Cat Constantly Sneezing and Hoarse: What to Do?

Part 1: Reasons Why Cats Sneeze

Cats may sneeze for several reasons, which are outlined below:

1. Respiratory Infections

Cats, due to weakened immunity, changes in weather, or inadequate warmth in cold environments, may suffer from bacterial or viral infections in their respiratory tracts. These infections can also affect a cat's throat, causing hoarseness. If you observe your cat's throat, you might notice redness and inflammation.

2. Odor Irritation

Scents from perfumes, alcohol, disinfectants, or strongly fragrant flowers in the home can irritate a cat's nose, leading to frequent sneezing. Cats have a much more sensitive sense of smell than humans, so they are particularly sensitive to odors. Therefore, pet owners should avoid using strongly scented items frequently at home and ensure they are out of reach from cats, especially after use. Ventilation should be improved to disperse these odors.

3. Foreign Objects in the Nose

A cat that constantly sneezes might have dust, hair, or other foreign objects in its nose, constantly irritating it. This is common, as cats are curious creatures that often explore corners like under beds and sofas.

Part 2: What to Do If a Cat Continuously Sneeze?

1. If your cat is only sneezing, start by ensuring a clean home, paying special attention to corners and reducing exposure to large amounts of dust.

2. Check your cat's nose for any foreign objects. If you see any dirt, you can use a cup of hot water to gently steam your cat's nose, moistening the nasal passages. This may help soften any debris inside, allowing it to be expelled during the next sneeze.

3. If the cat continues to sneeze after these steps, or if it also exhibits symptoms like runny nose or watery eyes, it may be suffering from a respiratory infection, akin to a cold. In this case, you can give your cat Pu'an's Gan'ao Ning Shuanghuanglian tablets, which are a traditional Chinese medicine with cooling and detoxifying properties, effective for cat colds, coughs, and sneezes. Also, ensure your cat stays warm to prevent further colds.

4. If your cat has a red and swollen throat causing hoarseness, you can administer broadspectrum antibiotics or firereducing herbal medicine. Keep the diet light and consider giving your cat soft food for a while.

5. If you notice symptoms like a high fever, thick nasal discharge, increased eye secretions, loss of appetite, or a lack of energy, it's advisable to take your cat to a veterinary clinic to check for feline rhinotracheitis virus infection.

Understanding the reasons behind a cat's continuous sneezing and hoarseness, and how to address them, is crucial for your pet's health. As a responsible pet owner, it's important to consult a veterinarian or an online pet expert at the first sign of any abnormality!