Cat Sneezing Concerns: What Owners Should Know About Allergies

Pet owners often encounter sudden health changes in their animals, leading to questions and concerns. Recently, a cat owner reported that her two 10-year-old cats, named Bill and Ted, have been experiencing increased sneezing. While the brothers had their annual veterinary exams two months ago and were deemed healthy, one cat’s intermittent sneezing has persisted and slightly worsened. The owner speculated that the sneezing might be related to the composting in their environment.

Understanding the reasons behind a cat’s sneezing can help alleviate concerns and guide pet owners on the necessary steps to take. According to Dr. John de Jong, President of the World Veterinary Association and owner of the Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic, there are several potential causes for a cat’s sneezing.

Possible Causes of Sneezing in Cats

While allergies are one possibility, Dr. de Jong points out that allergic reactions in cats often present with other symptoms, such as itchy skin, tearing eyes, or respiratory issues like wheezing and coughing. More commonly, sneezing is linked to respiratory infections, foreign bodies lodged in the nasal passages, or environmental irritants. Dr. de Jong suggests that the composting may be irritating the cat’s nasal passages or that the cat might have inhaled a foreign object.

Other significant issues could include the development of nasal polyps or growths within the nasal cavity. Pet owners should monitor their cats for additional symptoms that may indicate a more serious problem.

What to Monitor and Next Steps

Dr. de Jong advises looking out for signs such as nasal discharge, swelling at the bridge of the nose, decreased appetite, and lethargy. If the sneezing continues, the first step would be to remove the composting from the cat’s environment to see if the sneezing subsides. If symptoms persist, a veterinarian may recommend further diagnostics. These could include radiographs, endoscopy of the nasal passages, or blood tests to check for infections.

Despite the ongoing sneezing, Dr. de Jong expresses optimism that there is likely no serious underlying issue and that the problem may resolve itself. For concerned pet owners, observing their pets closely and consulting with a veterinarian when symptoms arise is crucial in ensuring their health and well-being.

For more information or to seek veterinary advice, Dr. John de Jong can be reached at 781-899-9994.