If you notice your kitten sneezing, it is time to take it to the vet for an examination. If the sneezing isn’t serious, the vet may only prescribe minor supportive care or medications. If it is mild, however, it should not become a health issue.
Symptoms
If your kitten is constantly sneezing, it might be time to investigate the cause. Frequent sneezing in cats is usually a symptom of a respiratory condition, known as chronic rhinitis. It is similar to an upper respiratory infection, but occurs over weeks and is caused by permanent damage to the cat’s immune system. If left untreated, it can lead to recurring bacterial infections.
While sneezing in kittens is a common sign of a respiratory illness, there are no surefire cures for the condition. However, it is possible to treat the condition yourself using over-the-counter medications, or you can consult a veterinarian for specific treatment.
If your kitten consistently sneezes, you should take him to the vet immediately. A respiratory infection can impair your kitten’s sense of smell, which can lead to poor appetite. To help your kitten regain its sense of smell, try putting canned food into a microwave. Your veterinarian may also recommend using a humidifier to help soothe the nasal passages. You can also place your kitten in a bathroom while taking a shower to create steam, which will help your kitten breathe easier.
Once you’ve identified the underlying problem, you can work toward a permanent cure. Various medicines, including antibiotics, can help your cat breathe better. Some vets may even perform nasal lavage procedures, which can remove hidden materials in the cat’s nose.
Cat sneezing may also be caused by simple irritation. Certain perfumes and chemical scents, airborne particles, or a simple tickle to the nose can cause your cat to sneeze. You can also consult a vet if your cat is sneezing excessively or if you notice other symptoms such as tearing and diarrhea.
Your veterinarian will need to perform a thorough physical exam and take a swab of your cat’s nasal passage to diagnose the cause of sneezing. In severe cases, the veterinarian may also perform a nasal lavage under general anesthesia to dislodge hidden foreign material and relieve the clinical symptoms.
Although sneezing is a normal part of your kitten’s respiratory system, it may be an indicator of a serious illness. However, most causes are treatable with the proper vet care.
Treatments
Treatments for kittens that sneze may include antibiotics and a steroid medication. Sometimes it may be as simple as humidifying your kitten’s sleeping area to help it breathe easier. In more severe cases, your veterinarian may prescribe a surgical procedure to remove any obstruction in your cat’s airway.
A dental exam should also be done as part of the physical exam. X-rays can also be helpful in determining the underlying cause. In severe cases, you may also order a computerized tomography scan. However, this procedure requires general anesthesia and is usually performed in an emergency hospital.
Some cats have allergic reactions that cause them to sneeze. This is often the result of a virus called feline herpes or calicivirus. This virus is highly contagious among cats, but it is not infectious to humans. Over-the-counter antihistamines and calicivirus vaccines may help your cat feel better. These medications can be used for a few days or weeks depending on the severity of the condition.
Some of the treatments for kittens that sneeze can include oral antibiotics, lysine powder, and topical antibiotics. Using a warm compress on the nose and eyes can help remove the crust that may have built up around the airways. You can also use a nebulizer to help your cat breathe more easily and reduce the severity of the flare-ups.
The most common cause of sneezing in cats is an upper respiratory infection (URI). This is caused by feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. These viruses can be spread by direct contact, breathing in sneeze droplets, or sharing food. The infection can also lead to dehydration and decreased appetite.
If you have noticed that your cat sneezes a lot, you may want to take them to the veterinarian. A veterinarian can determine the cause of your cat’s sneezing and recommend an appropriate treatment. A veterinarian can also suggest the best course of action based on other symptoms your cat may be experiencing.
Prevention
Prevention of kitten sneezing begins with recognizing the causes. Frequent sneezing is often caused by an infection, such as calicivirus or feline rhinitis. If left untreated, these infections can last for weeks. Additionally, some of these illnesses can cause secondary complications, including bacterial infections and conjunctivitis. In such cases, your vet will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. In addition, there are several vaccines available for your kitten, including the calicivirus vaccine.
If your kitten sneezes more than once per day, you may want to consult your veterinarian. If the sneezing is intermittent or mild, you may not need to treat it. However, it is always better to seek veterinary care for severe sneezing. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose the cause of the sneezing and prescribe the best treatment for your pet.
If your kitten sneezes often, a veterinarian may prescribe an antiviral medication, a nasal decongestant, or antibiotics. Your veterinarian may also recommend a humidifier near your cat’s sleeping area to relieve the discomfort. In more severe cases, your vet may perform surgery to remove the obstruction causing the sneezing.
Your veterinarian will also be able to recommend treatment for your cat if the sneezing continues or is associated with other symptoms. The veterinarian can help rule out any underlying illnesses and prescribe the best treatment. The best way to treat your cat’s sneezing is to address the cause as soon as possible.
Depending on the severity of the sneezing, vaccination may be an option. This will help prevent serious infections, such as rhinitis and sinusitis. While there is no way to prevent or cure these illnesses, vaccinations are a valuable tool for reducing the severity of an infection.
The cause of kitten sneezing is often an upper respiratory infection. These infections can be highly contagious and may require quarantine if a kitten is affected. New kittens should be isolated from other kittens until the infection clears.
