Cat sneezes what to do at home

Having detected alarming manifestations, you should not try to diagnose the cat yourself. It is necessary to show it to a specialist. It should be remembered that self-treatment can cause the animal unnecessary suffering and not achieve recovery. The dosages of human drugs are often such that they do not suit our smaller brothers, and giving them to the cat, you can cause serious harm to its health.

Allergic rhinitis: where does it come from, and who should treat it: an ENT doctor or an allergist?

Some fifty years ago, allergies were almost never talked about, and the diagnosis was made quite rarely. Now the situation has fundamentally changed. According to the World Health Organization, every fifth person in the world suffers from allergic rhinitis (or allergic rhinitis). If we talk about the citizens of Russia, the diagnosis "allergic rhinitis" occurs in 20% of the population. And this figure clearly does not reflect the real picture: unfortunately, not all patients seek professional help, but try to cope with it on their own.

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa that occurs due to its contact with an irritant substance – an allergen. A specific reaction to the allergen can manifest itself immediately, but it may take up to half an hour.

The disease runs with profuse mucus from the nasal passages, sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion. The diagnosis is one of the so-called "Big Three" allergic diseases, along with bronchial asthma and atopic dermatitis.

The cause of an allergic reaction can be a quite innocuous factor that is perceived by the body as an ominous threat.

• plant pollen (this type of allergic cold is called pollinosis);
• house dust, or more precisely, the mites that live in it;
• pet hair and secretions;
• fungal spores;
• foodstuffs;
• medicines;
• perfume;
• household chemicals.

In reality, there are many more reasons. The development of the disease is associated with a hereditary factor. It often happens that a person with allergic rhinitis some of his close relatives are also allergic.

How does allergic rhinitis occur?

• A tickling sensation in the nose – it provokes sneezing attacks;
• profuse watery nasal discharge;
• nasal congestion – it provokes swelling of the mucous membrane;
• Itching in the nose and eyes;
• lacrimation;
• red eyes;
• Conjunctivitis may develop.

Some symptoms occur immediately, some join later. Many patients, faced with a runny nose of allergic nature, begin to abuse vasoconstrictor drops than only worsen the situation. In addition to allergic, they get drug rhinitis, or otherwise "naphthisin addiction", when the nose without drops can no longer breathe. It is very difficult to "come off" the drops on your own, you will need competent therapy by an ENT doctor.

Related symptoms

In addition to the basic symptoms that accompany certain diseases, there are additional symptoms that will also point the owner to health problems in the baby.

Here's what else you need to pay attention to if the kitten sneezes incessantly:

• Tearfulness (sometimes pus can come out of them);
• swelling;
• trembling;
• copious salivation;
• lack of appetite (kitten eats very little or not at all);
• green nasal discharge;
• liquid stools;
• severe hair loss.

If you observe any of the symptoms listed above, it is best not to self-medicate, but try to get an appointment with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe competent treatment.

Possible diseases

When foreign objects are excluded in the kitten's nose, there is a risk of one of the following diseases, which require timely intervention of a specialist.

Upper respiratory infection

Usually with this ailment, the case is not limited to sneezing alone. The animal may have a fever, cough, difficulty breathing.

Toxoplasmosis

The risk of humans contracting toxoplasmosis from a cat is insignificant, because even a sick animal is dangerous only in the acute period of the disease (no more than five days). But pregnant women should be more careful to avoid intrauterine infection of the baby.

Chlamydia .

Can also be transmitted to humans. In addition to sneezing, symptoms of chlamydia also include fever, discharge from the eyes and nose, cough, difficulty breathing.

Bordetellosis .

It is otherwise known as "kennel cough." Symptoms occur in older kittens: sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, fever.

Mycoplasmosis

It is infectious and is accompanied by sneezing, discharge from the eyes and conjunctivitis. Almost all cats are considered to be carriers of mycoplasmosis, the only thing to do is to prevent its escalation to a severe form or the accession of another disease.

Infectious (herperovirus) rhinotracheitis

The most common of all the listed diseases. Sick pets experience breathing problems, there may be such ailments as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, purulent discharge from the nose and eyes, swelling of the mucosa of the nose, throat and pharynx.

Colds

Often the cause of sneezing is not a serious illness, but the most common cold. It occurs for the same reasons as in humans, and has the same symptoms: sneezing, runny nose, nasal discharge, weakness, lack of appetite.

To avoid exposing your pet to colds, the owner should make sure that after bathing the kitten is not on the cold floor or in a draft.

Illnesses symptomatic of sneezing

Cats are prone to various diseases. Protect the animal from them – the task of a loving and caring owner. However, sometimes even the measures taken do not help, and the pet gets sick. There are various pathologies, one manifestation of which is sneezing.

Infectious diseases

Rhinotracheitis

An acute disease of viral etiology that affects the respiratory and eye organs. A cat can become infected by another infected animal or by a person who has come into contact with cats carrying the virus. Virions are present in the various body fluids of the infected animal, and the infection can be transmitted through the air, through food, hygiene and care items.

A sick animal has fever, cough, and sometimes vomiting. Their eyes become festering and swollen, and they have purulent discharge from their nostrils.

Calicivirosis

A very common infectious disease of viral nature in cats. It is characterized by the following symptoms:

A cat can become infected from an infected animal. The pathogen is transmitted by airborne, contact and alimentary routes.

Distemper or panleukopenia

An extremely dangerous viral disease characterized by high contagiousness. This infection is accompanied by fever, vomiting (green or greenish-yellow in color, sometimes with blood admixtures), runny nose and cough. In the acute stage, the cat has frequent shallow breathing and dry mouth mucosa. The animal may sit over a bowl of water but not touch it. It wants to drink due to severe dehydration of the body, but cannot because of severe pain in the abdomen. During the disease, the cat loses a lot of weight, the hair comes out, becomes dull.

Mortality when infected with panleukopenia reaches 90%. If the cat survives 3-4 days from the onset of acute clinical symptoms, it is likely to make it through.

Cat sneezes with blood: causes

Sometimes in a cat's nose the tiny blood vessels are very close to the surface and are easily damaged. In such cases when sneezing, provoked, for example, by inhaling dusty air, small splashes of blood may fly out of the nose. This is not dangerous, especially if the animal sneezes infrequently. You should wipe the nose with a damp cloth and then make sure that the nose is not bleeding and that the drops of blood are only due to quick, sharp exhalation.

In some cases, bloody discharge along with sneezing indicates a serious health problem. This could be a cancerous tumor, a fungal infection in the advanced stage, suffered trauma to the muzzle area of the nose. In either case, the animal should be taken to a veterinarian for a thorough examination.

Diagnosis

Only a veterinarian can make an accurate diagnosis. The specialist will conduct an interview and visual inspection, prescribe testsThe results of which will determine the cause of the abnormality.

Important! Sneezing for a long time is a symptom that can be associated with many diseases. Some of them are difficult to treat if detected at a late stage.

For this reason we do not recommend treating the cat yourself, but Ask your veterinarian for help..

With allergies, it is necessary to find out what caused the ailment. The allergen is eliminated, the pet is prescribed antihistamines, ointments, a special diet (if food allergies).

If the disease is viral, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulators and vitamins are prescribed. Sometimes the pet needs inpatient treatment.

If a foreign body got into the airways, it is removed with an endoscope, then, if necessary, additional therapy is carried out.

Asthmatic cats are prescribed glucocorticosteroids, the use of inhalers, sometimes antibiotics.

In the case of polyps, the neoplasm is removed with further supportive therapy.

If a cat has been diagnosed with cancer, you can't do without chemotherapy and surgery.

Worm infestation is treated with suitable drugs, in severe cases – surgery.

Prevention

Whatever the cause of cat sneezing, it is important to monitor its health – this will reduce the risk of dangerous diseases. For this purpose, it is necessary to observe preventive measures.

Our tips

Make sure that your pet has a complete and balanced diet every day.

Its diet should be based on high-quality meat ingredients, but don't forget vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Pre-prepared holistic, super-premium and premium foods contain the optimum balance of nutrients, proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

The diet should be appropriate for the cat's lifestyle, health and age. Keep in mind that neutered and spayed pets need special foods to prevent obesity and urolithiasis. Follow the feeding recommendations on the package.

Remember that older animals, kittens and pets after surgery or illness have reduced immunity.

They should be protected from hypothermia. If a cat likes to sleep on a cold floor or near a window, provide it with a warm place to rest: a bed or a house.

Do not forget about hygiene of your pet. Examine its eyes and ears daily and clean up any discharge Use special wipes or lotions. Pay special attention to the oral cavity. Teach your cat to brush its teeth from an early age (you will need a toothpaste and a brush made especially for four-legged animals). Once a year, get Ultrasonic cleaning Have your cat's teeth cleaned at a veterinarian. By the way, treats and dry food also help to remove plaque.

Regular exercise is good for your cat's health. Encourage the cat to play by buying her exciting toys.

Prevent sneezing in cats

To prevent the disease of a tailed pet, you should follow simple rules of maintenance: eliminate drafts in the house, equip the pet with a warm place to sleep, change his litter tray or diet, if he was found to be allergic to it. You should also clean the house on time and not spray chemicals near your pet. It is advisable to put a humidifier for him. If a cat is sick, you should not disturb him too much, it is better to give him more water and follow the treatment prescribed by the doctor.

In no case you should not self-medicate, it is fraught with complications that can lead to serious consequences!

You should also visit a veterinarian every year for check-ups and vaccinations. The pet should not be allowed to come into contact with stray animals. Every three months, the pet should be treated for parasites. And, of course, the most important thing is to surround your pet with your love and care!

What is sneezing?

Sneezing – A protective reflex produced by the action of mucus, dust particles, foreign objects, viruses, bacteria, allergens and irritants on the nasal mucous membrane.

Nerve endings located in the nasal mucosa, when irritated, send a signal to the brain area responsible for breathing. In response, the brain sends a command to the muscles to take a deep breath, and then – a sharp exhalation. This violent involuntary exhalation, which is called a sneeze.

Sneezing also often serves to clear the airways. Externally, it may look very similar to a sneeze. The difference is that sneezing is involuntary, while sniffing is a controlled action on the part of a person or animal.

Why does a cat sneeze?

A cat uses sneezing to clear the upper airways of various irritants. Sneezing itself is not a disease, but it may be due to the characteristics of the cat's body structure, indicate improper housing or be one of the symptoms of a disease.

The cat should definitely be seen by a veterinarian if in addition to sneezing one or more of the following symptoms are observed

• Restlessness, rubbing of the nose with the paws;
• shortness of breath;
• coughing;
• purulent, bloody, profuse mucous nasal discharge;
• lacrimation, purulent discharge from eyes;
• refusal of food;
• increase in body temperature;
• dry crusts near nostrils;
• liquid stools.

If the cat sneezes but you do not notice any other signs of illness, pay attention to the following factors:

• The dustiness of the room the cat is in. Sneezing may be caused by an increase in the amount of dust in the air in the long absence of wet cleaning, rearrangement of furniture, construction work in the house.
• Pungent smells. Cats have a very keen sense of smell. Some smells that don't bother people (such as citrus, onions, garlic, alcohol, vinegar, perfumes and deodorants, scented candles) can be unpleasant and irritating to pets.
• Chemicals in cleaning and dishwashing products, paint thinners, insect sprays, and air fresheners can also irritate the mucous membranes of the nose and sinuses, resulting in sneezing. In addition, cats can also exhibit hypersensitivity to tobacco smoke.

• Brachycephalic syndrome. Some cats belonging to breeds with a shortened snout have congenital features of the snout structure that lead to breathing difficulties: narrowing of the nasal passages, hyperplasia of the soft palate, hyperplasia and eversion of the laryngeal antecubital folds. Such animals sneeze and snort more often than others, trying to get rid of nasal congestion. Respiratory disorders As the cat ages, its condition may worsen, so it is advisable to show the cat to a veterinarian at the first sign of difficulty breathing.
• Allergies. One of the manifestations of allergic reactions in cats may be sneezing. The most frequent allergens are dust, pollen of house and garden plants, products from ectoparasites, household chemicals, and components of food. To eliminate sneezing attacks, you must first identify the allergen and limit the contact of the animal with it.
• Foreign body in the nasal cavity. Cats, especially young cats, are naturally curious and eager to sniff objects around them. During such investigations crumbs, hairs, threads, particles of cat litter etc. may get into the cat's nostrils. Nasal passages in cats are quite narrow and very sensitive, even a small foreign object strongly irritates their mucous membrane. To get rid of the irritant, the cat begins to rub its nose with its paws, sneezing. In this case, sneezing may be accompanied by a small amount of transparent mucus from the nasal passages. As a result, small particles are removed from the nostrils by the cat itself, and larger ones have to be extracted by the veterinarian.
• Helminth infestation. Many worm infestations can be accompanied by sneezing. For example, with pulmonary capillariasis, the adult worms parasitize in the trachea, bronchi, less often the nasal cavity and frontal sinuses of the cat, causing their irritation and, consequently, sneezing and coughing. In young, weakened cats with toxoplasmosis, in addition to fever, lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, nasal and eye discharge may be observed.
• Overcooling. Sometimes sneezing occurs with a sudden change in temperature (for example, the cat jumped out of a warm room onto the balcony in the cold). Such sneezing – a protective reaction of the body to the intake of large amounts of cold air into the nasal passages. It is not dangerous on its own.
• Respiratory infections are a common cause of sneezing in cats. These include herpesvirus infection in cats, calicivirosis, chlamydia, and mycoplasmosis. Less common in cats are fungal infections, which can also cause inflammation in the nasal cavity and frontal sinuses. Respiratory infections are usually accompanied by a worsening of the animal's general condition, an increase in body temperature, profuse discharge from the nose and eyes, sneezing and coughing. Many infectious diseases are life-threatening, so if you suspect one of them is infecting your pet, you should go to the veterinarian immediately.
• Diseases of the gums and teeth. Stomatitis, gingivitis, and dental diseases may also sometimes be accompanied by sneezing. In these cases, however, sneezing is not the primary symptom. Problems in the cat's mouth are indicated by the appearance of foul odor, increased salivation, and problems with eating dry food.
• Feline asthma is a chronic disease suspected to be allergic in nature. It is manifested by recurrent, sudden bouts of sneezing, dry coughing, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, during an attack there may be blueness of the mucous membranes, wheezing, breathing with the mouth open. To relieve the cat's condition and prevent new attacks, you should go to a veterinarian and use medications recommended by your veterinarian.
• Polyps and neoplasms in the nasopharynx can also cause sneezing, nasal discharge. Symptoms are similar to those of infectious diseases or allergies, so it is usually possible to make an accurate diagnosis with a veterinarian's examination. Polyps and neoplasms are usually removed surgically.

What symptoms may accompany sneezing

Along with sneezing, animals sometimes exhibit other symptoms . These include:

• Apathy, lethargy, depression ;
• discharge from the eyes, sores and swelling;
• difficulty or rapid breathing;
• fever;
• nasal discharge, including clear, yellow or bloody discharge;
• Poor coat condition and loss of hair;
• increased salivation;
• Loss of appetite, refusal to eat and weight loss;
• wheezing and coughing.

If sneezing is accompanied by any of these signs, be sure to go to the vet for a consultation.

Do not delay a visit, any delay may be dangerous for your pet.

What to do if the cat sneezes

If the cat sneezed only a couple of times and there are no other symptoms, monitor it for a few days. During this time, carefully monitor any changes in her behavior and condition, and try to keep her away from other pets. If there are no warning signs and the sneezing does not recur, there is probably no reason to worry.

If the cat is sneezing persistently and is secreting blood or showing any of the other signs listed above, the vet should be seen without delay.

Treatment will depend on the cause of the sneezing. In some cases simple measures will be enough to make the cat feel more comfortable, such as eliminating allergens. In others, the specialist will prescribe a course of antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. If the body of the animal does not respond to drug therapy, surgery may be required.

Why the cat starts sneezing

Our pets, especially purebred animals, are delicate creatures. Sometimes an ordinary draught can make them sick: become lethargic, eat little, run a fever, shed heavily, or cause discharge from the eyes or nose. Sneezing and sniffling are peculiar "indicators" of possible illnesses. At the first manifestation of their owner must find out why the cat sneezes, although he felt fine before.

Conventionally, the causes of sneezing in cats can be divided into non-hazardous, that is, not a threat to the health of the animal, and serious, requiring careful treatment in the clinic and close care at home.

Non-dangerous causes

If a cat sneezes briefly – what can it be? Most likely, the only seizure is caused by a non-dangerous cause, and you should not worry too much. Here are common causes:

1. Common house dust. It happens that the cat sneezes often trivially because of dust in the house. By their natural curiosity, animals love to explore new places, secluded corners, small spaces where dust accumulates. In this case, a general cleaning will help – so you get rid of an unpleasant sneezing and breathe a full breath yourself.
2. Household chemicals may provoke an unpleasant process for the pet. Pay attention to fresheners, dish detergents, detergents, perfumes, deodorants, special "chemicals" for animals – in a word, to everything that can emit pungent or repulsive smells.
3. Some products also cannot be written off, such as citrus fruits, onions, garlic, spices, alcohol, vinegar. Curious creatures have an excellent sense of smell and immediately smell pungent odors. Sometimes the cat sneezes all the time because of untreated condiments or orange peels.
4. A cold or runny nose. Our four-legged friends, just like the owners, can catch a cold with a slight draft. Symptoms will be similar to those of humans: fever, lethargy, refusal to eat, occasional sneezing, stuffy nose, snot, constant sleepiness, an overly hot nose and paw pads. Therefore, it is better to avoid blowing, frequent air conditioning, bathing procedures in the cold season.
5. As our domestic friends explore everything interesting for them through the sense of smell, a foreign body or a small gnat can get into their nose, which will cause an involuntary reaction.
6. The peculiarities of the structure of the muzzle in extremes cause a constant runny nose and stuffy nose. If your pet belongs to a breed with a shortened snout, it's likely that it's all about anatomy.

Disturbing symptoms, including nosebleeds

The owner should pay closer attention to an animal that, in addition to constant sneezing, shows other signs of illness:

• Makes a wheezing or sniffling sound – any symptoms of difficulty breathing;
• Is lethargic and has little or no appetite;
• Drinks a lot;
• Is prone to loose stools or vomiting;
• has a bloody discharge from the nose;
• his eyes are watery and pus is oozing from them and from the nose.

Bloody nasal discharge refers to internal injuries of the nasopharynx. This includes injuries that are easy to heal, as well as more serious causes such as neoplasms or polyps.

In rarer cases, nasal bleeding can be caused by damage to the oral cavity – trauma or dental disease. In any case, if a sneezing cat has blood in its nasal discharge, it is worth seeing a specialist.

The question of why the cat often sneezes and what it may be, only a veterinarian can answer exactly – you can not diagnose yourself. All that the owner can and should do – is to notice the dangerous symptoms and go with your pet to the vet.

Why do cats sneeze? Six common causes and when to call the vet

Sneezing is as common in pets as it is in people. But when does a simple sneeze that happens from time to time turn into a more serious problem? Sneezing is a part of life, and it's our body's way of getting various irritants out. Although it's not something that bothers most cat owners, your cat may have many problems.

Diagnosing a cat sneezing problem is quite difficult. First, the veterinarian has to make sure that the cat is actually sneezing and not coughing, hiccups, vomiting or wheezing. Taking a video and showing it to the vet is usually the easiest way to make a diagnosis. Second, there can be many causes that lead to this problem. From minor discomfort to serious illness.

Many tests are required to find out the underlying cause. Here are some of the possible reasons why your cat started sneezing:

1. Simple tickling.

We all feel a slight itch in our nose from time to time. The same thing can happen to cats. Sneezing once every few months or so is probably not a cause for concern. Sneezing is something that is common to many animal species. It is only when it becomes more frequent that it becomes a cause for concern.

2. environmental problems

Sneezing can be caused by an environmental irritant.

Check the environment where your cat is sneezing and rule out anything that may be causing this reaction. Is a candle or incense lit? Have you switched to a new type of litter? If the sneezing is accompanied by itching, your cat is probably allergic to something.

3. dental disease

What can sneezing have to do with dental disease? The roots of the teeth in a cat's mouth are very close to the nasal passages. If the teeth become inflamed, the nose is one of the first places that will be irritated. Dental disease can be a painful condition, so you should take your cat to the vet as soon as possible if you suspect this is the case.

When to go to the vet about sneezing

Sneezing occasionally is not a serious cause for concern. If the sneezing becomes more frequent and you notice other symptoms of behavioral changes, it's best to be cautious and take your cat to the vet.

Make an appointment if the sneezing is accompanied by these symptoms:

• Yellow or green nasal discharge
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Drooling
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Weight Loss
• Loss of appetite
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Diarrhea
• Breathing problems
• Poor coat condition

Regardless, always trust your gut. The veterinarian will perform a physical exam, check the nose, mouth and eyes, and if necessary, prescribe tests.