• Primary Causes: Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV).
• Secondary Causes: Bacterial infections (e.g., Chlamydia, Bordetella).

Symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge (clear, yellow, or green)
• Eye discharge or conjunctivitis
• Lethargy and fever
• Loss of appetite
• Mouth ulcers (common with calicivirus)

Treatment & Duration:

• Mild Cases: Supportive care; typically resolves in 7-10 days.
• Severe Cases: May require antibiotics for secondary infections, antiviral medications, or eye ointments; can last 2-4 weeks.

2. Allergies

Less common in cats than dogs but a possible trigger.

• Common Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, mold, perfumes, cigarette smoke, and certain cat litters.
• Symptoms: Sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and occasionally skin irritation.
• Management: Identify and remove the allergen, use air purifiers, and consult your vet about antihistamines.

3. Environmental Irritants

Non-allergic triggers in your cat's surroundings.

• Common Irritants: Household dust, smoke, strong perfumes, air fresheners, essential oils, and dusty cat litter.
• Solution: Improve ventilation, switch to low-dust litter, and eliminate the source of the irritant.

4. Foreign Objects

Something lodged in the nasal passage.

• Common Culprits: Grass blades, plant seeds, or small debris.
• Symptoms: Sudden, violent sneezing, pawing at the nose, and one-sided nasal discharge (sometimes bloody).
• Treatment: Requires veterinary removal, often under sedation, followed by antibiotics to prevent infection.

5. Dental Disease

Advanced dental issues can affect the nasal sinuses.

• Connection: Infected tooth roots (especially upper canines) can create a passage into the nasal cavity.
• Symptoms: Chronic sneezing, one-sided nasal discharge, bad breath, and reluctance to eat.
• Treatment: Professional dental cleaning and possible tooth extraction.

6. Nasal Polyps or Tumors

Growths within the nasal passages or sinuses.

• Symptoms: Chronic sneezing, persistent nasal discharge (often bloody), noisy breathing, facial swelling, or deformity.
• Treatment: Surgical removal for polyps; tumors require biopsy and a tailored treatment plan (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy).

7. Fungal Infections

Rare but serious conditions like cryptococcosis.

• Symptoms: Chronic sneezing, thick nasal discharge, swelling of the nose or face, and in advanced cases, neurological signs.
• Treatment: Long-term antifungal medications and sometimes surgery.

Safe Home Care for Mild Sneezing

Only attempt home care if your cat:

• Sneezes occasionally.
• Has no other symptoms (normal appetite, energy, and breathing).
• Is eating and drinking normally.

Helpful Home Remedies

• Increase Humidity: Use a humidifier or bring your cat into a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes to soothe nasal passages.
• Saline Nasal Drops: Apply 2-3 drops of plain pediatric saline solution into each nostril 2-3 times daily to loosen mucus. Never use medicated human drops.
• Support Nutrition & Hydration: Warm wet food to enhance aroma, offer low-sodium broth, and ensure fresh water is always available.
• Provide Rest: Create a quiet, warm, and comfortable space for your cat to recover. Consider isolating them from other pets in a multi-cat household.

When to See a Veterinarian: Warning Signs

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

• Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing.
• Blue-tinged gums or tongue (indicating lack of oxygen).
• Collapse or extreme lethargy.
• High fever (over 103°F / 39.4°C).
• Refusal to eat or drink for over 24 hours.

Schedule an Urgent Appointment (Within 24 Hours)

• Frequent sneezing fits.
• Colored (yellow, green) or bloody nasal discharge.
• Eye discharge or swelling.
• Lethargy, fever, or loss of appetite.

Schedule a Routine Check-up

• Sneezing that persists for more than a few days.
• Intermittent sneezing with mild discharge.

What to Expect at the Vet

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and may recommend diagnostic tests such as:

• Nasal Swab: To identify viral or bacterial causes.
• Blood Work: To assess overall health and immune status.
• Dental X-rays or Skull Radiographs: To check for dental disease, polyps, or tumors.
• Rhinoscopy: Using a small camera to examine the nasal passages.
• Biopsy: If a tumor is suspected.

Treatment and Prevention Strategies

Common Veterinary Treatments

• Antibiotics: For secondary bacterial infections (e.g., Clavamox, Doxycycline).
• Antivirals: For severe feline herpesvirus outbreaks (e.g., Famciclovir).
• Supportive Care: Fluids for dehydration, appetite stimulants, and eye medications.

Prevention and Long-Term Management

• Vaccination: Keep your cat up-to-date on the FVRCP vaccine, which protects against major viral causes of URIs.
• Stress Reduction: Minimize environmental stress, as it can trigger herpesvirus flare-ups. Use pheromone diffusers (Feliway) and provide secure hiding spots.
• Environmental Control: Use HEPA air purifiers, choose low-dust litter, avoid smoking indoors, and refrain from using strong aerosols or essential oils around your cat.
• Regular Veterinary Care: Annual check-ups and proactive dental care are crucial for early detection and prevention.

Special Considerations

• Kittens: Are highly vulnerable to severe URIs; seek prompt veterinary care for any sneezing.
• Senior Cats: More prone to chronic conditions like dental disease and tumors; require closer monitoring.
• Brachycephalic Breeds: Persians, Himalayans, and other flat-faced cats have narrower nasal passages and may experience more severe respiratory symptoms.

Conclusion

While an occasional sneeze is normal, persistent or severe sneezing is your cat's way of signaling that something is wrong. Monitoring your cat's overall behavior—their appetite, energy level, and breathing—is key. When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian. Early intervention can resolve minor issues and prevent them from developing into serious health problems.

For cats with chronic conditions like feline herpesvirus, lifelong management through stress reduction, good nutrition, and regular vet partnership can ensure a high quality of life.

Related Articles:

• Common Cat Health Problems: Symptoms and When to See a Vet
• Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats: Complete Guide
• Cat Vaccination Schedule: What Your Cat Needs
• How to Tell If Your Cat Is Sick: 10 Warning Signs

Sources: American Association of Feline Practitioners, Cornell Feline Health Center, Veterinary Partner

Last Updated: 2026