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Kitten Sneezing:
Questions & Answers
Why Is My Kitten Sneezing?
Feline sneezing can be either a benign sign/symptom or a sign/symptom of a more serious medical condition. Sneezing is the body’s reaction to an irritation in the nasal cavity. Sneezing kittens can feel miserable. And since your kitten cannot tell you exactly how it feels, it’s up to you to determine the cause of the sneezing.
Sneezing can be mild or pervasive. If it’s a mild sneeze or two, then there is probably little to worry about. However, if kitten sneezing is constant and prolonged over many days, then your kitten should be seen by a veterinarian. Let’s look at some possible causes of sneezing.
- Allergies
Kittens can have allergic reactions to many things. Food, mold, pollen, dust, fleas, smoke can all trigger allergic sneezing reactions in kittens. Once you know what triggers the kitten’s allergic reaction, it’s best to remove the allergen from the kitten’s immediate environment.
- Upper Respiratory Infections
Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) and feline calicivirus (FCV) are two of the most well-known causes of kitten respiratory infections. These infections can be life-threatening in kittens. Vaccinations can often help kittens reduce the risk of contracting many upper respiratory infections.
- Foreign Object in Nose
It is rare for a kitten to get an object lodged in its nose. Kittens have small nostrils that make it difficult for objects to become stuck. Yet, from time to time this may occur. When a kitten gets an object stuck in its nose, the kitten may produce violent, course sneezes in an attempt to dislodge the object. A kitten may also have difficulty breathing if the object is large enough to block the airway.
If minor cases, you may able to remove the object yourself with tweezers if it is visible. Be sure not to push the object further back up the nose. If an object is to deeply up the nose, the kitten will need to be seen by a vet for removal. Foreign objects left in a kitten’s nose for more than a couple of days could bring about an infection.
- Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an infection of the nasal cavities. It usually affects the frontal sinus cavities and can make a kitten absolutely miserable. Sinusitis generally occurs after a viral upper respiratory infection or cold. Yet, fungi and bacteria can also cause the condition.
Kittens with sinusitis may display the following sign/symptoms: sneezing, sniffling, headaches, problems with vision, and a decrease in appetite. Sinusitis is treated with oral antibiotics and if severe surgery to drain the sinuses.
- Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps in cats are noncancerous growths that occur in the ear, nose, and throat. They are not common in cats. However, when cats do get polyps, young felines are most affected. Polyps can cause problems with balance and hearing. Polyps can be treated by surgical removal.
- Nasal Tumors
Nasal Tumors can also cause kitten sneezing. Tumors are cancerous or noncancerous growths. Tumors of the nose and nasal cavities are rare in cats. They can grow to block the sinuses and can impair a cat’s ability to breath. They can also affect eyesight and motor coordination.
Unfortunately, nasal tumors can spread to other areas of the body and may be life-threatening. Thankfully, they are relatively rare. Nasal tumors can be treated with radiation or surgery.
Remember…kitten sneezing could be caused by any number of medical problems. Take your kitten to the vet if sneezing is persistent.
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