Effective Home Remedies for Sneezing Cats
Effective Home Remedies for Sneezing Cats
Is your cat constantly sneezing, and you’re unsure what to do about it? Don’t worry! As a veterinarian, I’m here to guide you through five effective home remedies that can help your precious furball feel better.
When your cat is sneezing excessively, it often indicates an upper respiratory tract infection. This condition, commonly known as “cat flu," is typically caused by viruses like Feline Herpes Virus and Feline Calicivirus. Similar to the common cold in humans, cat flu presents a variety of symptoms. Here are the tell-tale signs to look for:
Signs of Cat Flu:
- Sneezing
- Mucus discharge from the nose or plugged-up nostrils
- Weeping eyes with discharge in the corners
- Swollen or red conjunctiva (the tissue around the eyes)
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, you may be dealing with cat flu. Fortunately, several home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms and support your cat’s recovery.
1. Use a Humidifier for Congestion Relief
One of the first steps in treating a sneezing cat is to reduce congestion and inflammation. Humidity can be incredibly effective for this. You can either steam up your bathroom by running hot water and bringing your cat inside, or you can use a humidifier with warm water. I also recommend adding 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil to the humidifier for its natural decongestant properties. Allow this to diffuse throughout the day in a mid-sized room. This will help relieve the congestion that’s making your cat uncomfortable.
2. Topical Cold and Allergy Decongestant
A popular and common remedy for congestion is using a topical cold and allergy decongestant. I recommend using pediatric Otrivin nasal drops, which you can administer by applying 1-2 drops 3-4 times a day. Please note that topical decongestants should not be used for long periods, and it’s best to limit their use to 3-5 days for optimal safety.
3. Elderberry Juice Concentrate for Viral Relief
Elderberry is a powerful, natural antiviral that can help treat your cat’s flu. Elderberry juice concentrate works by reducing the severity and shortening the duration of the flu. You can purchase elderberry juice concentrate or make your own, but if you make it at home, be sure to remove the seeds, as they contain arsenic. I suggest giving your cat 1 teaspoon of elderberry juice concentrate 3-4 times a day for 3-5 days. If you’re looking for long-term support, you can reduce the dosage to twice a day.
4. Honey for Its Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties
Honey is an excellent remedy with both antibacterial and antiviral properties. For sneezing cats, I usually recommend giving them half a teaspoon of honey twice a day. For maximum benefit, combine 1 teaspoon of elderberry juice concentrate with the honey. This combination works wonders for boosting your cat’s immune system and helping them recover faster.
5. L-Lysine for Recurrent Upper Respiratory Infections
If your cat experiences frequent upper respiratory tract infections, L-Lysine can be extremely helpful. This amino acid has potent antiviral effects, especially against the viruses that cause cat flu. The ideal dose is 100mg twice a day, which can be added to your cat’s food. L-Lysine is often available in tablet form, so you may need to crush it before mixing it with food. Alternatively, lysine paste, such as NSL, is easier to feed to your cat. Our Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline Health Formula is also a great source of L-Lysine.
Although L-Lysine doesn’t provide instant relief, it is crucial for preventing recurrent episodes of cat flu. Viruses like those causing cat flu can hide in a nerve called the trigeminal nerve, remaining dormant until your cat is stressed. If your cat suffers from frequent bouts of cat flu, consider using L-Lysine for 8-12 weeks to help eliminate the virus and prevent further episodes.
By using these remedies, you can help your cat recover from cat flu more comfortably at home. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian.
Best wishes for your cat’s speedy recovery!
Dr. Andrew Jones, DVM
Hi Dr. Jones,
I have a cat that sneezes a lot but has none of the other symptoms. She is semi feral and I can not hold her at this time so do you think it could be allergies and would a humidifier help? Any help would be appreciated! Thank you for all of the information I have gotten from you!
Hi Dr Jones,
Our cat has daily sneezing episodes with discharge from the nose which plugs up the nostrils a bit. None of the other symptoms. She is 12 years old and has been having these episodes for a few years, otherwise healthy.
Thank You
That could be a mild URI. You may try using any of the remedies in the article.
My cat is 14yrs old and has had sneezing fits on and off for nearly a year now. I’ve taken her to the vet to get a flu shot and antibiotics, but the flu just keeps coming back. I’m looking forward to trying these home remedies suggested. They are very much appreciated!
It would have been very helpful if you would have included dosing instructions. Example, “1-2 drops of topical cold and allergy decongestant, given 3 to 4 times a day would be enough.” Where are these drops to be placed? Also, exactly how do you recommend getting a teaspoon or a half teaspoon of something like elderberry juice concentrate or honey into a cat’s mouth? My one cat who is sneezing a lot is a picky eater even when it comes to his species-appropriate raw food diet. I think I would have to sedate him to get either of these remedies into his mouth! I question the feasibility of using some of these on at least my cats.
Hi Dr. Jones,
I have a cat that sneezes a lot but has none of the other symptoms. She is semi feral and I can not hold her at this time so do you think it could be allergies and would a humidifier help? Any help would be appreciated!today is the 4th day she has been in our home since we adopted her.
Shelter kittens now 6 mos old x 3 all with the flu, sneeze, wheeze, runny eyes, I feel like crap looks! Using Lysine cat paste daily and a herb by Earth Animal daily– but just not doing it! I was checking in to your comments about Reactive — but in the USA — what generic do you recommend? Told NO not the same Claritin or Zyrtec. Don’t want to fatal mistake this. Too many critters on the farm to keep running to the vet– rather homeopathic especially when contagious!
Hi I have a pregnant cat that is due next week. If my calculations are correct the morning we were taking to get her spayed she jumped out of a two-story window got the screen off I have no idea how and disappeared for over a month. Of course pregnant when she finally returned. I believe she has she has all of the symptoms that you mentioned except for goofiness in her eyes just clear fluid coming out. Well trying to alleviate some of her symptoms and give her some medication she freaked out and she will not even let me hear her. She meant she may have a bite hero there but not eating enough food to sustain her for her pregnancy in my opinion. I cannot figure out how to get the medication down here she won’t eat it on food she won’t the water if it’s in the water. I am at my Wit’s End and I’m very worried and concerned about her and the babies0. The vet is not an option for me right now financially. Do you have any suggestions on how I can get the medication down her she freaks out and gets away from me not before she bloodies my arms. I have elderberry juice, honey and lysine all ready to go. I’m afraid I’m going to hurt the babies if I am too forceful with her. Meanwhile she’s lethargic and not eating for drinking. Just to let you know I am Foster failure I have 12 cats three had the cat flu and they are already on the mend. Any suggestions please I need help?
I run a kitten rescue and currently have 40 cats in my home.
4 of them have chronic URI’s that I cannot get cleared up! They have been in multiple antibiotics and will seem better but shortly after finishing them, it’s right back!
Bloody mucus in nasal cavity’s and giant icky snot balls when sneezing fits.
Any suggestions? I cannot afford vet visits every time it happens.
Also: what can I use to control fleas with this many cats??
Thank you!
Diacemous earth food grade is great for fleas. Can rub or comb it onto the cat, apply to bedding and carpet, even in litterbox. Food grade version is safe for kittiesm
I recently used a humidifier with essential oils to help ease my cat’s sneezing and she had a severe bronchial reaction, which required prednisone, oxygen and a bronchodilator. I don’t know if that is the best recommendation for cats who are sneezing. Just a thought
Is your cat incessantly sneezing and you don’t know what to do? Keep reading! I’ll list down five home remedies you can use that can quickly and easily help your precious furball.
If your cat is constantly sneezing, then she likely has an upper respiratory tract infection. This disease may be caused by one or more viruses such as Feline Herpes Virus and Feline Calicivirus. Cat flu, as it is generally called, has similar symptoms to a common cold in humans. To find out if your cat has cat flu, here are the tell-tale signs:
1. Sneezing
2. Mucus discharge in the end of their nose or plugged up nostrils
3. Weeping eyes with discharge in the corner of both of their eyes
4. The conjunctiva (the red tissue around the eye) is swollen or a little red
Cat Flu Symptoms
One of the first things you have to consider when dealing with a cat that is sneezing is to try to decrease the congestion and inflammation by adding humidity. You can do this by steaming up your bathroom and bring in your cat. Another option is by using a humidifier would provide additional moisture. You can use warm water or add a couple different essential oils. The one I prefer is lavender oil because of its decongestant properties. I usually add 5 to 10 drops of lavender essential oil and let that diffuse throughout the day in a mid-sized room.
Second remedy is probably the most common and you may have probably already used it. Just 1 to 2 drops of topical cold and allergy decongestant, given 3 to 4 times a day would be enough. Topical decongestant is not meant to be used long-term and maximum use should only be for three to five days. I prefer to use pediatric Otrivin but you may also opt for a generic brand.
The third remedy deals with the virus itself. Elderberry juice concentrate is a natural anti-viral product safe for your cat. Elderberry decreases the severity and shortens the duration of the flu. You can make your own elderberry juice concentrate at home but make sure to get rid of the seeds as they contain arsenic. Another option is you can also purchase a product called Sambu Guard. You may give your cat 1 teaspoon of elderberry juice concentrate, 3-4 times a day for 3 to 5 days. If you need to give it long-term, twice a day – that would also be fine since it’s a great source of vitamin C.
Fourth option is a staple kitchen item. Honey is primarily anti-bacterial but it has anti-viral properties. I usually give half a teaspoon of honey twice a day. For best results, combine the 1 teaspoon elderberry juice along with half a teaspoon of honey.
Lastly, for cats having recurrent upper respiratory tract infection, L-Lysine is proven to be very helpful. L-Lysine is an amino acid and shown to be a potent anti-viral. Just 100mg per cat, twice a day is the ideal dose. L-Lysine usually comes in tablet form, so you’ll have to crush it and put it in the cat food. Another option is NSL, which is a lysine paste and easier to feed to your cat. Our cat supplement, Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Feline Health Formula, is also a great source of L-Lysine. This remedy does not necessarily give an instant relief – like your cat’s going to stop sneezing the next day after taking it. These viruses may live within a nerve called the trigeminal nerve and can stay dormant then come out in times of stress. If your poor cat has recurring episodes of cat flu, you may want to give L-Lysine 8-12 weeks to ultimately eliminate the virus from your cat.
how can I get your L-Lisine
Hi Peggy, our cat supplement, Ultimate Feline, contains l-lysine:
https://thecatsupplement.com