Cats Sniffle Upon Awakening: A Common Occurrence!
Why Cats Sneeze: Understanding the Causes
1. The most fundamental reason for a cat to sneeze is due to a common cold caused by catching a chill. This can happen when the weather turns cold, there's a sudden change in temperature, or if the cat gets wet during a bath. These colds are typically referred to as ordinary colds, and pet owners should not worry excessively. With a bit more attention to the cat's care, such as ensuring warmth, adequate hydration, and feeding nutritious food, the cat's immune system can be strengthened to combat the cold.
2. Another cause is feline viral rhinitis, which can lead to more severe symptoms. Pet owners must take this seriously, as neglecting the condition could potentially result in the cat's death. Feline viral rhinitis is often caused by herpesvirus, followed by coronavirus and chlamydia, which are the main viruses responsible for severe cat colds. Treatment for viral rhinitis involves antiviral medications and other appropriate drugs.
3. Lastly, there are nasal issues that can cause cats to sneeze. Cats, being highly curious creatures, often inhale foreign objects into their nostrils, such as pieces of cat food, cat litter, or seeds from flowers. These can irritate the cat's nose and trigger sneezing. Additionally, if a cat has polyps or tumors in its nasal passages, frequent sneezing is not uncommon. In such cases, it's essential to take the cat to a veterinarian for treatment, which may involve removing foreign objects from the nose or surgical removal of growths.
Tip: For more information on cat sneezing, check out our video "Why Does My Cat Sneeze When Licking?"
