Why Is My Cat Sneezing? Common Causes & When to Worry

An occasional sneeze from your cat is completely normal, but if you're noticing frequent sneezing or other symptoms, it's natural to wonder if something's wrong. Most cat sneezing is harmless and caused by simple irritants, but persistent sneezing can sometimes signal an underlying health issue that needs attention.

Common Causes of Cat Sneezing

Environmental Irritants

The most common reason cats sneeze is something in their environment that's irritating their nasal passages. Dust, pollen, smoke, strong perfumes, and cleaning products can all trigger sneezing. Even the dust from clay cat litter can be a culprit—many cats are sensitive to the fine particles that float up when they dig. If you notice your cat sneezing after you've cleaned the house, lit a candle, or changed litters, an environmental irritant is likely to blame.

Upper Respiratory Infections

Cats can catch colds just like humans, and upper respiratory infections are very common, especially in shelters and multi-cat households. The most frequent viral culprits are feline herpesvirus and calicivirus. These infections often come with other symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, and mild lethargy. The good news is that most healthy cats recover within 7–10 days with supportive care, though the viruses can remain dormant and flare up during times of stress.

Allergies

Yes, cats can have allergies too. While less common than in dogs, feline allergies to pollen, mold, dust mites, and certain foods do occur. Allergic cats may sneeze seasonally (like spring pollen allergies) or year-round if the allergen is indoors. Unlike environmental irritants that cause immediate sneezing, allergies involve the immune system and may also cause itchy skin, ear infections, or watery eyes.

Foreign Objects

Cats are curious creatures, and sometimes that curiosity leads to grass, foxtails, or small debris getting stuck in their nasal passages. If your cat suddenly starts sneezing repeatedly—especially if it's only coming from one nostril—a foreign object might be the cause. You might also see your cat pawing at their nose or notice nasal discharge from just one side.

Dental Issues

Surprisingly, dental problems can cause sneezing in cats. An infected tooth root, particularly in the upper canine teeth, can create an abscess that extends into the nasal passage. If your cat has bad breath, visible gum inflammation, or facial swelling along with sneezing, dental disease could be the underlying cause.

When Sneezing Is Normal vs. Concerning

Normal: An occasional sneeze here and there, especially after sniffing something dusty or playing in a sunny spot where dust particles float. If your cat sneezes once or twice and seems completely fine otherwise, there's usually no cause for concern.

Watch Closely: Daily sneezing, mild clear nasal discharge, or sneezing that persists for more than a few days warrants monitoring. Note any patterns—does it happen at certain times of day, after using the litter box, or when they're in specific rooms?

See a Vet Promptly: Sneezing accompanied by yellow or green discharge, blood, lethargy, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling needs veterinary attention. These symptoms can indicate a bacterial infection, foreign body, or more serious condition.

What You Can Do at Home

If your cat's sneezing seems mild, there are several steps you can take to help:

• Reduce irritants: Switch to low-dust or unscented cat litter. Avoid using strong cleaners, air fresheners, or candles near your cat's favorite areas.
• Use an air purifier: A HEPA air purifier can significantly reduce dust, pollen, and other airborne irritants in your home.
• Try a humidifier: Dry air can irritate nasal passages. A cool-mist humidifier, especially during winter months, can help keep your cat's airways comfortable.
• Keep your cat indoors: During high pollen seasons, keeping your cat inside can reduce exposure to outdoor allergens.
• Monitor closely: Keep a simple log of when sneezing occurs and any accompanying symptoms. This information is valuable if you need to visit the vet.

When to See a Vet

While occasional sneezing isn't an emergency, certain symptoms require prompt veterinary care:

Same-day urgent care: Labored breathing, open-mouth breathing, blue-tinged gums, extreme lethargy, or refusal to eat for more than 24 hours.

Within 24–48 hours: Persistent sneezing lasting more than a few days, yellow or green nasal discharge, bloody discharge, facial swelling, or pawing at the nose.

Monitor at home: Occasional sneezing with no other symptoms, clear nasal discharge that resolves quickly, or sneezing that clearly follows exposure to dust or strong scents.

Remember, cats are masters at hiding illness. By the time symptoms are obvious to you, your cat may have been dealing with discomfort for some time. When in doubt, it's always better to call your veterinarian for guidance.

Reviewed for accuracy by MyPetID's health team on February 17, 2026 against the Merck Veterinary Manual and AVMA guidelines.