As a cat owner, it is natural to be slightly concerned when you hear your cat sneeze. Sneezing in humans is usually indicative of a respiratory condition, which is also true for cats. However, there are actually several different reasons why your cat may be sneezing. It’s important to understand why a cat sneezes, and what you can do to help alleviate this condition.
The most common reason that a cat may sneeze is because they are experiencing an upper respiratory infection. This is especially true if you notice that your cat sneezes in “fits”, which may last up to a minute in length. An upper respiratory infection is usually also accompanied by other symptoms, such as swollen, red eyes. If you notice that your cat is exhibiting these symptoms, it is best to seek the advice of a veterinarian. Upper respiratory infections are usually either caused by a viral or bacterial infection. With the proper treatment and veterinary pet care, your cat should recover from this condition.
In other cases, a cat’s sneezing may be caused by an allergen in their environment. Airborne allergens can cause sneezing in cats, along with several other respiratory symptoms. Cigarette smoke is a common example of an allergen that may cause sneezing in cats, especially if you habitually smoke inside your home. In addition to this, there are certain air fresheners, insect repellants or other household products that may irritate your cat’s respiratory system. In some cases, it may even be a perfume or cologne product that causes your cat to sneeze.
A less commonly known cause of sneezing in cats is an existing dental problem. Certain dental problems, such as an advanced tooth abscess, can cause sneezing in cats. The infection in the tooth can spread to the nasal region, which may induce a respiratory reaction. This is another reason why it is very important not to ignore your cat’s dental health. Aside from being a very important part of pet care, taking care of your cat’s teeth can reduce the chance of your cat being affected by certain medical complications.
If you notice that your cat is sneezing blood, this is definitely a cause for concern. If you notice that you cat begins to sneeze blood, it is imperative that you bring your cat to a veterinary hospital immediately. In some cases, this may be a symptom that is indicative of your cat having nasal cancer. However, a cat sneezing blood can also be caused by a buildup of fluid in the nasal cavity. In this case, it can be cured by a veterinarian draining the fluid from the nasal cavity, and monitoring the cat’s progress over several hours. In any event, it’s very important to take your cat to the veterinarian immediately if you notice that they are sneezing blood.
If you notice that your cat is sneezing frequently, it is always best to seek veterinary advice. Though a cat’s sneezing can be caused by several different factors, it may be indicative of a potentially serious health condition.