You have just adopted a kitten, and since he arrived home, he has not stopped sneezing. A sneezing kitten is quite common, but if his sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms, it is necessary to consult your veterinarian quickly.
Atchoo, atchoo… Your kitten has been sneezing for a few days, and you are worried about his health. We understand; during their first year, kittens can be subject to various pathologies and viruses. They are fragile little beings who, like infants, easily tend to get sick.
Most of the time, sneezing in kittens and adult cats is benign, but in some cases it can be a symptom of a serious illness that should be treated quickly.
Sneezing kitten: what are the causes?
Irritation of the mucous membranes
Very playful, the kitten is also very curious. And it is mainly with his little nose that he explores and discovers his environment. He smells all the surfaces he comes across and thus inhales small debris as he passes, which can lodge in his nasal passages , inevitably triggering one or more sneezes .
This could be hair, fibers from your sweater or carpet, or even dust from your home or from his litter box. Mineral litters, for example, are very dusty, and the dust released each time you pass through can get into his nostrils.
Tip: For your kitten, avoid mineral litters and clumping litters. It is common for kittens to taste the substrate out of curiosity, and the residue can clog their digestive tract. To learn more, do not hesitate to consult our article on which litter to choose for your cat.
If your kitten is sneezing frequently and has no other symptoms (fever, runny eyes), don't worry. Sneezing is completely normal. His nose may also be runny , but don't panic; sneezing often causes a little nasal discharge.
Be careful though; some foreign bodies can block his airways. Too big to be expelled naturally, they can be dangerous for your kitten. If he continues to sneeze, consult your veterinarian .
Your kitten may have an allergy
Just like us, kittens and cats can be sensitive to pollen, fumes from household products, candles or even dust. Here too, if your kitten's only symptom is sneezing, don't worry. He may be allergic to certain substances present in the air.
Allergies in cats are quite rare, but consult your veterinarian. In case of severe allergies (if this is proven), he will be able to offer you a treatment to relieve your kitten.
Coryza, a viral disease that causes sneezing
Your kitten is sneezing, but also has a runny nose and eyes ? Is he not eating much anymore? Is he lacking energy? These symptoms are characteristic of coryza , an upper respiratory infection that is also called “cat flu” and which very often affects kittens.
As explained in our article on coryza in cats , most cases of coryza are due to feline calicivirus (FCV) or feline herpesvirus (FHV), the two main agents whose symptoms can also include respiratory problems, fever, ulcers of the tongue, palate, cornea or even conjunctivitis (red eyes) with sometimes purulent discharge which can, if left untreated, dry and crust over, preventing the kitten from opening its eyes.
Coryza is a very serious disease, which can lead to the death of your kitten. If you have the slightest doubt, consult your veterinarian quickly, especially if your little ball of fur has not yet been vaccinated . Once the diagnosis has been made, he will prescribe an appropriate treatment and your kitten will quickly regain all its enthusiasm.
Sneezing Kitten: Other Possible Causes
In addition to coryza, other pathologies can be suspected. This can also be chlamydia , a bacterial infection that affects the cat's respiratory tract and ocular area. Symptoms include: repeated sneezing, nasal and ocular discharge, fever, and apathy. Note that the chlamydia vaccine is generally administered at the same time as the coryza vaccine.
Nasal polyps , creating an obstruction of the nasal cavity, can also be the cause of his sneezing, as can a nasal tumor which remains however very rare in kittens.
If your kitten sneezes a lot, we advise you to consult your veterinarian in any case. This sneezing may be benign or on the contrary indicate a more serious pathology.
Quality food for a healthy kitten
At Ziggy, we believe that quality food is the key to a healthy cat.
Our kitten kibble and pâtés contain all the nutrients your kitten needs to grow well and become a beautiful cat; high-quality, highly digestible proteins for his fragile little belly, fatty acids for a silky coat, a balanced supply of minerals and vitamins for Olympic form.
Caring for your kitten: our complete guide
As a parent, we want the best for our kitten, but often, we don't always know which leg to dance on. Food, care, behavior, well-being... We share with you in our guide all our best advice for taking care of your kitten. And also some name ideas if you haven't yet found your kitten's first name. 🐱
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