Cat sneezing and wheezing are 2 symptoms that cause a lot of discomfort. If your pet displays these symptoms, you should find the underlying cause and seek help to relieve the cat’s discomfort.
Causes of Cat Sneezing and Wheezing
Sneezing and wheezing are 2 symptoms that may be caused by:
- Allergies to different environmental factors such as smoke, perfumes, dust mites, pollens, cat litter or household chemicals; other symptoms will include dermatitis, nasal and ocular discharges and coughing
- The inflammation of the air ways
- Asthma; manageable with regular treatment
- Dry air (due to winter heating or air conditioning)
- Stress or separation anxiety
- The elimination of fur balls that lodge in the stomach or block the air ways of the pet
- Respiratory infections caused by fungi, bacteria or viruses; the cat will also display symptoms such as nasal and ocular discharges, coughing or lethargy
- Heartworms, a condition that doesn’t typically display symptoms; however, if the worms press on the lungs, these may cause sneezing and wheezing
- Heart problems
Diagnosing Sneezing and Wheezing
The vet will analyze the cat; let the vet know if the cat displays other symptoms. The vet may perform some blood tests (to detect allergies) and possibly some ultrasounds to see if there are heartworms or heart problems.
Treatment Options
The treatment for cat sneezing and wheezing will depend on the underlying cause of these symptoms.
If your cat has an allergic reaction that causes the sneezing and the wheezing, the cat shouldn’t be exposed to the allergens. Avoid smoking in the cat’s presence and when using perfumes or household chemicals, make sure that the cat is not around. Choose a cat litter that clumps, to make sure your cat s not allergic to the litter. The limitation of exposure is also beneficial if the cat has asthma.
The allergies may also be controlled with steroids, antihistamines, and in more serious cases, with allergy shots. If the cat sneezes due to dry air, you may also get an air humidifier, which will keep the cat’s nasal and air passages moist. Keep your house clean to ensure that your cat is not exposed to dust.
Vitamins and supplements will also strengthen the cat’s immune system and this may reduce the occurrence of sneezing and wheezing.
If your cat is stressed, he may also display symptoms such as wheezing and sneezing. Treating stress is beneficial for the cat’s immune system also; a stressed cat has a weaker immune system. Stress may be managed through therapy, pheromone diffusers or medication.
To avoid the buildup of fur balls and to help eliminate these, you may give your cat fiber supplements. Laxatone may also facilitate the digestion of fur balls.
Respiratory infections will be treated with antibiotics, if the infection is caused by bacteria or viruses and with fungicides if the infection is caused by fungi.
Heart problems may be managed through medication and possibly a weight loss program.