Why is my cat sneezing? Cat flu, snuffles and runny noses explained

Sneezing, a runny nose and congested breathing can leave your cat sounding distinctly snuffly, or as many owners describe it, “snotty”.

An occasional sneeze is usually just your cat clearing dust, fur or other irritants. But if your cat keeps sneezing or has nasal discharge, watery eyes or other signs of illness, the cause may be cat flu, lingering snuffles, sinus congestion, environmental allergens or an underlying immune condition.

Because these symptoms often overlap, it’s important to look at the full symptom picture, including whether your cat is congested or unwell, what the nasal discharge looks like and whether the problem is new, recurring or linked to a known trigger.

Key highlights

• Occasional cat sneezing is usually harmless.
• Persistent sneezing may be caused by infection, inflammation, allergens or another underlying condition.
• Cat flu symptoms commonly include sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, tiredness and reduced appetite.
• Some cats continue to experience snuffles after an initial respiratory illness has passed.
• A blocked nose and noisy breathing may point to nasal or sinus congestion.
• Dust mites and environmental irritants can contribute to sneezing.
• FIV-positive cats may be more prone to recurring respiratory symptoms.
• Difficulty breathing, loss of appetite or bloody discharge requires veterinary attention.

Common causes of cat sneezing and runny noses

Several conditions can cause similar symptoms, so talk to your veterinarian if your cat’s symptoms persist, become severe or start getting worse.

Cat flu

Cat flu is a common, contagious upper respiratory illness, most often associated with feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus.

Common cat flu symptoms include:

• Frequent sneezing
• A runny or blocked nose
• Watery or goopy eyes
• Noisy or raspy breathing
• Fever
• Tiredness
• Reduced appetite
• Dribbling in some cats

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and kittens, senior cats and cats with reduced immunity may be more vulnerable to complications. Symptoms can also flare again during periods of stress or poor health if the virus remains dormant after the initial illness.

Congestion can also affect appetite because cats rely heavily on smell when deciding whether to eat.

How to support a cat with flu symptoms

Keep your cat warm, quiet and comfortable. Gently wipe discharge from the nose and eyes, encourage them to drink and offer warmed wet food that has a stronger smell.

Keep them away from other cats while they are unwell, as cat flu can spread easily.

Seek veterinary advice if your cat is not eating, appears very lethargic, has difficulty breathing or is getting worse.

Remedy to consider: Cat Flu Plus

Cat Flu Plus is a natural, easy-to-dose remedy formulated to support a healthy immune response in cats experiencing cat flu symptoms.

Cat Flu Plus may be the best fit when sneezing and nasal discharge occur alongside watery eyes, tiredness, reduced appetite, fever or several flu-like symptoms at once.

View Cat Flu Plus

Lingering or recurring snuffles

Some cats recover from the main stages of a respiratory illness but continue to sneeze or sound snuffly afterwards.

Common symptoms of cat snuffles

• Repeated bouts of sneezing
• A persistently runny or snotty nose
• Snuffling sounds
• Symptoms that improve and then return
• Lingering symptoms after cat flu
• A cat that is otherwise bright and eating normally

Snuffles may be due to lingering inflammation in the nasal passages or recurring symptoms from a previous viral infection. Stress, illness or changes in the environment can sometimes trigger another flare-up.

How to support a cat with lingering snuffles

Keep the nose clean and monitor any changes in the colour or amount of nasal discharge.

Reduce exposure to smoke, aerosol sprays, perfumes and dusty environments. A humidifier or supervised steam from a bathroom may help keep the air moist.

Speak to your veterinarian if the symptoms are persistent, affect only one nostril or are accompanied by poor appetite, weight loss or lethargy.

Remedy to consider: Snuffles – Cats

Snuffles – Cats is formulated to support a healthy immune response in cats of all ages experiencing snuffles. Simply add it to the water bowl or place it on top of food.

Consider Snuffles – Cats when your cat is generally bright and eating normally but continues to experience lingering or recurring sneezing and nasal discharge.

View Snuffles – Cats

Cat nasal congestion and blocked noses

Some cats appear more congested than sneezy. Inflammation inside the nasal passages or sinuses can make breathing sound noisy and may reduce their ability to smell food.

Common symptoms of nasal or sinus congestion

• A blocked or persistently runny nose
• Noisy nasal breathing
• Snoring or snuffling sounds
• Whistling noises from the nose
• Difficulty smelling food
• Frequent sneezing
• Recurring congestion
• Symptoms linked to environmental allergens

Nasal congestion may follow a respiratory infection or be associated with ongoing inflammation, chronic rhinitis or environmental allergens.

How to support a congested cat

Gently clean discharge from around the nose and offer warmed wet food to make it easier to smell.

A humidifier or supervised time in a steamy bathroom may help loosen congestion. Check their environment and reduce exposure to smoke, dust, perfumes and household sprays.

Contact your veterinarian if congestion is ongoing, your cat stops eating or their breathing becomes laboured.

Remedy to consider: Sinus Plus – Feline

Sinus Plus – Feline is formulated to support cats experiencing a blocked or runny nose, sneezing and congested sinuses, including symptoms associated with allergens.

Sinus Plus – Feline is most relevant when nasal blockage, noisy breathing and sinus congestion are the main concerns.

View Sinus Plus – Feline

Respiratory symptoms in an FIV-positive cat

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) affects a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infections and respiratory illness. It commonly spreads through bite wounds from infected cats.

Common symptoms and patterns

• Recurring respiratory infections
• Sneezing and nasal discharge
• Slow recovery from illness
• Recurring mouth or gum problems
• Reduced appetite
• Weight loss
• Ongoing periods of poor health

FIV itself should be diagnosed and monitored by a veterinarian. Sneezing in an FIV-positive cat may still be caused by cat flu, snuffles, sinus congestion or another condition, so the current symptom picture remains important.

How to support an FIV-positive cat

Keep up with regular veterinary checks and seek advice promptly when new symptoms develop.

Support good nutrition, reduce stress and monitor appetite, weight and energy levels. Any recurring infection or respiratory illness should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Remedy to consider: FIV Support – Cats

FIV Support – Cats is formulated to support a healthy immune response in cats diagnosed with FIV.

It is intended for ongoing immune support alongside vet-prescribed treatment, rather than as a standalone remedy for sneezing.

View FIV Support – Cats

Dust mites and environmental irritation

Dust, litter particles, mould, pollen, smoke and household sprays can irritate a cat’s nasal passages.

Common symptoms and patterns

• Sneezing after using dusty cat litter
• Symptoms linked to carpets or bedding
• Snuffling in dusty rooms, sheds or garages
• Symptoms that become worse during vacuuming or renovations
• Watery eyes or nasal irritation
• A cat that otherwise appears well

Dust mites live in carpets, bedding and soft furnishings and can trigger allergy symptoms in sensitive animals.

How to reduce environmental triggers

Try changing to a low-dust, fragrance-free litter and use washable bedding where possible. Wash your cat’s bedding regularly in hot water where the fabric allows, vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture frequently, and clean around sleeping areas where dust tends to collect.

Keep your cat out of the room while vacuuming or completing dusty work, then allow the dust to settle before they return. Reducing clutter can also help limit places where dust and dust mites accumulate.

Avoid smoke, aerosol sprays, strong cleaning products and perfumes around your cat. Watch for a clear pattern between their symptoms and a particular room, product or activity.

Remedy to consider: Dust Allergy – Pets

Dust Allergy – Pets is formulated to support a healthy immune response in animals experiencing symptoms associated with dust mite or carpet allergy.

Dust Allergy – Pets may suit cats whose symptoms appear linked to carpets, bedding or other areas where dust mites are present.

Where the main problem is broader nasal or sinus congestion associated with allergens, Sinus Plus – Feline may be a closer match.

View Dust Allergy – Pets

Which remedy is best for my sneezing or snotty cat?

When should a sneezing cat see a vet?

Contact your veterinarian if your cat has:

• Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
• Stopped eating or drinking
• Significant lethargy or weakness
• Yellow, green, bloody or foul-smelling nasal discharge
• Discharge from only one nostril
• Facial swelling
• Weight loss
• Worsening or recurring symptoms
• Sneezing or nasal discharge lasting more than a few days

Kittens, senior cats and cats with FIV or other ongoing health conditions should generally be assessed sooner.

Open-mouth breathing is not normal in cats and should be treated as an emergency.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my cat sneezing but acting normally?

An occasional sneeze may be caused by dust, fur or another irritant. Persistent sneezing in a cat that otherwise seems well may be linked to lingering snuffles, nasal inflammation or environmental allergens.

Why is my cat sneezing and experiencing a runny nose?

Sneezing and a runny nose are common cat flu symptoms, but they can also occur with sinus congestion or allergens. Look for watery eyes, fever, tiredness, reduced appetite or noisy breathing.

What is the difference between cat flu and cat snuffles?

Cat flu usually causes several symptoms together, including sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, tiredness and reduced appetite.

“Snuffles” generally describes lingering or recurring sneezing and nasal discharge, often in a cat that is otherwise reasonably well.

What is the difference between cat flu and FIV?

Cat flu is a contagious upper respiratory illness, usually caused by feline herpesvirus or calicivirus. It commonly causes sneezing, a runny nose, watery eyes, fever and reduced appetite.

FIV is a long-term virus that weakens the immune system and is most commonly spread through deep bite wounds. It does not directly cause cat flu, but it can make cats more vulnerable to recurring infections and slower recovery.

A cat can have both conditions at the same time. FIV must be confirmed through veterinary testing.

Can dusty cat litter make my cat sneeze?

Yes. Fine particles from dusty or scented litter can irritate the nasal passages. Changing to an unscented, low-dust litter may help.

How can I help my congested cat?

Keep the nose clean, offer warmed wet food, encourage fluids and add moisture to the air with a humidifier or supervised steam from a bathroom.

Contact your veterinarian if your cat stops eating or is struggling to breathe.

Can I use more than one Hippo Health remedy?

Yes. Hippo Health remedies can be used together when a cat has more than one support need.

For example, an FIV-positive cat experiencing cat flu symptoms may use FIV Support – Cats alongside Cat Flu Plus.

Can Hippo Health remedies be used with veterinary medication?

Yes. They can be used alongside veterinary treatment and prescribed medications.

Still unsure which remedy to choose?

The best remedy depends on the complete symptom picture, including whether your cat is congested, unwell, recovering from cat flu or exposed to a known trigger.

Contact the Hippo Health team with details of your cat’s symptoms, how long they have been present and any veterinary diagnosis, and we can help identify the most appropriate support option.