Every cat owner has heard their furry friend sneeze from time to time. But what happens when your cat suddenly makes a loud, honking, or gagging sound, seemingly struggling to breathe? This unusual vocalization, known as reverse sneezing, can be quite startling, leaving you wondering what’s going on and how to help.
What is Reverse Sneezing in Cats?
Reverse sneezing, also known as sternutation, is a common, usually harmless, reflex in cats that involves a series of loud, noisy inhalations. It’s often described as a honking, gagging, or choking sound.
Why is Reverse Sneezing a Concern?
While reverse sneezing is usually not a cause for major concern, it can be scary to witness. However, it’s important to understand the difference between reverse sneezing and other medical conditions that could require immediate veterinary attention.
Reverse Sneezing vs. Other Respiratory Issues
Here’s a helpful breakdown to distinguish between reverse sneezing and other respiratory issues:
- Reverse Sneezing:
- A series of loud, noisy inhalations.
- Often accompanied by a head-shaking or snorting motion.
- Usually resolves on its own within a few seconds or minutes.
- Typically triggered by irritants in the nasal passages.
- Other Respiratory Issues:
- Difficult or labored breathing.
- Wheezing or whistling sounds.
- Discharge from the nose or eyes.
- Loss of appetite.
- Lethargy.
- Fever.
- Open-mouth breathing.
Causes of Reverse Sneezing in Cats
Reverse sneezing in cats is often caused by:
- Irritants in the Nasal Passages: The most common cause of reverse sneezing is irritation in the nasal passages. This can be triggered by:
- Dust: Dust particles can irritate the nasal passages and trigger reverse sneezing.
- Pollen: Pollen, particularly during allergy season, can also irritate the nasal passages.
- Smoke: Smoke from cigarettes, fireplaces, or other sources can irritate the nasal passages.
- Mold: Mold spores can irritate the nasal passages.
- Perfumes and Air Fresheners: Strong scents, such as perfumes and air fresheners, can also irritate the nasal passages.
- Other Allergens: Other allergens, such as pet dander or dust mites, can also trigger reverse sneezing.
- Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs): URIs, commonly caused by viruses or bacteria, can cause inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages, leading to reverse sneezing.
- Foreign Objects: Small objects, such as grass awns or pieces of food, can become lodged in the nose, causing irritation and reverse sneezing.
- Nasal Polyps: Nasal polyps are growths in the nasal passages that can block airflow and cause reverse sneezing.
- Dental Disease: Dental disease can cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, leading to reverse sneezing.
- Stress: Stress can also trigger reverse sneezing in some cats.
A Case Study: Whiskers’ Honking Sounds
Whiskers, a 5-year-old Maine Coon, started making a honking sound. His owner, David, described the noise as “like a goose honking.”
“It was strange,” David says. “He’d suddenly make this loud noise, and it seemed like he was having trouble breathing.”
David noticed that Whiskers seemed to be sneezing more frequently and that his nose looked a little inflamed. He took Whiskers to the vet, who diagnosed Whiskers with an upper respiratory infection. The veterinarian recommended a course of antibiotics.
“Whiskers felt much better after a few days on the antibiotics,” David says. “He was back to his normal self, happily playing and purring.”
Understanding What Reverse Sneezing Sounds Like
Reverse sneezing often sounds like a harsh honking or gagging. The cat might also snort, make a choking sound, or seem like they’re struggling to breathe.
How to Stop Reverse Sneezing in Cats
While reverse sneezing is often a harmless reflex, it can be upsetting to witness. Here are some tips for helping your cat:
- Stay Calm: Remain calm and reassuring for your cat.
- Gently Cover Their Nose: Gently cover your cat’s nose and mouth for a few seconds, which can sometimes help dislodge the irritant and stop the sneezing.
- Gently Massage the Throat: Gently massage your cat’s throat to help relieve irritation and dislodge any irritants.
- Check for Foreign Objects: If you suspect your cat has a foreign object lodged in their nose, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Offer Water: Encourage your cat to drink water to help soothe their throat.
When to Worry About Reverse Sneezing
Most cases of reverse sneezing are harmless and resolve on their own within a few seconds or minutes. However, there are some instances when you should consult a veterinarian immediately:
- Persistent or Frequent Reverse Sneezing: If your cat is experiencing frequent reverse sneezing episodes or if the episodes last for more than a few minutes, it’s important to contact your veterinarian.
- Signs of Difficulty Breathing: If your cat is having difficulty breathing or if they make a whistling or rattling sound, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Other Symptoms: If reverse sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, lethargy, eye discharge, or loss of appetite, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Diagnosing Reverse Sneezing in Cats
Diagnosing the cause of reverse sneezing in cats requires a thorough examination by a veterinarian. They will perform a physical exam, examine your cat’s nose and respiratory system, and often recommend some additional testing.
- Physical Examination: The veterinarian will assess your cat’s overall health, including their weight, body condition, and any signs of illness. They will check your cat’s temperature, pulse, and respiration, and they will examine their eyes, ears, nose, teeth, and gums. They will also feel your cat’s lymph nodes for any abnormalities.
- Bloodwork: Blood tests can help rule out a variety of medical conditions, such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), or other infections.
- Radiographs (X-rays): X-rays can help to identify any abnormalities in the nasal passages, such as tumors or foreign objects.
- Endoscopy: In some cases, your veterinarian might recommend an endoscopy, a procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the nose to examine the lining for signs of inflammation or other problems.
Treating Reverse Sneezing in Cats
Treatment for reverse sneezing in cats depends on the underlying cause.
- Allergies: For allergies, your veterinarian may recommend:
- Environmental Control: Minimize exposure to the offending allergen.
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines can help reduce itching, inflammation, and sneezing.
- Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory medications that can help reduce itching, inflammation, and sneezing, but they can have side effects.
- Immunomodulators: Immunomodulators can help suppress the immune system’s response to allergens, reducing allergy symptoms.
- Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs): For URIs, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections or antiviral medications for viral infections.
- Feline Herpesvirus (FHV) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV): There is no cure for FHV or FCV, but your veterinarian can prescribe medications to manage symptoms, such as:
- Antibiotics: To treat secondary bacterial infections.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: To reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Nasal Polyps: Nasal polyps can be surgically removed.
- Dental Disease: For dental disease, your veterinarian may recommend a dental cleaning or extraction of any loose teeth.
- Foreign Objects: If a foreign object is lodged in the nose, your veterinarian may need to perform a surgical procedure to remove it.
- Tumors: Treatment for nasal tumors might involve surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy to shrink the tumor, or chemotherapy to kill cancer cells.
- Trauma: Treatment for injuries to the nose might involve medication to reduce swelling and pain, antibiotics to prevent infection, or surgery to repair the damage.
A Case Study: Whiskers’ URI Recovery
Whiskers, the Maine Coon with an upper respiratory infection, responded well to treatment. The veterinarian prescribed him antibiotics, and David followed the veterinarian’s instructions for providing him with supportive care. “Whiskers felt much better after a few days on the antibiotics,” David says. “He was back to his normal self, happily playing and purring.”
Tips for Caring for a Cat with Reverse Sneezing
- Monitor Your Cat’s Behavior: Pay close attention to your cat’s behavior, especially if they’re having difficulty breathing or showing signs of discomfort.
- Provide Fresh Water: Make sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times.
- Consult a Veterinarian Immediately: If you notice any signs of swelling, redness, discharge, or other concerning symptoms in your cat’s nose, consult your veterinarian immediately. These could be signs of a serious medical condition that requires treatment.
Conclusion
While reverse sneezing in cats can sometimes be a normal behavior, it’s important to be aware of the possible underlying causes. If your cat is experiencing frequent reverse sneezing, or if they’re exhibiting any other unusual symptoms, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian. By seeking professional advice and taking appropriate steps, you can help your cat live a healthy and happy life.