Cat sneezing and coughing may be caused by a wide range of health problems, but most typically, these symptoms are indicative for respiratory infections or inhalant allergies. In some cases, the sneezing and the coughing may go away without medication; however, if these symptoms persist, you should consult your vet.
Sneezing and Coughing
Sneezing and coughing on rare occasions are normal and every cat sneezes or coughs when they have irritated airways. Cats with flat noses may sneeze or cough more frequently, due to the anatomy of their nose.
However, if the sneezing and the coughing are recurrent, these symptoms should alarm you. Frequent sneezing and coughing can indicate that the cat has a respiratory infection, a tumor or a foreign object that obstructs his air ways.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Frequent sneezing and coughing may point to an upper respiratory tract infection. The infection may be viral, bacterial or fungal and may be transmitted through air or through direct contact with other infected felines.
Common viral infections in cats include the Adenovirus infection or the parainfluenza. Both these viral infections will be signaled by an inflammation of the eyes, watery discharges from the eyes and nose, breathing problems and fatigue.
Bordetella and the Adeno-2 are common bacterial infections in felines. The cat will present symptoms such as swollen eyes, sneezing and coughing.
The viral and bacterial infections may be treated with the administration of suitable antibiotics.
Inhalant Allergies
Inhalant allergies may cause sneezing and coughing. The allergens may be chemicals, dust mites, smoke, pollens or even regular cat litter. These allergens are inhaled by the cat and his air ways will be irritated. Other additional symptoms caused by inhalant allergies in felines include inflamed and watery eyes, itchiness, skin rashes, breathing problems and a general state of weakness.
The allergies must be diagnosed and the allergens must be detected so that a proper treatment can be administered. Once the allergens are detected, the cat must avoid the contact with these allergens as much as possible.
Oral Cavity Problems
Cavities, teeth abscesses, gum disease or periodontal disease may cause symptoms such as sneezing or coughing. You may identify of your pet has cavities or gum disease; other symptoms of oral cavity problems include bad breath and red, swollen gums.
If detected in a timely manner, oral cavity problems may be treated.
These problems may be prevented through a daily teeth cleaning and yearly professional cleanings.
Alarming Symptoms
The sneezing and coughing sessions may sometimes end with the cat expectorating blood. This should be an alarming sign and you should contact the vet immediately. The cat may have a foreign object trapped in the throat that causes bleeding or there may be a tumor.
Foreign objects can be removed with a pair of tweezers; x-rays may be needed to identify possible tumors. Some tumors may be removed surgically; alternatively, there are medications that may stop the cancer from spreading.