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Sneezing in cats

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

Sneezing in cats is a sudden, forceful expulsion of air through the nose, and sometimes the mouth, triggered by irritation of the nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. mucosaMucosa, also called mucous membrane, refers to the moist lining of body cavities that are connected to the outside world, such as the mouth, nose, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. It serves to protect and facilitate the absorption of nutrients.. It is a natural reflex that serves to remove foreign objects or irritants from the airways.

Can Occur with the Following Diseases:

Basics and possible causes

Sneezing is a normal reflex that occurs in all mammals, including cats. The nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. mucosaMucosa, also called mucous membrane, refers to the moist lining of body cavities that are connected to the outside world, such as the mouth, nose, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. It serves to protect and facilitate the absorption of nutrients. is very sensitive and can be irritated by a variety of factors. These include physical irritation from foreign bodies, chemical irritants such as smoke or perfume, or allergic reactions. Sneezing can also be triggered by upper respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. infections.

Infections are a common cause of sneezing in cats. ViralViral refers to viruses and their effects on the organism. Viral infections in dogs and cats can range from harmless colds to severe, life-threatening diseases. infections such as felineFeline refers to anything related to cats. The term is used to describe diseases, behaviors, or anatomical aspects that are specific to cats. herpesvirus or felineFeline refers to anything related to cats. The term is used to describe diseases, behaviors, or anatomical aspects that are specific to cats. calicivirus are particularly common. In addition to sneezing, these viruses can also lead to other symptoms such as ocular inflammation and fever. Bacterial infections, such as those caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica or Mycoplasma, are also possible, but less common.

Allergies can also cause sneezing in cats. Allergens such as pollen, dust, or certain foods can triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. an allergic reaction in sensitive cats. This reaction can range from mild sneezing to more severe respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress. ChronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. rhinitis or nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. polyps can also cause recurrentRecurrent refers to a disease that repeatedly returns or worsens after a temporary remission or improvement. sneezing.

In some cases, sneezing can also be caused by structural problems in the cat’s airways, such as nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. polyps or tumors. Such causes are usually less common but should be considered if the sneezing is persistentPersistent means lasting or continuing for an extended period. In veterinary medicine, it can refer to chronic diseases or symptoms that do not subside. and no other cause can be found.

Typical accompanying symptoms

NasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. discharge: A common accompanying symptom of sneezing is nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. discharge, which can be clear, yellowish, or greenish. The color and consistency of the discharge can provide clues as to the cause, such as whether it is an infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..
Eye discharge: Many upper respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. infections that cause sneezing also lead to eye discharge. The eyes may be red and swollen, and crusts may form around the eyes.
Cough: Cough may occur with some respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. infections or allergic reactions. This is especially common in infections that affect deeper areas of the respiratory tractThe respiratory tract includes the organs and structures involved in the breathing process, including the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs..
Swelling of the lymph nodes: In the case of infections, the lymph nodes may swell, especially those near the neck. This is an indicationIndication refers to a valid reason or rationale for using a specific treatment, medication, or medical procedure. It is based on the diagnosis and the patient's clinical condition. that the cat’s immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. is active.
Fever: Fever is another symptom that can occur with infections. It can be noticeable through an increased body temperature, which can lead to lethargy and loss of appetite.
Loss of appetite: Cats that feel unwell tend to eat less. This can be caused by a stuffy nose or a weakened general condition.
Changes in behavior: A cat suffering from a respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. disease may withdraw, be less active, or show signs of discomfort.

When to visit the vet?

A veterinary visit is urgently needed if your cat’s sneezing is accompanied by other more serious symptoms, such as persistentPersistent means lasting or continuing for an extended period. In veterinary medicine, it can refer to chronic diseases or symptoms that do not subside. fever, severe nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. or eye discharge, loss of appetite, or lethargy. Such symptoms may indicate a more serious infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. or other health condition that requires medical treatment.

If the sneezing persists or worsens over a longer period of time, a veterinarian should also be consulted. ChronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. sneezing that does not improve may be a sign of an underlying chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. condition or structural defect that needs to be treated.

Also, if the cat shows difficulty breathing, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately. RespiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress is an emergency and requires immediate medical evaluation and treatment.

Symptom recognition for animal owners and veterinary diagnostic procedures

It can be helpful for the pet owner to observe the pattern and frequency of sneezing. Note whether there are specific triggers, such as certain times of day, places, or activities, when sneezing occurs. Other symptoms that occur along with the sneezing should also be closely observed and reported to the veterinarian.

The veterinarian will usually perform a thorough clinical examination to determine the cause of the sneezing. This includes examining the nose, eyes, and throat, as well as listening to the lungs. The veterinarian may also perform blood tests to diagnose infections or allergies. In some cases, X-rays or endoscopic examinations may be necessary to rule out structural problems in the airways.

If an infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. is suspected, the veterinarian may take a nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. swab to identify the pathogenA pathogen is a microorganism or virus that can cause disease in its host. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.. This can help determine the appropriate treatment, such as antibiotics. If allergies are suspected, allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. tests or an eliminationElimination refers to the process by which waste products and toxins are removed from the body. This includes excretion via the kidneys (urine), intestines (stool), lungs (breath), and skin. diet may be performed to identify the triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats..

What can pet owners do and professional therapy options

As a pet owner, you can take some measures to improve your cat’s well-being and relieve symptoms. Make sure the cat’s environment is free of irritants such as smoke, strong scents, or dust. A humidifier can help increase humidity and soothe your cat’s airways.

Make sure your cat drinks enough to keep the mucous membranes moist. Good hydration is especially important if the cat has nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. discharge or fever. If your cat has difficulty eating due to a stuffy nose, you can try offering her more fragrant or moist food to stimulate her appetite.

In some cases, it may be helpful to gently clean your cat’s nose with a damp cloth to remove crusts or discharge. This can make breathing easier and improve overall well-being. However, be careful to do this gently to avoid causing additional irritation.

If your cat is prescribed medication by the veterinarian, make sure you administer it as directed. This is crucial for effective treatment and a speedy recovery for your cat. If your cat’s symptoms do not improve or worsen despite these measures, it is important to consult the veterinarian again.

Outlook on current research

Current research is intensively investigating sneezing in cats to better understand the specific stimuli and factors that lead to this symptom. A significant area of research focuses on allergic reactions in cats, as sneezing can often be a symptom of allergies. Scientists are studying the mechanisms that cause the cat’s immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. to overreact to harmless substances such as pollen, dust, or mold. This involves examining both the genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. and the environmental influences that could contribute to the development of allergies.

Another area of research focuses on the role of infectiousInfectious describes the ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one individual to another and trigger an infection. It also refers to diseases caused by such pathogens. diseases in sneezing cats. Viruses such as feline herpesvirus or calicivirus are common causes of respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. diseases that triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. sneezing. Researchers are working to develop new vaccines and antiviral therapies aimed at preventing the spread of these viruses or reducing the severity of symptoms. They are also investigating how these viruses affect the cat’s immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. and what long-term effects they may have on the cat’s health.

Research is also examining the role of environmental factors in sneezing in cats. Air pollution, secondhand smoke, and household chemicals are being explored as potential irritants that could worsen respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. symptoms such as sneezing. Studies are focusing on how these factors affect cats and what measures owners can take to minimize their cats’ exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. to these irritants.

Finally, there is also research on the role of nutrition and general health in the prevalence of sneezing in cats. A healthy immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. is crucial for fighting off infections and minimizing allergic reactions. Therefore, research is being conducted on how certain nutrients and food additives can strengthen the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of sneezing.

Frequently asked questions

Is sneezing in cats always a cause for concern? Sneezing in cats is not always a cause for concern. Occasional sneezing can be normal, especially if it is triggered by dust or other harmless irritants. However, frequent or persistentPersistent means lasting or continuing for an extended period. In veterinary medicine, it can refer to chronic diseases or symptoms that do not subside. sneezing may indicate an underlying problem and should be examined by a veterinarian.
What are common causes of sneezing in cats? Common causes of sneezing in cats include allergies, upper respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. infections, environmental irritants such as smoke or perfumes, and foreign objects in the nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. passages. An accurate diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. can only be made by a veterinarian.
Can allergies cause sneezing in cats? Yes, allergies are a common cause of sneezing in cats. Cats can be allergic to various substances, including pollen, mold, dust mites, and certain foods or medications.
How can I tell if my cat is sneezing because of an infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.? If sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms such as nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. discharge, eye discharge, fever, or decreased appetite, an infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. may be present. A visit to the veterinarian is necessary to make an accurate diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients..
Can stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. sneezing in cats? StressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. can indirectly triggerA trigger is a stimulus that elicits a specific reaction or state. In veterinary medicine, this can refer to emotional responses, such as fear or aggression, or medical conditions, such as seizures in dogs and cats. sneezing in cats. StressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. weakens the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body., making cats more susceptible to infections that can cause sneezing. StressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. reduction can help improve the cat’s health.
Are there home remedies for sneezing in cats? While there are some home remedies, such as providing a steamy room, cat owners should be cautious and consult with a veterinarian before using home remedies. Improper treatment can worsen the situation.
Can a cat injure itself while sneezing? Cats usually do not injure themselves while sneezing. However, if the sneezing is violent or persistentPersistent means lasting or continuing for an extended period. In veterinary medicine, it can refer to chronic diseases or symptoms that do not subside., it can lead to irritation or damage to the nasalNasal refers to the nose and nasal cavities. In veterinary medicine, this can involve examinations, treatments, or diseases affecting the nose of dogs and cats. passages. A veterinarian should be consulted if the sneezing does not subside.
How can I help my cat sneeze less? To reduce sneezing, cat owners should keep their cat’s environment clean, minimize irritants, ventilate regularly, and ensure that the cat receives a balanced diet. Regular veterinary check-ups are also important.
Can sneezing in cats indicate a serious health problem? Yes, sneezing can indicate serious health problems such as infections, dental problems, or even tumors. If the sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms or lasts longer, a veterinarian should be consulted.
When should I take my cat to the vet if she is sneezing? A veterinary visit is advisable if the sneezing occurs frequently, is accompanied by other symptoms, lasts longer than a week, or the cat is obviously suffering from the sneezing. The veterinarian can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Are you unsure what is wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our symptom checker for more clarity.