Most pet owners are wary of any changes in their health and behavior. So the question may be, "why is the cat sneezing?" Is treatment necessary and with what medicines?
So, why is a cat sneezing - possible reasons.
First of all, sneezing in cats, as in humans, is a protective mechanism of the body that helps cleanse the airways. There can be two main reasons: physiological (dust or wool getting into the nose) and pathological (reaction to a disease or irritant). In the first case, the pet will sneeze briefly and should not have any difficulties. Do not worry if after a couple of minutes the pet continues to play or sleep, most likely he himself was able to clean his nose from dust or wool.
However, it is much more dangerous if sneezing is prolonged, it can be caused by the body's reaction to a serious illness or allergy. It is necessary to establish the exact reason why the cat sneezes.
The most common causes of sneezing are the following types of diseases:
1) a cold - a common cold occurs in cats, as a standard, leads to irritation of the nasal mucosa and sneeze.
2) sinus infections and viruses. The most common are:
a) feline herpes virus (the animal could become infected by contact with another cat), b) calcivirosis (ulcers in the oral cavity and lacrimation may appear, even if it affects the airways, it can lead to pneumonia)
c) infectious peritonitis
g) feline immunodeficiency virus
e) feline leukemia virus
3) growths in the nasal cavity (polyps) - lead to difficulty in the respiratory process and can cause sneezing.
4) allergic reactions in all manifestations.
5) tooth disease or sore gums - sneezing occurs as a complication of inflammation
6) cancer of the nasal cavity is the most dangerous cause, manifested with bleeding from the nose. Be sure to contact the veterinary clinic for examination.
7) asthma - manifested in shortness of breath and sneezing
Allergy as a possible reason why a cat sneezes
Of the above diseases, allergies are most often found. It can be determined by the fact that sneezing appears only at the moment when the animal is in contact with the allergen. The main allergens for cats are:
1) tobacco smoke
2) deodorants, perfume and toilet water
3) lushly flowering plants and their pollen
4) chemical household products - for washing dishes, cleaning products for bathtubs, windows, etc.
5) some types of mold
6) dust
Thus, when the cat was in the room with any of these stimuli, it is possible that her sneezing is a protective reaction. It is necessary to ventilate the room or send the pet to another room.
How to determine why a cat sneezes?
When we figured out what are the existing causes, it is necessary to understand how to treat it? Home treatment or need to see a doctor?
First, carefully monitor how the animal behaves and how often it sneezes?
If you notice that the cat is touching the nose with a paw or scratching it, then it is possible that it cannot cope with the entry of foreign objects or allergens into the nasal cavity. You can help the cat by washing its nose, doing it better together, as the cat can break out. For washing, it is necessary to warm the saline solution to body temperature, draw liquid into a syringe without a needle or an intravenous sump, then tightly fix the animal, then raise the cat's head up and slowly and accurately pour 0.5 ml of solution into each nostril. It is important to take breaks so that the cat can rest and mourn.
If sneezing is permanent and accompanied by thick discharge from the nose, then it is most likely an infection or a virus. In addition, fever, swollen glands, or coughing may increase. Helping a pet at home is impossible, since only a veterinarian can determine the exact type of illness and prescribe the right treatment.
Also, discharge from the nose, but already transparent, as well as lacrimation and swollen eyes, are symptoms of an allergic reaction. In this case, it is necessary to accurately determine the allergen and exclude it. For example, do not smoke next to your pet. However, if you can’t find the cause of the allergy yourself, it’s best to consult a specialist.
From reasons to treatment
Treatment will depend on the diagnosis. Consider the main types of treatment:
If the tests reveal the herpes virus, then lysine is prescribed.
Different types of infections with active bacterial growth are treated with antibiotics according to the type of infection. For example, maksidin or fosprenil (against inflammatory processes) or baksin or gamavit (general strengthening effect).
Against fungal infections, medicines in the form of ointments or gel are used.
If the cause of sneezing is an oral disease, then the problem will go away with dental or gum treatment.
The most difficult treatment for cancerous tumors or polyps is the need for medical intervention.
Very often, doctors prescribe intranasal drops, which will need to be instilled according to the instructions on their own. The cat should be fixed by pressing it firmly to some surface or to its knees. The cat's head should be slightly thrown back upwards so that the nose "looks" into the canvas. You don’t have to try to get into the nostril with a pipette, you don’t even have to touch the nose. It is enough to hold a pipette over the nostrils and instill 2-3 drops in each. The medicine itself will flow and you will not bring unnecessary discomfort to your pet.
It is important to remember that a specialist consultation is necessary! Do not try to treat yourself without knowing the exact diagnosis and medication prescribed by your doctor.
Prevention
To the question "why is our cat sneezing?" did not occur at all, it is necessary to timely carry out preventive measures - to do the necessary vaccinations. From the first days of the appearance of your furry pet, you need to take care of vaccination.
From six months onwards, the following vaccinations must be done every year:
1) antiviral
2) against cat flu
3) from rabies
4) from leukemia
If you initially monitor the health of the animal, then in the future you can avoid many problems, your cat will delight you with his active behavior and respond with love to your care.
