Quick answer: The most common breathing issue in cats is an upper respiratory infection, like a cold, causing sneezing and runny eyes and nose. Feline asthma causes coughing and wheezing. Open-mouth breathing, labored breathing or blue gums are emergencies.
A sneezing cat is usually not cause for panic. Most upper respiratory infections are mild and pass in a week or two.
But cats can also develop more serious breathing problems, and some of the warning signs are easy to miss. Here’s what to know.
Common Causes
- Upper respiratory infections (URIs). Usually viral (feline herpesvirus or calicivirus), sometimes with bacteria. Very common in shelters and multi-cat homes.
- Feline asthma. Inflammation of the airways that causes coughing, wheezing and fast breathing.
- Allergies and irritants like dusty litter, smoke and strong fragrances.
- Nasal polyps or foreign objects like grass blades.
- Dental disease, which can sometimes affect the nasal passages.
- Heart disease, which can cause fluid in or around the lungs.
- Flat-faced breeds like Persians are more prone to breathing problems.
Signs to Watch For
| Sign | What it may point to |
|---|---|
| Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes | Upper respiratory infection |
| Coughing (low, crouched, neck extended) | Asthma, sometimes mistaken for hairballs |
| Wheezing or fast breathing at rest | Asthma or a heart or lung problem |
| Thick yellow or green discharge | Possible bacterial infection |
| Open-mouth breathing, belly heaving | Emergency |
Home Care for a Mild Cold
- Keep your cat warm and comfortable.
- Wipe eyes and nose gently with a soft, damp cloth.
- Run a humidifier nearby, or bring your cat into a steamy bathroom for a few minutes.
- Offer smelly, warmed wet food. Cats with stuffy noses often lose their appetite because they can’t smell food.
- Keep sick cats separate from other cats if possible.
- Never give human cold medicines. Many are toxic to cats.
When to See the Vet
Call your vet if your cat:
- Stops eating for more than a day
- Has symptoms lasting more than about a week, or getting worse
- Has thick colored discharge, eye ulcers or squinting
- Is a kitten, senior, or has other health problems
- Coughs regularly
Go to an emergency vet right away for open-mouth breathing, labored breathing, blue or gray gums, or a cat who is breathing fast and won’t lie down comfortably.
Prevention
- Keep up with core vaccines, which help protect against the viruses that cause most URIs.
- Reduce stress, which can trigger flare-ups in cats who carry herpesvirus.
- Use low-dust, unscented litter and avoid smoking around cats.
- Wash hands after handling other cats, especially at shelters.
Helpful Products
- Cool-mist humidifiers: Helps loosen congestion for stuffy cats.
- Low-dust cat litter: Reduces airway irritants.
- Air purifiers: Can reduce dust and allergens in the home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cats get colds?
Yes. Upper respiratory infections are like colds for cats and usually pass in one to two weeks.
Is my cat coughing or bringing up a hairball?
Hairballs usually produce something. Repeated coughing without results may be asthma. Take a video for your vet.
Can I catch my cat’s cold?
The common cat respiratory viruses don’t infect people, but they spread easily between cats.
Is open-mouth breathing in cats normal?
No. Unlike dogs, cats rarely pant. Open-mouth breathing is an emergency unless it’s very brief after intense play.
The Bottom Line
Most sneezy cats have a mild cold that passes with rest and care. But coughing, labored breathing and open-mouth breathing are different stories. Know the warning signs, keep vaccines current, and call your vet when something doesn’t look right.
Keep reading:
- Common Cat Health Problems: Causes, Signs and When to See a Vet
- Why Do Cats Throw Up Hairballs? How Often Is Normal
- Caring for Senior Cats: Life With Our 12-Year-Old Brother-and-Sister Tabbies
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