Cat Sneezing — Vet or Wait?

Occasional sneezing is normal, but persistent sneezing with nasal or eye discharge, or decreased appetite may indicate an upper respiratory infection.

Go to the vet now

  • Sneezing with green or yellow nasal discharge
  • Eye discharge, squinting, or swollen eyes
  • Sneezing combined with not eating or lethargy
  • Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
  • Kitten sneezing frequently

OK to wait & monitor

  • Occasional sneeze with no other symptoms
  • Sneezing after encountering dust or cleaning products
  • Brief sneezing fit that resolves on its own
  • Cat is sneezing but still eating and acting normal

Home care tips

  • 1Keep the environment free of dust, smoke, and strong scents
  • 2Use unscented cat litter
  • 3Run a humidifier to keep airways moist
  • 4Gently wipe nasal or eye discharge with a warm damp cloth
  • 5Isolate from other cats if infection is suspected

When to escalate

If sneezing persists beyond 2-3 days, is accompanied by colored discharge, or if your cat stops eating, see a vet. Upper respiratory infections often need treatment.

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