4 Possible Reasons Why Your Cat is Sneezing in Tulsa, OK
If you have a cat, you have probably heard them sneeze once or twice. This is often a really cute little noise, and your cat might even look charmingly perplexed after they have sneezed, like they are confused about it happening. However, if your cat is sneezing frequently, this might indicate that there are reasons to be concerned about their health.
Cats do not usually sneeze very often, so if your cat is sneezing a lot, there might be a health condition or some other problem that is causing them to sneeze so much. Cats can suffer from various conditions that make humans sneeze as well, such as allergies or colds, but there can be other problems that might lead to sneezing in cats as well. If you want to know more about the possible reasons that your cat is sneezing, you need to keep reading for more information.
1. Allergies
There are many kinds of environmental allergens that might cause your cat to sneeze. From plants in the home that your cat is allergic to, to chemicals or cleaning products, to the other pets in the home, there are various reasons that your cat might sneeze related to allergies. Allergic reactions can be mild and might just cause the occasional sneeze, but these allergies can also be more serious and can lead to secondary issues.
If your cat is sneezing all the time and has weepy eyes or sounds like they are wheezing or coughing, you need to make sure that you take your cat to the veterinarian. There are antihistamines and other products that you can give your cat that will help them to feel better if they are suffering from allergies.
2. Colds and Upper Respiratory Infections
Cats can get various kinds of upper respiratory infections just like people can. Your cat’s sneezing will likely also be accompanied by a snotty nose, weepy eyes, and a lack of energy if they have a cold. Make sure that you check to see if your cat is properly hydrated by performing the skin pinch test and feeling their nose or the pads of their feet to see if they are hot.
Cats can get quite sick from upper respiratory infections if they turn into pneumonia, so you do not want to ignore your cat’s cough for too long if it is accompanied by other cold symptoms. Getting your cat to the vet can be the best way to make sure that they don’t get a secondary infection that is quite serious related to their cold.
3. Tooth Problems
Surprisingly to some owners, tooth problems can actually cause sneezing in cats. Cat sinuses can get inflamed when tooth roots are not healthy, and pain in the roof of the mouth can lead to sneezing as a reflex too. If your cat is sneezing and has also slowed down in their eating or seems to be having trouble chewing when they do eat, a tooth problem might be the reason for their sneezing behavior.
Tooth problems can become quite serious in cats as they often lead to secondary infections that can be damaging to your cat’s heart and other organs. Make sure that you don’t ignore sneezing if your cat is also showing signs that they are not hungry or are having trouble eating.
4. Foreign Bodies or Tumors
If your cat has inhaled something that has become lodged in their nasal passages or they have a tumor that is growing in their nose, they might sneeze due to the pressure of this item or growth on the sensitive tissues in and around the nose. It can take a while for a foreign body or a tumor to make itself known, and you might at first only notice your cat sneezing.
If your cat starts to rub at their face with their paws or shows swellings or even bloody discharge from the nose, you should take them to the veterinarian. These kinds of problems can often be resolved with simple procedures to remove the foreign body or the tumor, and the sooner that your cat is seen by the vet, the better.
When to See the Vet
In many cases, sneezing that happens intermittently is not a major concern. Cats can sneeze due to dust, smells, and other environmental irritants, but that does not mean that they are sick. If your cat is only sneezing once in a while, they probably do not need to see the vet.
However, if your cat is sneezing and is also showing signs of an upper respiratory infection or of pain in their mouth, you should take your cat to the vet. Your vet will be able to take a look at your cat and make sure that they do not have anything serious going on that is causing the sneezing you have noticed. When tumors or foreign bodies are the reason for your cat’s sneezing, there might be the need for a small surgery to correct the problem, but most cases of sneezing just require some medication and time to get over the allergy or virus that is causing the sneezing.
Cat Sneezing Can be a Cause for Concern
Make sure that you pay attention to the frequency of your cat’s sneezing behavior, and take a moment to make sure that they do not have a runny nose or signs of a cold or cough. You should also be on the lookout for swelling of the face or bloody discharge from the nose. There are many reasons that your cat might be sneezing, and not all of them are as simple as a reaction to some dust in the air.
Taking your cat to the vet is always a good idea if you see signs that there are other symptoms present besides sneezing. Ruling out serious health conditions can be a great idea, and you will have the peace of mind that your cat just has the sniffles and needs a little time to mend if that is the case. Your vet can advise about the reason for your cat’s sneezing and help you to prevent this problem in the future.
Give Animal Emergency Center a call at 918-665-0508 to talk with a veterinarian about your cat’s sneezing in Tulsa, OK!