Why Is My Cat Sneezing and Eyes Watering? Top 7 Reasons include viral infections, bacteria, allergies, irritants, dental issues, stress, and foreign objects.
Why is my cat sneezing and eyes watering?
When you ask, “Why is my cat sneezing and eyes watering?” the answer is usually that something is bothering your cat’s nose or eyes. Sneezing and watery eyes are not illnesses themselves—they are signs. Your cat could have a cold, allergies, or even an eye infection.
Sometimes dust, litter, or smoke can also make your cat sneeze. Because many different problems cause these same signs, it’s important to watch closely and notice if the symptoms get better or worse.
Top 7 Reasons Why Your Cat Is Sneezing and Has Watery Eyes
| Reason | What You See | Simple Help |
|---|---|---|
| Allergies | Keep away from dust, smoke, and strong smells | The vet can safely remove it |
| Colds | Runny nose, watery eyes, tired cat | Vet check, may need medicine |
| Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) | Red, puffy, watery eyes | Vet eye drops or cream |
| Something Stuck | Sudden sneezing, pawing at face | Vet can safely remove it |
| Infections | Thick discharge, swelling, odour | Vet medicine (antibiotics/antifungal) |
| Home Irritants | Sneezing after sprays, smoke, perfume | Avoid harsh cleaners, keep air fresh |
| Dental Trouble | Sneezing, watery eyes, bad breath | Vet dental check and treatment |
Common Causes of Sneezing and Watery Eyes in Cats
- Allergies: Dust, pollen, or perfume can make cats sneeze.
- Colds (Respiratory Infections): Like people, cats can catch colds that cause sneezing and runny eyes.
- Conjunctivitis: An eye infection that makes the eyes red, watery, and swollen.
- Foreign Object: Tiny things like dust or hair stuck in the nose or eyes.
- Other Irritants: Smoke, cleaning sprays, or strong smells can upset your cat’s nose and eyes.
Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats
One common reason my cat sneezes and her eyes water is a cat cold, also known as an upper respiratory infection. Viruses like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus can cause runny eyes, sneezing, and a stuffy nose.
Cats with these infections may also feel tired or stop eating. Kittens and shelter cats often get them because the viruses spread quickly. If your cat has watery eyes and keeps sneezing for more than a few days, it may need a vet to check for an infection.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) in Cats
Another reason my cat is sneezing and her eyes are watering is conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. This happens when the thin lining around the eyes gets red and swollen.
A cat with conjunctivitis may have watery eyes, goopy discharge, or squint a lot. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or even dust and smoke. Sometimes only one eye looks bad, but sneezing often comes along too. If the eyes look very red or painful, a vet visit is the safest choice.
Treatments and Home Care Tips
- Vet visit: If signs don’t improve or worsen, only a vet can prescribe medicine like eye drops or antibiotics.
- Keep eyes clean: Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away discharge.
- Give fresh water: Helps your cat stay hydrated.
- Use a humidifier: Moist air makes breathing easier.
- Limit irritants: Keep your cat away from smoke, strong sprays, or dust.
Allergies and Environmental Irritants
If you wonder, “Why is my cat sneezing and have watery eyes?” the answer could be allergies. Just like people, cats can react to dust, pollen, smoke, or strong cleaners in the home. These things can make a cat sneeze, rub its face, or have runny eyes.
Sometimes the symptoms come and go with the seasons, like in spring. Other times, the problem happens indoors every day. If the sneezing and watery eyes don’t stop, it’s smart to ask a vet for advice.
Blocked Tear Ducts & Less Common Causes
Sometimes, my cat sneezes and its eyes water for a smaller reason, like a blocked tear duct. This makes one eye water more than the other and may lead to sneezing.
Other, less common causes include fungal infections or immune problems that affect breathing and the eyes. These issues are more complex to spot at home and usually need a vet to test and treat. If your cat has watery eyes and sneezing that keep coming back, it may be one of these rarer problems.
When to See a Vet
- Sneezing and watery eyes last more than a few days.
- Your cat has a fever, won’t eat, or seems very tired.
- You see yellow or green discharge from the eyes or the nose.
- Breathing looks complex or noisy.
- Eyes look red, swollen, or painful.
FAQs
Q1. Why is my cat sneezing and having watery eyes but acting normal?
Sometimes dust, pollen, or other mild irritants can make your cat sneeze and tear up. If your cat eats, plays, and usually rests, it may not be serious.
Q2. Can a cat’s cold cause watery eyes and sneezing?
Yes. A cat cold, called an upper respiratory infection, is the most common cause of sneezing with watery eyes.
Q3. Should I worry if only one eye is watery and my cat is sneezing?
A watery eye accompanied by sneezing could indicate a blocked tear duct or conjunctivitis. If it lasts more than a day or two, ask your vet.
Q4. How can I treat my cat’s watery eyes at home?
You can gently clean the eyes, use a humidifier, and keep your home free of smoke or dust. If symptoms don’t improve, see a vet.
Q5. When should you consider sneezing and watery eyes in cats an emergency?
If your cat has trouble breathing, stops eating, or has thick yellow or green discharge, it’s an emergency, and you should call the vet right away.
Hi, I’m Sana Sajid!I’m the voice behind CatsCare.blog, sharing my 10+ years of hands-on cat care experience. With a diploma in animal care, I offer practical tips, trusted advice, and easy-to-follow guides to help keep your cats healthy and happy.
When I’m not writing, I spend time with my own cats or exploring the latest developments in feline health. Follow CatsCare.blog for expert insights and real cat stories!
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