- According to the Second Chance veterinary site, respiratory infections are one of the most common triggers for sneezing in cats. These infections are the equivalent of a cold in a human and are caused by airborne bacteria and viruses to which the cat may be exposed. They can also get an infection from cats that are already sick. Kittens and older cats are particularly susceptible to these infections. Sometimes sneezing is the only symptom, although infected cats may also have a fever and conjunctivitis.
- Cats can have allergies to environmental irritants, such as pollen and mold, that are found in the air. This is especially common in cats that are allowed to go outside. Exposure to these allergens can cause sneezing. Certain other irritants, such as grass or dust, can make a cat sneeze even if it is not allergic to them. This happens when the irritant gets inside the cat's nose.
- Many respiratory irritants commonly found in a home, such as cigarette smoke, perfume and cleaning products, can make a cat sneeze. If you use cat litter that contains silica particles, they can also induce sneezing.
- According to the Second Change site, cats have upper premolar teeth with roots that grow very close to the nasal passages. If those teeth or nearby teeth get infected, the cat may start sneezing and have drainage in its nostrils.
