Why is my cat sneezing?
An occasional sneeze isn't necessarily a reason for concern. But frequent sneezing combined with runny eyes, nasal discharge, reduced appetite or other signs of illness can indicate an upper respiratory infection.
Several infectious agents can contribute to feline respiratory disease. Three relevant ones are Feline Herpesvirus type 1, Feline Calicivirus and Mycoplasma felis.
Feline respiratory infections can also involve more than one organism at the same time, which is one reason different conditions can look remarkably similar.
Feline Herpesvirus type 1
Feline Herpesvirus type 1, or FHV-1, is a major cause of feline viral respiratory disease.
Typical signs include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Watery or inflamed eyes
- Conjunctivitis
- Reduced appetite
- Fever
- Lethargy
FHV-1 tends to particularly affect the eyes and nasal passages. After infection, herpesvirus can remain in the cat's body. Stress can contribute to reactivation and recurrence of signs in some cats.
Feline Calicivirus
Feline Calicivirus, or FCV, is another important cause of respiratory disease in cats.
Its signs may overlap with those of herpesvirus, making it difficult to distinguish the two based solely on sneezing or nasal discharge.
Calicivirus may also be associated with sores or ulcers in the mouth.
Possible signs include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Fever
- Reduced appetite
- Oral ulcers
- Lethargy
- Respiratory symptoms
Mycoplasma felis
Mycoplasma felis is a bacterium associated particularly with the eyes and upper respiratory tract.
Mycoplasma infections can cause conjunctivitis and inflammation of the nasal passages.
Possible signs include:
- Red or inflamed eyes
- Eye discharge
- Swollen conjunctiva
- Sneezing
- Nasal inflammation
How do feline respiratory infections spread?
Respiratory pathogens can spread through respiratory droplets and contaminated objects. Hands, food bowls, bedding and other surfaces can potentially contribute to transmission between cats.
This is particularly relevant in:
- Multi-cat households
- Shelters
- Catteries
- Boarding facilities
- Households introducing a new cat
Separating an obviously sick cat from other cats and maintaining good hygiene can help reduce exposure while veterinary advice is sought.
Can symptoms tell you which infection your cat has?
Not reliably.
A cat with watery eyes and sneezing could have FHV-1, FCV, Mycoplasma or another respiratory condition. Mixed infections can also occur.
This is where pathogen-specific screening can be useful.
Which Pet Pharma tests are available?
For cats with compatible respiratory or eye symptoms, Pet Pharma currently offers:
Feline Herpes Virus Antigen Test (Cat)
Feline Calicivirus Antigen Test (Cat)
Mycoplasma felis Antigen Test (Cat)
The appropriate test depends on the symptoms, exposure history and suspected infection.
When should you see a veterinarian?
Contact your veterinarian if your cat:
- Is struggling to breathe
- Stops eating or drinking
- Becomes very lethargic
- Has severe eye inflammation
- Develops significant mouth ulcers
- Has persistent or worsening symptoms
- Is a young kitten, elderly cat or otherwise vulnerable
A rapid test can provide useful initial information, but it does not replace veterinary assessment when a cat is significantly unwell.
Get more clarity about respiratory symptoms
If your cat is repeatedly sneezing or has eye or nasal symptoms, identifying a possible infectious cause can help determine the appropriate next step.
View the Feline Herpes Virus Antigen Test · View the Feline Calicivirus Antigen Test · View the Mycoplasma felis Antigen Test