Why Does My Cat Sneeze After Boarding?

Cats may start sneezing due to various reasons, including allergies, a cold, or an upper respiratory infection. In some cases, cats may also have reverse sneezing episodes, which sound like honking noises and resemble coughing fits. This condition is typically not a cause for concern. However, if your cat is sneezing frequently for several days or displaying other signs of illness, it is recommended to seek veterinary advice. One possible explanation for sneezing in cats after boarding could be the crowded and poorly ventilated conditions in kennels, which can increase the risk of infections such as kennel cough.

Upper respiratory infection

The most common viruses that cause URIs in cats are feline herpesvirus type-1 (or feline viral rhinotracheitis, FVR) and feline calicivirus (FCV). Bordetella and Chlamydophila are the most common bacteria that cause these infections. FVR and FCV are responsible for about 90% of all feline URIs.

Cats with URIs will often have discharge from their eyes and nose, and may experience significant sneezing as their body tries to flush out the infection. Other symptoms include conjunctivitis (swelling or redness of the membranes around the eyes), nasal crusting, decreased or absent appetite, and difficulty breathing.

Most URIs are contagious and can be spread through direct contact with infected cats, or by environmental exposure to contaminated objects such as food bowls, litter boxes, and bedding. The viruses and bacteria that cause URIs are usually spread through the air via sneezing or coughing. Cats can also spread these infections to each other through mutual grooming.

If your cat is sneezing a lot for several days or displaying other signs of illness, you should take them to the veterinarian to be examined. The veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and recommend treatments such as steam therapy to help your cat breathe more easily.

To prevent URIs, it is important to keep your cat's vaccinations up to date and limit their exposure to infected animals. Boarding facilities, shelters, and multi-cat households are all places where cats are at high risk of exposure to these infections.

Allergies

If your cat is sneezing more than usual and exhibiting any of the following symptoms, they may be suffering from allergies:

• Excessive licking or grooming
• Excessive scratching
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Coughing
• Wheezing

There are three main types of allergies in cats: insect allergies, food allergies, and environmental allergies. Insect and environmental allergies can be treated with medication prescribed by a veterinarian, such as antihistamines or immunotherapy. Food allergies may require an elimination test or a switch to a hydrolyzed protein diet.

If you suspect your cat is suffering from allergies, it is important to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can help identify the type of allergy and recommend appropriate management strategies to avoid allergens and alleviate symptoms.

Feline herpes

The herpes virus is transmitted between cats through direct contact with saliva, ocular or nasal secretions, inhalation of sneeze droplets, or sharing food bowls, litter trays, bedding, and grooming aids. Boarding facilities, where many animals are housed in close quarters, can increase the risk of transmission. Once a cat is infected, it typically shows symptoms within two to five days (the incubation period). The active infection can last about 10-20 days, and during this time, the cat can infect other cats.

The clinical signs of FHV infection include acute upper respiratory infection, conjunctivitis, ocular discharge, sneezing, nasal discharge, salivation, pharyngitis, lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, and sometimes coughing. These signs may last from a few days to a few weeks, and viral shedding can continue for around three weeks. In some cases, FHV infection can lead to keratitis, causing multiple small branching corneal ulcers, or less commonly, dermatitis with skin inflammation and ulceration around the nose and mouth.

While there is no cure for FHV infection, treatment aims to control clinical signs and reduce secondary complications. Antiviral medications, such as oral or ocular antivirals, and supportive care can help reduce the severity of the infection. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed to treat secondary bacterial infections, and nebulization or steam inhalation can be used to manage airway congestion. Intravenous fluid and nutritional therapy may be necessary for severely affected cats.

Vaccination against FHV is important for all cats and is included in the typical feline vaccination schedule. While vaccination may not prevent infection, it can significantly reduce the severity of clinical signs and shorten the length of the illness. Stress and illness can trigger reactivation of the virus in latently infected cats, so minimizing stress and providing excellent nutrition can help reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Kennel cough

Cats can get kennel cough, although it is much less common in cats than in dogs. It is caused by the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica, which is the same infectious agent that causes kennel cough in dogs. Cats tend to catch kennel cough from other infected cats, and it is likely to be present and spread within large animal populations in enclosed spaces, such as animal shelters. Cats living in crowded conditions are at a higher risk of exposure, especially in shelters or pet stores, especially if hygiene standards are poor. Cats with weakened immune systems are also more vulnerable to kennel cough. Stress, poor ventilation, and smoke exposure can weaken a cat's immune system and make them more susceptible to the disease.

There is a Bordetella vaccine approved for cats, but it is rarely used because the disease is uncommon in adult cats and usually carries mild symptoms. However, in certain scenarios, such as for young cats in a shelter, the vaccine may be recommended. Good overall health, a proper diet, exercise, mental stimulation, and emotional support are also ways to lower a cat's risk of kennel cough.

Inhalation of a foreign object

Cats, like humans, can sneeze for a variety of reasons, and it's important to understand the underlying causes. While it may be a normal everyday behaviour, sneezing can also be a symptom of a more serious issue. One possible cause of sneezing in cats is the inhalation of a foreign object, which can be distressing for your feline friend and should be addressed promptly.

If you suspect your cat has inhaled a foreign object, try to inspect its nose to see if you can spot anything lodged inside. If you can see an object, it's important to take your cat to the vet right away for professional assistance. They will be able to safely remove the object and ensure your cat's respiratory health is restored.

To prevent your cat from inhaling foreign objects, it's important to be mindful of their surroundings and keep small objects out of their reach. Additionally, regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any respiratory issues early on and ensure your cat's overall health and well-being.

If your cat is sneezing frequently and you cannot identify a foreign object, there may be other underlying causes. Upper respiratory infections, allergies, and stress can all contribute to sneezing in cats. In such cases, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Frequently asked questions