What this means
Sneezing is how a cat clears its nose of whatever irritates it. Clear, watery fluid may run with it, and when an infection takes hold in the nose the discharge turns thick, yellowish or greenish. Notice whether it comes from both nostrils or only one: discharge from one side, especially with blood, points more to a foreign body, a tooth problem or a growth in the nose.
Cats choose their food by smell, so a blocked nose soon takes away the appetite. A cat that eats nothing for a day or more can become seriously ill, so watch the food bowl as well as the nose. Kittens, elderly cats and cats that already have another illness are weakened by cat flu fastest.
Note when the sneezing started, the colour of the discharge and which side it comes from, whether the eyes are watering, whether your cat is eating, and whether other cats at home are sneezing. Do not give it anything meant for people and do not put anything in its nose: a vet has to find the cause.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your cat.
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Cat flu
A viral infection of the nose, throat and eyes causes sneezing, a runny nose and eye discharge, sometimes fever and mouth ulcers. It spreads easily between cats.
About the condition: Cat flu (upper respiratory infection) -
Dust, smells or other irritants in the air
Litter dust, smoke, perfume or cleaning products can irritate the nose. Sneezing like this is short-lived, with no other signs.
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Something stuck in the nose
A breathed-in bit of grass or a seed causes sudden, violent sneezing and face rubbing, and later discharge from one nostril.
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An inflamed tooth root
The roots of the upper teeth sit close to the nose, so their inflammation can cause discharge on one side and sneezing. Bad breath may come with it.
About the condition: Dental disease -
A polyp or other growth in the nose
A growth narrows the airway, so the cat sneezes and snuffles, and the discharge may contain blood. Only a vet can find it.
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Long-standing nose inflammation after an infection
After a bad bout of cat flu the lining of the nose stays damaged in some cats, so the sneezing and discharge come back again and again.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- When the sneezing started and whether it is getting worse
- The colour and thickness of the discharge, and whether it comes from one nostril or both
- Whether the eyes are watering or sticky
- Whether your cat is eating and drinking as usual
- Whether there are sores in the mouth or it is drooling
- Whether other cats at home are sneezing too
When to book a routine visit
Book an examination if your cat has been sneezing for more than a few days, has a runny nose or watery eyes. If the discharge comes from one nostril only or contains blood, contact a vet the same day.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
Body systems: Infections