Dear VetBabble,
I have a concern about my cat who has been sneezing a lot, but doesn’t seem to be acting sick or lethargic. She is still eating and playing, and I don’t see any discharge from her eyes or nose. Could this be due to allergies? What should I do and when should I consult a vet for treatment? Would an antihistamine prescription help?
Understanding Sneezing in Cats
As a warmhearted, friendly and informative veterinarian, I understand your concerns and the questions you may have regarding your cat’s health. One of the common reasons for sneezing in cats is an upper respiratory infection, which is often compared to the flu in humans. You may be interested in learning more about your cat’s condition in our article on “Does My cat have a flu?“. However, since your cat is not showing any signs of illness or discharge, this may be less likely.
Another possibility could be that your cat is experiencing allergies. Just like humans, cats can also have allergies which can cause similar symptoms such as sneezing. To better understand cat allergies, you can read our comprehensive guide on “Cat Allergies“.
When to Consult a Vet
If your cat’s sneezing persists, it is essential to have her examined by a veterinarian. A thorough examination will help determine the underlying cause of the sneezing and provide the appropriate treatment. Although you mentioned there is no discharge, it’s still wise to consult a professional, especially if the sneezing becomes more frequent or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as coughing, nasal discharge, or fever. Be sure to monitor her closely, ensure her environment is clean, and keep her bedding and eating areas free from dust and allergens.
If the veterinarian suspects your cat has a more serious condition like an upper respiratory infection, they may prescribe medication to help manage her symptoms. We have a helpful article about “Feline Upper Respiratory Infection and How to Treat“, which would be a great resource during this time.
Treatment and Antihistamines
If your veterinarian concludes that your cat is indeed experiencing an allergy, they may prescribe an antihistamine. Similar to how antihistamines work in humans, these medications will help reduce allergy symptoms in cats and can effectively decrease sneezing. However, it is crucial to follow the veterinarian’s advice and prescribed dosage, as different cats may require different dosages of antihistamines based on their weight and severity of the allergy.
Keep in mind that sneezing can also sometimes be due to foreign objects lodged in your cat’s nasal passage, which would require examination and treatment by a veterinarian as well. Additionally, severe sneezing, which can lead to vomiting, should be addressed by a veterinarian. If you think that may be the case for your cat, take a look at our article “Why is My Cat Vomiting?“.
In conclusion, the best course of action is to closely monitor your cat’s symptoms and consult a veterinarian if the sneezing persists or worsens over time. Your veterinarian will provide the proper diagnosis and treatment to ensure your cat remains happy and healthy. I hope that this information has been helpful and reassuring for you and your feline friend!
