Why Is My Cat Sneezing? Colds, Irritants and When to See a Vet

A cat that sneezes now and then is usually reacting to dust, a strong scent or something it sniffed, and needs no treatment. Repeated sneezing over a day or more, especially with runny eyes or nasal discharge, most often points to a feline upper respiratory infection (a “cat cold”), which is usually caused by feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus. A cat that stops eating, breathes with its mouth open or has bloody or thick colored discharge should see a veterinarian promptly.

What makes a cat sneeze?

The common causes fall into a few groups, and the pattern of sneezing helps tell them apart.

Viral infections. Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus cause most cat colds, often with watery eyes, discharge, and sometimes mouth ulcers (with calicivirus). They spread fast in shelters and multi-cat homes.
Bacterial infections. Bacteria such as Bordetella or Chlamydia can cause infections alone or move in after a virus, turning clear discharge yellow or green.
Irritants. Dusty litter, cigarette smoke, scented candles, air fresheners, perfume, cleaning sprays and pollen can all set off a sneeze.
Something stuck in the nose. A blade of grass or another small object usually causes sudden, violent sneezing, pawing at the face and sometimes discharge from one nostril only.
Dental disease. Infected upper tooth roots sit close to the nasal passages, so a bad tooth can cause sneezing and one-sided discharge.
Growths and chronic problems. Nasal polyps (more common in young cats), fungal infections and, in older cats, nasal tumors can cause long-lasting sneezing, noisy breathing or nosebleeds.

Is my cat’s sneezing a cold or an irritant?

Irritant sneezing tends to come in short bursts right after a trigger, such as pouring fresh litter or spraying a cleaner, and the cat is otherwise bright and eating normally. A cold builds over a day or two and usually brings other signs:

Clear, then often cloudy, discharge from the nose or eyes
Squinting, red or swollen eyes
Congestion and noisy breathing
Lower appetite, because a blocked nose dulls the cat’s sense of smell
Lethargy, sometimes a fever

Many cat colds clear in one to two weeks. Cats that carry feline herpesvirus keep it for life, and stress, a move, boarding or another illness can bring the sneezing and eye signs back later.

When should I take a sneezing cat to the vet?

Call your veterinarian the same day if any of these apply:

Your cat has not eaten for 24 hours. Cats that go without food for even a few days risk a serious liver condition called hepatic lipidosis.
Breathing is labored, fast or done with the mouth open. Treat this as an emergency.
Discharge is thick, yellow, green or bloody, or there are nosebleeds.
Discharge or swelling affects only one side of the face.
Sneezing lasts more than a few days without improving, or keeps coming back.
The cat is a young kitten, a senior, a flat-faced breed such as a Persian, or has another health problem.
The eyes are cloudy, held shut or very sore.

The vet will look in the nose, mouth and eyes, and may test for viruses, take X-rays or do a dental exam. Cats hide discomfort well, so other quiet signs that a cat is in pain, such as hiding or a hunched posture, are worth mentioning at the visit.

How can I help a sneezing cat at home?

Home care supports a cat with a mild cold while it recovers or while you wait for an appointment. It does not replace a vet visit when the warning signs above appear.

Wipe the nose and eyes gently with a soft cloth or cotton pad dampened with warm water. Use a fresh piece for each eye.
Offer warmed wet food. Food at about body temperature smells stronger, which helps a congested cat eat.
Keep fresh water close by, and consider a second bowl near the cat’s resting spot.
Add moisture to the air. Sitting with your cat in a steamy bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes, or running a humidifier nearby, can loosen congestion.
Give the cat a warm, quiet place to rest and keep it apart from other cats until a vet confirms what is going on.

Never give a cat human cold, flu or pain medicine. Acetaminophen is toxic to cats even in small amounts, and many decongestants are dangerous for them too. If your cat swallows any human medicine, call your vet, an emergency vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away.

How do I cut down on irritants at home?

Irritant sneezing usually stops once the trigger goes. Common changes that help:

Switch to a low-dust, unscented litter and pour it slowly. Our comparison of clumping, paper and crystal cat litters covers the low-dust options.
Stop smoking indoors and avoid burning candles or incense in rooms the cat uses.
Skip plug-in air fresheners and scented sprays near the cat’s bed, food and litter box.
Spray cleaners onto a cloth rather than into the air, and keep the cat out of the room until surfaces are dry and the room is aired.
Vacuum and wash bedding often to reduce dust and pollen.

Can cat colds be prevented?

The core feline vaccine, often called FVRCP, protects against feline herpesvirus and calicivirus along with panleukopenia. It does not always stop infection, but vaccinated cats usually get milder illness. Ask your vet about the right schedule for your cat’s age and lifestyle. Other steps that lower the risk:

Keep a new cat separate from resident cats for a week or two and watch for sneezing or eye discharge.
Wash your hands after handling a sick cat, and use separate bowls and litter boxes.
Keep stress low for cats that carry herpesvirus, since stress often triggers flare-ups.

The Cornell Feline Health Center publishes plain-language information on feline respiratory infections and vaccines.

Quick answers

Can I catch a cold from my cat?

The viruses that cause most cat colds infect cats and do not cause colds in people. Human colds also do not pass to cats in the usual way.

Why does my older cat sneeze all the time?

Persistent sneezing in an older cat can come from dental disease, a chronic infection or, less often, a nasal tumor. Regular checkups are part of caring for a senior cat, and a vet should examine any sneezing that lasts.

Is reverse sneezing normal in cats?

Reverse sneezing, a series of quick, noisy inward breaths, is less common in cats than in dogs. Episodes are usually short, but if they keep happening or the cat seems distressed, film one and show it to your vet.

Should I worry if my cat sneezes blood?

A single small spot of blood after a hard sneeze can happen, but repeated bloody discharge or nosebleeds need a vet visit soon.