Sneezing in kittens might seem adorable, but it can also leave pet parents wondering if something serious is going on. While an occasional sneeze is often harmless, persistent sneezing or additional symptoms could point to an underlying cause that needs attention.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about why your kitten might be sneezing, including expert insights from Lemonade’s favorite vet, Dr. Stephanie Liff.
What are the common causes of cat sneezing?
Kittens and adult cats alike can sneeze for all sorts of reasons. Knowing the common causes can help you decide whether to keep an eye on things at home or take your kitty to the vet.
Upper respiratory infections
One of the most common reasons for a kitten sneezing is an upper respiratory infection (URI). These infections, often caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal pathogens, can affect your kitten’s nasal passages and sinuses.
Viruses such as feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and mycoplasma are also frequent culprits:
Like the human cold sore virus, feline herpesvirus targets the respiratory system and eyes, often causing sneezing and eye inflammation. While this virus can’t be cured, most infected cats can live healthy, normal lives with proper medication and care.
Calicivirus can lead to flu-like symptoms, ulcers in the mouth, and even joint pain. This virus is highly contagious to other cats, though most make a full recovery, with symptoms lasting five to ten days in mild cases.
Mycoplasma, a bacterial-like organism, often causes respiratory issues and can weaken the immune system. The National Kitten Coalition reports that without treatment, one-third of cases are fatal.
These infections may also bring other symptoms like nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, or loss of appetite. While treatable, they can become serious without proper care, so early veterinary intervention is key.
Irritants in the environment
Sometimes, sneezing is simply a reaction to irritants in your kitten’s environment. Common irritants include things like cleaning products, cigarette smoke, or even dusty cat litter. These substances can inflame the sensitive lining of your kitten’s nasal passages, leading to sneezing.
Your cat’s breed
All kittens are undeniably adorable, but some breeds are more prone to sneezing than others. Dr. Liff points out that certain breeds are more likely to have respiratory issues, which can lead to sneezing:
“Brachycephalic breeds—the ones with the smushed noses such as Persians, Siberians, and Scottish Folds—tend to be louder breathers. It’s just part of who they are, not necessarily a medical problem. That said, they can be more sensitive to congestion since they don’t have much extra airway to work with.”
-Dr. Stephanie Liff
Allergens
While less common, potential allergens like pollen, mold, or even certain foods can also cause sneezing in kittens. If triggered by allergies, the sneezing may be accompanied by watery eyes or behaviors indicating discomfort, like pawing at the face.
Foreign objects
Kittens are naturally curious, and sometimes their adventures can lead to small foreign objects getting stuck in their noses. Thankfully, this doesn’t happen often, according to Dr. Liff.
“Nasal foreign bodies are extremely rare in cats, mainly because they’re usually smarter than dogs.”
-Dr. Stephanie Liff
If your kitten is sneezing a lot or pawing at their nose, a foreign object (like grass, food, or some litter) might be to blame.
When should I worry about my kitten sneezing?
When sneezing is accompanied by certain symptoms, it could indicate a more serious health issue. Dr. Liff advises monitoring for the following signs, which could indicate the need for a trip to the vet:
Nasal discharge: Clear discharge is usually harmless, but thick or colored discharge may signal infection
Decreased appetite or weight loss: If your kitten isn’t eating well, it could indicate they’re feeling unwell
Difficulty breathing: Labored breathing or open-mouth breathing requires immediate attention
“If your kitten is sneezing with mucus, not eating, struggling to breathe, or pawing at their face, it’s time for an urgent trip to the vet. But, if they’re still eating and acting normally, it’s okay to wait about five to seven days before taking them in for a check-up.”
-Dr. Stephanie Liff
How can vaccines help prevent sneezing in kittens?
Vaccinating your kitten early is one of the best steps you can take to shield them from serious illnesses, including those that cause sneezing and respiratory problems. Core vaccines, like the FVRCP vaccine, protect against common viral infections such as feline herpesvirus and calicivirus, which are frequent culprits behind sneezing in kittens.
Early vaccination not only protects your kitten, but they also set the foundation for a stronger immune system as they grow, reducing the risk of long-term complications. Beyond protecting your cat, timely vaccinations also prevent highly contagious diseases from spreading to other animals.
How can pet parents help prevent sneezing in cats?
As a pet parent, there are several steps you can take to keep your kitten healthy and minimize sneezing episodes:
Keep it clean: Regularly clean your kitten’s living area to reduce irritants like dust and allergens
Monitor their health: Keep an eye out for changes in behavior, appetite, or energy levels
Schedule regular vet visits: Routine check-ups help catch any potential health issues early
Provide a balanced diet: A nutritious diet supports your kitten’s immune system and overall health
How do you treat a sneezing cat?
Treating sneezing in kittens and adult cats depends on what’s causing it. According to Dr. Liff, it’s pretty common to proactively run respiratory panels for cats with chronic sneezing. Once your vet figures out the cause, they’ll be able to treat your feline friend.
Here are some diagnostics and treatment plans you can expect for common causes of cat sneezing, including average costs:
Treating upper respiratory infections in cats
Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are typically diagnosed based on your cat’s symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal discharge, or fever. Your vet may perform tests like nasal swabs or bloodwork to confirm the infection.
Treatment often includes antiviral medications, antibiotics, or supportive care like fluid therapy and using a humidifier to ease breathing. Costs for diagnosis can range from $50 to $200, while treatment may add another $100 to $300 depending on the severity of the infection and medications.
Environmental irritants
If environmental irritants like dust or strong smells are suspected, a diagnosis usually involves ruling out other causes through a physical exam or allergy testing. Treatment focuses on minimizing exposure to triggers, such as switching to dust-free litter or avoiding perfumed cleaning products.
These changes are relatively low-cost, with solutions often under $50. However, ongoing irritation may require consultations or medications, which could cost $100 or more per visit.
Allergens
Allergies in cats are diagnosed through reviewing and monitoring symptoms, allergy testing or blood work. If allergens are the culprit, your vet may recommend antihistamines, corticosteroids, or even dietary adjustments to minimize exposure.
The costs for allergy testing can range from $200 to $500, while treatments—including medications or hypoallergenic food—may cost $50 to $200 monthly depending on the severity of the allergy.
Serious conditions
When sneezing is caused by more serious issues, like foreign objects, nasal polyps, or structural abnormalities, diagnostics may include physical exams, imaging techniques like x-rays or rhinoscopy, and possibly tissue sampling.
Diagnostic procedures can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000. If surgery is needed to remove obstructions or polyps, the costs typically range from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the complexity of the surgery.
Before we go…
Understanding the potential causes of cat sneezing and knowing when to seek veterinary care can make all the difference in your kitten’s health and happiness.
And don’t forget—having pet insurance can give you peace of mind as you navigate your kitten’s early months. Whether it’s staying on top of your kitten’s vaccination schedule or an unexpected visit to the vet, Lemonade pet insurance has your cat’s health—and your wallet—in mind.
Can kittens sneeze as part of play-fighting or roughhousing with other pets?
Yes, sneezing can happen during rough play as dust or fur gets stirred up. This is usually harmless and resolves quickly. Watch for any signs of injury or persistent sneezing in case the play becomes too rough.
Can kittens sneeze due to grooming products?
Yes, heavily scented shampoos or sprays used on your kitten or in their environment could trigger sneezing. Always opt for kitten-safe, unscented grooming products to avoid irritation. If sneezing starts after using a new product, discontinue it and consult your vet.
Can cat litter be the sole reason for kitten sneezing?
Yes, certain types of litter, especially those that are dusty or heavily scented, can irritate a kitten’s nose and cause sneezing. Opt for dust-free or unscented varieties to reduce this risk. If sneezing continues, try switching their litter type to see if there’s improvement.
Is sneezing contagious between kittens?
If one kitten is sneezing due to an upper respiratory infection or viral illness, it can be contagious to others. Isolating the sneezing kitten and practicing good hygiene (like cleaning shared spaces) can help reduce the spread. Vaccinations also play a big role in protection.
Should I worry about sneezing if I just adopted my kitten?
A newly adopted kitten might sneeze due to stress, environmental change, or exposure to irritants like cleaning products in their new home. Monitor them once they’re settled, and make sure their space is clean and calm. If sneezing continues, consult your vet to rule out infections.
Can teething cause sneezing in kittens?
Teething in kittens doesn’t directly cause sneezing, but the process can sometimes lead to mild inflammation in the gums. This inflammation might make kittens more susceptible to minor nasal irritation or sneezing.
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