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Why is my cat having sneezing fits with no eye or nose discharge?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 8 years and 2 months old | 15 lbs

My cat is having sneezing fits. It started yesterday not common during the day but when he does he sneezes about 4 or 5 times in row. No discharge from his eye nose or ears thou.

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1 Answer

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Answered By Catherine Stecyk

Veterinarian

Published on March 5th, 2019

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sneezing in cats may be due to an upper respiratory infection (URI), rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages), a foreign body stuck in the nostril(s), or even something like a tumor or mass in the nasal cavity. Common URI's in cats include herpesvirus and calicivirus, which are often treated supportively with either anti-viral medications and/or antibiotics in case a secondary bacterial infection is present. Sometimes, steroids such as prednisolone are recommended when cats are sneezing to see if they can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. Iggie may benefit from steam therapy, which is as simple as keeping him in the bathroom with the door closed when you shower, to allow the steamy air to help moisten his nasal passages. If he continues to sneeze for more than a day or so, I recommend having him seen by your veterinarian, who can perform an exam and treat accordingly. If you can, try to get a video of his sneezing episodes to show your veterinarian when you go. I hope this is helpful - best of luck with Iggie!

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