sneeze, and it's necessary to go to the hospital for allergy testing and desensitization treatment. However, if the cat shows symptoms such as crying, running nose, and coughing, and the coughing frequency is particularly high, it's likely due to respiratory diseases, and the cat needs to see a doctor.

1. Strange environmental smells

Cats have sensitive noses. If the surrounding environment is sprayed with perfume, uses stimulating disinfectants, or has dust and pollen in the air, it can trigger sneezing attacks. In this case, opening the windows for ventilation and cleaning the surrounding environment can help.

1. Foreign objects inhaled into the nasal cavity

If a cat's nasal cavity is naturally narrow, it is more prone to inhaling foreign objects while playing. For example, dust, hair, and weeds. The cat will sneeze due to nasal discomfort, but once the foreign object is removed, the sneezing caused by this reason usually doesn't last long.

1. Allergies

Cats' allergic symptoms are diverse, but the main symptom is frequent sneezing. Items such as vaccines and other contact objects, pollen and other inhaled smells, and various food sources can cause cat allergies. Owners need to take their cats to the hospital for allergy testing and adopt symptomatic and anti-allergic treatments. They should also try to avoid exposing their cats to allergens.

1. Respiratory tract infections

If a cat sneezes too frequently, almost dozens of times a day, accompanied by symptoms such as running nose and coughing, and the cat's spirit is not very good, it is generally considered to be a respiratory tract infection.

Respiratory tract infections can be divided into bacterial and viral. Bacterial infections can be treated with drugs containing ingredients such as amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate. The cat usually recovers within 2-5 days after medication. Viral infections are usually caused by viruses such as herpes, cytomegalovirus, and mycoplasma. In this case, viral nucleic acid testing is required for diagnosis, and later intervention with interferon and antibiotics can be used for treatment.