A cat that sneezes is not unusual. Like humans, they can have something stuck in their nose or their membranes can become inflamed or irritated and sneezing is the fastest and most efficient way to remove it. Some breeds simply sneeze more often than others. No one really knows why, but breeds with short nostrils and flat faces, like Persians, end up sneezing more than other cat breeds.

In many cases, an allergen is the culprit. About 15% of all cats have some type of allergy. Most likely they are due to:

• Insects: fleas are the majority, as saliva from the flea’s mouth can trigger an allergy. Even when fleas die, the itching can continue for some time.
• Airborne Allergens: The same allergens that give us hay fever can also cause allergies in cats, including pollen, grass, and mold.
• Food and Medications – Cats can be allergic to certain foods and medications, including some vaccines.

If your cat sneezes due to an allergy, you may also notice other symptoms, such as your cat constantly licking its paws, rubbing its face, or coughing. These are not always present, but they can be. Your cat may also have hives that appear about half an hour after exposure to an allergen. Hives can appear anywhere on your cat and disappear after a day. The cause of hives can include insect bites, new foods, a drug or vaccine, or insecticides used to treat your lawn.

If you suspect that your sneeze is caused by an allergy, first try to determine the cause. If you have changed anything around the house (cat litter or food, used an insecticide around the house, etc.) remove them and see if your cat feels better. If it’s food, your vet may recommend some milk of magnesia to cleanse the tummy more quickly. Benadryl and cortisone treatments can also be used. A vet should administer them. Don’t try to do it yourself.

If your cat is suspected of having an infection, isolate him from any other animals, as the infection can be contagious. You probably want to keep children away as well, as some bacteria and even viruses can be transmitted through contact with humans.

An abscess in the upper jaw can also lead to sneezing. It can spread to the nasal passages, causing them to become inflamed and closed.

Another cause can be dust and mites. When shaken in the litter box, your cat may inhale them or penetrate the fur. Keeping the litter box clean is the best way to solve this problem and don’t use the litter at the bottom of the bag, it is usually mostly dust. The cat likes a clean box and this can even eliminate some behavior problems, such as spraying or going to the bathroom in another part of the house.

Finally, you will want to check your cat’s nose to see if there is anything lodged in it. This is particularly true if your cat is constantly sneezing. They may be trying to eject the object. If you are unable to remove the object or if it appears to be too high up in the nostril, you will want to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible, especially if you are stressing your cat or having difficulty breathing.

As usual, keeping track of your cat’s personality and knowing his behavior is a good way to tell if something is wrong. If your cat sneezes occasionally, it’s not a big deal. But if you suddenly start sneezing when you never did, or if the sneezing gets worse, it could be a symptom and not just a sneeze.