If your cat is like the majority of other cats, they are notorious for hiding that they may be ill. So, it's only natural for you to become concerned when your cat starts coughing & sneezing. It's completely natural and harmless for your cat to occasionally cough or sneeze. However, if your cat is frequently experiencing these symptoms, you may have cause for concern. Here are a few causes of cat coughing and sneezing and when you should visit our team at Nashville Cat Clinic for professional cat care.
Causes of Cat Sneezing
Cats, like humans, sneeze in response to an irritation in their nasal passages, such as a strong odor, dust, or an illness. Some reasons your cat may be sneezing could include:
Inhaled Irritants
It's helpful to pay attention to when your cat tends to sneeze frequently. For instance, is it while or right after using the litter box, while you are cleaning, or have you started using a new room air freshener? If you notice your cat's sneezes are correlated with a certain activity, it's most likely due to your pet reacting to the particles in the air (for example, dust from the litter box, cleaning products, etc.). If this is what's causing your pet's sneezing fits, you'll usually just need to make a few changes. These changes may include regularly dusting your home, changing the litter to one with low dust content, and maybe lighting candles instead of using a spray freshener.
A Virus
Cats often excessively sneeze due to respiratory infections, which are often caused by the feline herpes virus. This virus is highly contagious among cats, but it cannot be transferred to humans. The best way to treat this or any other viruses is by scheduling a vet exam. Our Nashville veterinarians can thoroughly examine your cat to determine if your cat's excessive sneezing is caused by a viral infection and the appropriate course of action for treating him or her.
Causes of Cat Coughing
Coughing is basically a protective reflex that helps your cat get rid of irritants, foreign bodies, and mucus in its respiratory tract. There are a number of reasons why your cat may cough more frequently than usual. Some reasons your cat may be coughing could include:
- Hairballs - This is natural and happens when your cat grooms itself. Coughing will help remove the fur before it causes a serious problem, such as intestinal blockage.
- Upper respiratory infection - If your cat has a respiratory infection, they will often have a lot of mucus, and coughing helps expel the mucus from their respiratory tract.
- Medical conditions - Some medical conditions that cause cats to cough frequently include asthma, parasitic diseases, lung cancer, or heart disease. If you notice frequent, deep coughing, it's essential to schedule an exam with our veterinarians as soon as possible for a proper assessment.
Visit Nashville Cat Clinic for Pet Coughing and Sneezing Diagnosis and Treatment
Constant coughing and sneezing in cats can be an indication of a severe underlying problem. Observe your animal to see whether these symptoms subside. If they do not, visit Nashville Cat Clinic for proper diagnosis and treatment. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information about cat coughing and sneezing and how we can help.