Why Do Cats Reverse Sneeze? A cat’s reverse sneeze is a reasonably common occurrence and can be alarming to owners.
There’s no need to worry most of the time, as it’s usually just a harmless reflex.
But you can do a few things to help keep your cat comfortable if they experience this phenomenon.
Reverse sneezing occurs when a cat inhales deeply and then exhales with a similar sound to snorting or gagging.
It may look like the cat is trying to sneeze, but nothing comes out.
Although the cause of reverse sneezing is not fully understood, it’s thought that irritation may trigger the episode in the nose, throat, or sinuses.
What is a reverse sneeze?
A cat’s reverse sneeze is a reflex that occurs when a cat inhales profoundly, and the air passes through the soft palate and vibrates the uvula.
This triggers the glottis to close, which reverses the airflow and expels the air from the nose.
Reverse sneezing usually lasts for less than five seconds and is not harmful to cats.
The clinical signs of reverse sneezing include honking, snorting, and gagging noises.
When a cat reverses sneezes in quick succession, it can give the impression they are choking, having an asthma attack, or even dying.
This is a common occurrence among cats and is generally nothing to worry about.
A cat reverse sneeze is caused when the cat’s soft palate and uvula (the small fleshy protrusion at the back of the throat) close off the airway, trapping mucus in the nasal cavity.
This causes a spasm which forces air and mucus out through the nose.
What causes a reverse sneeze?
Reverse sneezing is an odd phenomenon in cats and can be alarming for pet owners.
Its causes are varied, but typically it is a response to some irritation in the nose or throat.
Allergies are a common cause of reverse sneezing in cats, as are other environmental factors like smoke or pollen.
Infections such as rhinitis or sinusitis can also trigger the condition.
In rare cases, reverse sneezing may signify a more severe problem like nasal tumors.
If your cat experiences regular episodes of reverse sneezing, it is essential to take him to the veterinarian for a check-up to rule out any underlying health issues.
The following situations can cause reverse sneezing in cats:
- Allergens (e.g. dust, pollen, mites)
- Chemical substances (e.g., cleaning products, air fresheners, perfumes)
- Stress Tight collar
- Asthma
- Excitement
- Exercise intolerance
- Sudden temperature changes
- Respiratory infection
- Feline respiratory syndrome
- Nasal tumors
- Asopharyngeal polyps
- Dental disease
- and more
What are the symptoms of a reverse sneeze?
A cat’s reverse sneeze, also known as paroxysmal respiration, is an uncommon but harmless respiratory event.
The most common symptoms of reverse sneezing in cats are prolonged bouts of noisy snorting, accompanied by a characteristic facial grimace.
Reverse sneezing can be induced by various environmental factors, such as exposure to cigarette smoke, strong odors (e.g., air fresheners, incense), or excitement.
While reverse sneezing can be distressing to witness, it is not usually a cause for concern and generally resolves independently.
However, if your cat experiences frequent or severe reverse sneezing, you may want to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying causes.
What is the treatment for reverse sneezing?
Reverse sneezing is a relatively common occurrence in cats. So while it may be alarming to see your pet suddenly start sneezing violently, it is not usually a cause for alarm.
Reverse sneezing is caused by an irritation or allergy in the nose and can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines.
If your cat suffers from reverse sneezing frequently, you may consider investing in an air filter to help remove allergens from the air.
So, Why Do Cats Reverse Sneeze?
In conclusion, cats reverse sneeze for various reasons, some of which are still unknown.
If your cat reverses sneezes, there is no need to worry.
Monitor your cat closely after a reverse sneeze to make sure they are okay, but otherwise, there is usually not much you need to do.
Reverse sneezing is an odd but endearing quirk of cats, and it is one more thing that makes them unique creatures.
However, if your cat experiences frequent or severe reverse sneezing, you may want to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying causes.
FAQs
How do you treat reverse sneezing in cats?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the treatment for reverse sneezing in cats may vary depending on the underlying cause.
However, some tips to help treat reverse sneezing in cats include:
Keep a close eye on your cat and monitor them for any other symptoms that may suggest an underlying health issue.
Identifying and eliminating any environmental triggers that may be causing the reverse sneezing.
Is it normal for a cat to reverse sneeze?
Yes, it is normal for a cat to reverse sneeze.
Reverse sneezing is a reflex that cats sometimes use when they have a tickle or something in their nose.
It’s usually nothing to worry about.
When should I worry about reverse sneezing?
Reverse sneezing is a harmless condition that affects many dogs.
It is caused by an irritation in the throat or nose, which leads to a spasm of the respiratory muscles.
This causes the dog to suck in air, which then is expelled through the nose in a quick burst.
Reverse sneezing usually lasts only a few seconds and does not require treatment.
However, if your dog experiences frequent or severe reverse sneezing, consult your veterinarian.
Should I take my cat to the vet for reverse sneezing?
Yes, you should take your cat to the vet if they are reverse sneezing.
Reverse sneezing is a sign that something is wrong, and it can be a sign of a severe problem like an infection or a tumor.
Vets can help determine the cause of reverse sneezing and treat it.
Is reverse sneezing in cats dangerous
Reverse sneezing is not dangerous, but it can signify an underlying problem.
If your cat is reverse sneezing frequently, take him to the vet to rule out any health issues.
Is cat reverse sneezing allergies?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as allergies can manifest in many different ways in cats.
However, reverse sneezing is a common symptom of allergies in cats, so it is likely that cat allergies and reverse sneezing are related.
Therefore, if your cat is experiencing reverse sneezing regularly, it is good to take them to the vet to get them checked out for allergies.
My cat is reverse sneezing and vomiting!
A few things could be going on with your cat if they are reverse sneezing and vomiting.
One possibility is an infection or inflammation in the upper respiratory tract.
This can cause reverse sneezing as well as nausea and vomiting.
Another possibility is that your cat has a gastrointestinal issue, such as pancreatitis, liver disease, or intestinal obstruction.
How to prevent reverse sneezing?
Reverse sneezing is a harmless condition that can be prevented by keeping your dog’s nose and throat clear of mucus.
You can do this by regularly cleaning your dog’s nose with a damp cloth, and by clearing any obstructions from your dog’s throat using a finger or blunt object.
What causes reverse sneezing?
Reverse sneezing is caused by a sudden contraction of the throat muscles, which can be brought on by a number of things, including allergies, excitement, or a foreign body in the nasal passage.
