Why is My Cat Constantly Sneezing in Santa Clarita, CA?

Does your cat sneeze often? Does it seem like she’s almost always sneezing? If this sounds like your cat, then you may need to take her to the vet to diagnose the problem. However, it’s a good idea to brush up on the potential causes of this sneezing before you go, so you can be more aware of what to expect from your vet visit.

Reasons Why Your Cat Could be Sneezing A Lot

Read through the information below to learn more about the most common causes of frequent sneezing in cats.

Allergies

It is very possible, and very common, for cats to develop seasonal allergies. Many cats are allergic to pollen and may start sneezing more frequently when the seasons change, just like humans. Cats with seasonal allergies may need allergy medication from the vet to get through these times of the year.

Some cats may also be allergic to mold, household cleaners, or cigarette smoke. If any of these smells are present in your home, try removing them for a while to see if your cat’s sneezing clears up. If it does, you most likely have an allergic cat on your hands.

Asthma

Asthma is not as common in cats as allergies, but it is also not a rare condition. It can be difficult to diagnose, however, since the symptoms are very similar to allergies. Your vet will likely need to rule out other conditions to determine whether your cat has asthma.

If your cat is diagnosed with asthma, she may be given an inhaler from the vet. She may also receive steroids to be given orally or as an injection. If she has a bad flare-up, she may need emergency steroids at this time.

Feline Herpes

Feline herpes is a lifelong disease, although it can be easily managed. It is not contagious to humans, and humans and cats cannot spread herpes to each other. Cats can give it to other cats, however, so if you have one infected cat you likely have multiple.

Sneezing is a common symptom of herpes in cats, along with runny eyes and nasal discharge. If your cat becomes stressed, she may have a flare-up from feline herpes. Your veterinarian will work with you to provide the right treatment for her symptoms if this happens.

Feline Calicivirus

Feline calicivirus is another very contagious disease between cats, although once again, it cannot be spread to humans. This disease causes ulcers within the mouth more often than any other symptom, but it can sometimes also cause sneezing. When sneezing is caused by calicivirus, it is frequent and repetitive in most cases.

If your cat is diagnosed with this disease, you will need to talk with your vet about managing her symptoms as well as preventing the condition from becoming worse. In situations where calicivirus is left untreated, cats can easily develop a respiratory infection or pneumonia, so vet care is crucial.

Feline Leukemia

Feline leukemia is a very dangerous disease that is contagious between cats but cannot be spread to humans. It can linger in locations long after the cat is no longer there, so households with cats that are diagnosed with feline leukemia are often advised to wait a while before adopting another cat.

Sneezing is one of the many symptoms associated with feline leukemia. There are many others that may occur along with sneezing, and your cat is likely to look and act very sick if she has this condition. Only your vet can tell you for sure if your cat has feline leukemia, however.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Feline immunodeficiency virus, or FIV, affects the immune system of a cat just like HIV does to humans. Once again, this disease cannot be spread to humans, but it can affect other cats. If your cat is diagnosed with FIV, it likely isn’t the FIV causing her sneezing. However, the FIV will cause her to be more susceptible to other ailments that can cause sneezing instead.

There is no treatment for FIV in cats. However, your veterinarian will talk with you about symptom management and help you learn how to give your cat a full and happy life.

Cat Sneezing in Santa Clarita, CA Can Be Caused by Many Things

Your cat’s sneezing can be caused by a wide range of different problems. It’s important to take your cat to the vet as soon as you notice she has a sneeze that won’t go away. Sneezing that comes and goes, especially in conjunction with seasonal changes, is probably nothing to worry about. However, any other chronic sneezing should be diagnosed and treated with the help of a trusted vet.

The sooner your cat visits the vet for her sneezing, the more likely you will be able to help her recover fully from whatever the underlying cause might be. Call Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Center at (661) 799-0655 or book an appointment online!