Cat Health
Why Is My Cat Sneezing UK?
Quick answer
**Occasional sneezing is normal** — dust, litter, or strong scents trigger a reflex. **Persistent sneezing with discharge, eye problems, fever, or appetite loss** needs a vet — often feline upper respiratory infection (cat flu), dental disease, or chronic rhinitis. Kittens and unvaccinated cats need prompt assessment.
Key takeaways
- Human cold viruses usually do not infect cats. Feline 'cat flu' is caused by feline herpesvirus and calicivirus spread between cats — common in multi-cat homes and rescues.
- Book a vet visit if sneezing lasts more than a few days, includes coloured or bloody discharge, eye ulcers, open-mouth breathing, reduced appetite, or affects kittens and unvaccinated cats.
The full picture
Causes, home monitoring, treatment options and the exact signs that mean call your vet — in the complete guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is my cat sneezing?
- Dust, litter particles, perfume, and pollen cause occasional sneezes. Persistent sneezing with nasal discharge, eye watering, or fever often indicates feline upper respiratory infection, chronic rhinitis, or dental disease.
- Can cats catch colds from humans?
- Human cold viruses usually do not infect cats. Feline 'cat flu' is caused by feline herpesvirus and calicivirus spread between cats — common in multi-cat homes and rescues.
- When should I take my sneezing cat to the vet?
- Book a vet visit if sneezing lasts more than a few days, includes coloured or bloody discharge, eye ulcers, open-mouth breathing, reduced appetite, or affects kittens and unvaccinated cats.
- How is sneezing in cats treated?
- Treatment depends on cause — antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection, antivirals in some cases, dental treatment if tooth root abscess, and environmental management for chronic rhinitis. Diagnosis requires vet examination.
Reviewed 2026-06-25 against UK veterinary guidance · Information only — not a substitute for seeing your vet.