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Why is my cat sneezing so much? Is it allergies, URI, or a new plant?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 4 years and 4 months old | 16 lbs

Figaro is having sneezing fits for the last 12+ hours. He will be ok for up to an hour, then rapidly sneeze 15-20 times in a row. His nasal discharge is clear, and he does not have any eye discharge. He also has not been in contact with any other cats for 3 months. He just went to the vet last week and received a steroid and antibiotic injection. His litter brand has not changed recently. I got a new houseplant a day ago, could he be allergic to it? Or is it an upper respiratory infection?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 3rd, 2020

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Figaro. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian again. That is a lot of sneezing. Was the steroid injection he received long lasting? If so, it should still be working. This is a common treatment for allergies. This would make a respiratory tract infection more likely. An infection can be picked up anywhere. Most of the time, the source is not identified. The veterinarian will examine him and ask more questions about his behavior and environment. Based on these results, treatment can be started to help him feel better. I hope this information helps!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It sounds like a possible upper respiratory infection (URI). Most of those URIs that cats get are viral in origin (typically a type of herpes virus) so steroids and antibiotics will not help. I suggest you get a lysine supplement to help boost his immune system. He should stay on this for life. Any one of these would be fine: https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/site/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?s=lysine&hierarchy=&sort=score%20desc Now, this is all assuming he is acting normally, eating, drinking, etc......If so, he will probably get over this on his own. If he is acting sick at all then you should call your vet to get him back in for a follow-up.

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