Cat sneezing a lot?

 

Cats, like people, sneeze from time to time. During sneezing, they rub their pink nose with their paws. This behavior is considered natural if it happens occasionally. Frequent sneezing is one of the symptoms of many feline diseases. And if your cat sneezes a lot, it should (rightfully) alert you.

A cat sneezes if:

♦ It has allergies. This is the most common cause of sneezing. Cats, like people, suffer from allergies. This can be a banal reaction to dust or other allergens. A veterinarian should examine your cat and determine what causes allergic reactions. After that you should follow veterinarians instructions, carefully monitor cat's diet and clean the room regularly (wipe the dust).

♦ Infections of the nasal passage or ears. These are very dangerous infections for cats, requiring immediate treatment.

♦ If, in addition to sneezing, your cat has fever and rapid breathing, this may indicate a respiratory infection. (Note: Respiratory infections include diseases such as parainfluenza, influenza, adenovirus and rhinovirus infection, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract).

♦ It developed polyps in the nasal passage.

♦ Sneezing can also indicate that various parasites have settled in the cat's body.

♦ Dental diseases. In this case there is usually some bloody discharge after a sneeze.

♦ Asthma. With this diagnose excessive sneezing is also accompanied by labored breathing.

♦ Cancer of the nasal passage. The diagnosis is based on laboratory studies (endoscopies and x-rays). And despite it being a fairly rare disease for a cat, it is still necessary to undergo examinations.

Treating your cat's excessive sneezing:

Treatment should be appointed by a veterinarian based on the established causes. But here is a general idea of what you should expect:

Asthma is usually treated by prescript medications that facilitate the course of the disease. Bacterial infections are treated with prescript antibiotics. Worms (as most other parasites) are treated with antihelminthic drugs. Polyps require surgical intervention. In case of a cancer, a course of chemotherapy is prescribed.

Allergies and dental problems are treated case by case, but they can be avoided entirely by proper hygiene.

And remember that a cat needs your care. Do not delay the visit to a veterinarian if you suspect that your cat might be ill.