Cats sneeze for several reasons, typically because something irritates their nasal passages. Common causes include inhaled irritants like dust, cigarette smoke, strong smells, pollen, or cleaning products, as well as allergies. Sneezing can also result from upper respiratory infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Other causes include dental disease, foreign objects stuck in the nose, nasal polyps, tumors, and chronic inflammation of the nasal passages. Occasionally, sneezing is just a response to a minor nose tickle or something temporarily irritating the nose, like a blade of grass or dust particles.
Sneezing accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal or eye discharge, loss of appetite, coughing, or noisy breathing may indicate an infection or more serious issue requiring veterinary attention. If sneezing occurs here and there, especially without other symptoms, it is usually not a cause of concern.
