Everyone sneezes from time to time, and that includes cats. Kitty sneezes can look cute, and they aren't always indicative of a problem. However, being able to tell the difference between a harmless sneeze and sneezes that indicate an illness is important. Read on to learn more about judging your cat's sneezes:

Harmless Reasons Why Cat Sneeze

Cats can sneeze for plenty of reasons that aren't dangerous to their health at all. Most of these are reasons you've probably experienced yourself.

For example, a cat can sneeze due to allergens in the air. Cats can have seasonal allergies, food sensitivities, and even be allergic to mold or dander. While severe allergies can be a problem, mild allergy symptoms usually resolve themselves and aren't an issue that requires treatment.

In addition, cats can sneeze simply because something brushes their nose. You may have witnessed this if you've seen your cat sneeze after grooming itself. Sometimes a cat's own fur can make them sneeze!

Problems Associated With Sneezing

While there are plenty of harmless causes for sneezes, there are some dangerous ones, too. Cats can sneeze due to colds, nasal infections, upper respiratory infections, and viruses. These illnesses can pose a serious hazard to your cat's health, especially if left untreated. Thankfully, if you notice repeated sneezing and the following symptoms, you can get help for your cat before the problem becomes too serious.

Additional Symptoms to Look For

In most cases, a sick cat won't just sneeze; they'll show lots of other symptoms, too. You just need to know what to look for.

Cats who are developing an illness that causes sneezing will most likely also experience some of the following:

• Eye Drainage - Their eyes may tear up or have pus appear from the tear duct.

• Nasal Leakage - A running nose, when combined with sneezing, generally indicates there's an infection present in the sinuses.

• Fever - Knowing how to take a cat's temperature is a good idea. If your cat exhibits a fever, you should get medical help right away.

If your cat shows any of these signs, get help from a vet as soon as possible.

Sneezes aren't necessarily a warning sign all on their own, so don't panic if your cat sneezes. However, it's a good idea to keep your eyes and ears open for other symptoms that pop up. If you're worried, it's not a bad idea to visit a veterinarian. Coming away with a clean bill of health will reassure you that your kitty is fine, and you could end up catching something early on that will make it far easier to treat.

Contact a local animal hospital for more information and assistance.