Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Disease (“snuffles”) is most commonly caused by feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and feline calici virus (FCV) in cats. Infection is most common in multi-cat households and in unvaccinated cats. Very young, very old, and immunosuppressed cats are more likely to develop severe cases of the disease. Concurrent viral infections such as feline AIDS will make a cat more susceptible to getting other infections.
Symptoms of the disease are sneezing, a snotty nose, red and swollen eyes, often with a discharge, and sometimes ulcers in the mouth. The congested nose may cause the cat not to be able to smell properly, leading her to lose her appetite. Secondary infections can lead to fever, which can cause the cat to feel very unwell.
Your vet can offer symptomatic treatment to help your cat feel some relief from the virus and to help prevent secondary bacterial infection. These would include ant-inflammatories, antibiotics, and supplements. You can offer your cat supportive treatment such as a stress-free environment, good nutrition, and good nursing care, such as cleaning infected eyes and nose, and regularly and nebulising to offer some relief. Some cats will get better on their own and never progress further than a bit of sneezing. Other cats, however, can become quite ill with secondary infections. If you are unsure the best is to get your cat seen to.
To reduce the risk of your cat developing snuffles, vaccinate her from eight weeks of age. The viruses that cause snuffles are quite widespread and highly contagious so, even if your cat is alone, indoor cat vaccinating is still vital to protect them against snuffles. Some cats, however, remain carriers of the virus, and while they mostly carry on their lives symptom-free, often periods of stress can trigger a case of the disease.
If your cat is going to a cattery, it is vital that her vaccinations are up to date as there is a high frequency of snuffles in catteries. This would be included in her yearly vaccinations.
Other causes of sneezing in cats are inhaled irritants or allergens. If your cat only sneezes once in a while, something may simply be irritating the nasal passages.
Some examples of potential irritants or substances that cause allergic reactions in cats are cigarette smoke, perfume, pest sprays, dusty cat litter, cleaning agents, candles, dust, pollen, and mould.
Cats may also sneeze to try to dislodge a blockage in their nasal passages. An infection or inflammation of a tooth root may cause drainage into the sinuses and may also cause sneezing.
On rare occasions, your cat can get a foreign body lodged in her nose. An example would be a blade of grass getting stuck in the back of your cat’s nose from chewing grass, which can cause choking and retching. This can also cause your cat to sneeze to try and eject the foreign body out of her nose.