Does Catnip Make Cats Sneeze?

Sneezing in cats works similar to sneezing in humans, so to answer “why does a cat sneeze after catnip?”, think of what causes you to sneeze.

The possible causes include nose tickles, an allergic reaction, and respiratory infections. While in most cases, sneezing is nothing to worry about, you should watch out for other symptoms.

Learning how to help a sneezing cat will help you ease your pet’s discomfort. Remember that if sneezing doesn’t stop, bringing your pet to a vet is the only right thing to do.

Why Some Cats Sneeze from Catnip

Cats can sneeze for various reasons, from severe illnesses such as calicivirus and feline infectious peritonitis to simple nasal membrane irritation. The most common irritants are perfume, dust, pollen, and cat litter.

Loose catnip, particularly finely ground, can also irritate a cat’s nasal membrane, causing it to sneeze. The reaction typically occurs if a piece of catnip enters the nasal passage, causing itchiness.

In the same way, we sneeze when tiny particles get stuck in our noses because they are ticklish. If your cat shows no other abnormalities apart from sneezing after having catnip, there’s nothing to worry about.

When something tickles a cat’s nasal membrane, its nerves send a message into the brain’s “sneeze center,” the medulla, a part of the brain responsible for involuntary actions such as breathing and digestion.

When the medulla receives the nerve signals, it initiates a physical reaction to clear the nasal passages. If the first sneeze doesn’t help, a cat will sneeze more.

Usually, sneezing helps remove catnip particles from the nose unless they are stuck very deep. If sneezing doesn’t help and they remain stuck, they can cause a nasal infection.

If a cat continues to sneeze after sniffing catnip, the particles are likely stuck in its nose. If catnip is stuck in a cat’s nose, it may paw the face as if trying to wipe something off.

When choosing loose catnip, pay attention to its consistency. Powdery products have higher odds of causing sneezing in cats. Choose catnip that isn’t as finely ground or alternative products, such as sprays and toys.

Sneezing may also occur in cats from movement or stress. Because catnip is a stimulant and encourages cats to play, your cat may sneeze while it runs around the room after sniffing catnip.

However, some cats may also sneeze from catnip products with add-ons because they are allergic to particular ingredients. For example, if a cat is allergic to soap, it may sneeze from playing with catnip bubbles.

Chemical irritants commonly trigger sneezing in cats, even if a cat is not allergic to the substance. Thus, avoid any catnip products with chemical preservatives and flavorings.

Lastly, a cat’s sneezing may not be related to catnip – it may be just a coincidence. For example, a cat may sneeze because of an environmental allergy or an infection.

Pay attention to whether your cat sneezes only after having catnip or regularly. If the latter, note any other symptoms and make a vet appointment to rule out herpes, calicivirus, and other dangerous medical conditions.

Is Sneezing from Catnip Normal?

If your cat sneezes from catnip, you may wonder whether it’s a natural reaction. In short, no, sneezing isn’t one of catnip’s effects.

Cats don’t typically sneeze from catnip. However, this doesn’t mean that sneezing isn’t normal. Sneezing when something gets into the nose is natural for cats and humans.

The reaction is widespread because many cats like to “dive” in catnip, putting their nose deep into the bag while sniffing or eating the herb.

Is Sneezing from Catnip a Cause for Concern?

Sneezing from catnip is in no way dangerous unless it’s caused by an allergic reaction or the herb is stuck in the cat’s nose.

If a cat sneezes once or twice and stops, sneezing is caused by a nose tickle, and you don’t need to worry. However, you need to be concerned if your cat continues to sneeze for a long time or shows other abnormalities.

If a cat keeps sneezing for hours, it may have catnip stuck in the nose or the throat or an allergic reaction. Don’t postpone a trip to a veterinarian to remove the herb from your pet’s nose.

An infection may develop if catnip is stuck in a cat’s nose. Inflammation of a cat’s nose, also known as rhinitis, or nasal passage (sinusitis), typically causes excess mucus discharge.

The discharge may be clear, yellowish, or brown. Either way, it should raise concerns. Many cats lose appetite and have difficulty breathing because of a stuffy nose.

The sneezing frequency may decrease as the infection progresses, but a cat will continue sneezing occasionally. If you suspect that some catnip might have got stuck in your cat’s nose, don’t postpone a vet visit.

Can a Cat Be Allergic to Catnip?

Catnip allergy in cats isn’t common. However, it isn’t implausible. Veterinarians say that cats can have odd allergies – for example, some felines are allergic to tuna and others to sunlight.

Catnip, too, is a potential allergen, so owners giving their pets catnip for the first time should always supervise their furry friends and watch out for adverse effects.

Allergy symptoms in cats can be gastroenteric, respiratory, and topical. Respiratory and topical symptoms usually occur after a cat sniffs an allergen, and gastroenteric symptoms after a cat ingests it.

To treat a catnip allergy, owners must ensure it is indeed an allergy and not something else. Unfortunately, diagnosing cat allergies isn’t as simple.

A veterinarian can conduct a blood test or skin test. Food allergies are diagnosed with the exclusion trial method. Catnip allergy treatment includes antihistamines and reduction of exposure to the allergen.

How to Distinguish Nose Tickle from Allergy

If your cat sneezes from catnip, you may wonder how to distinguish between a regular nose tickle and an allergy that requires veterinary intervention.

The short answer is to watch out for other symptoms. Allergies in cats can manifest with various symptoms, depending on a cat’s peculiarities, allergy severity, and how catnip was administered.

If your cat has sniffed catnip and is allergic to the herb, it may experience respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, runny nose, watery eyes, and coughing.

Some cats may experience skin itchiness localized in one area or all over the body. Skin reactions are common in allergic cats that roll in catnip but may be accompanied by respiratory symptoms.

Gastroenteric symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea are rare if an allergen enters through the nasal passage but widespread if an allergen is ingested.

However, sneezing can be accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea if a cat has both ingested and inhaled the herb. If a cat doesn’t show any additional symptoms, it is unlikely to be allergic to catnip.

What to Do If a Cat Is Allergic to Catnip

If your veterinarian has diagnosed your cat with catnip allergy, minimizing exposure to the herb is the best way to prevent the reaction from repeating. Fortunately, reducing exposure to catnip is easier than dust or pollen.

A cat must not eat, sniff, or touch catnip. If you have catnip growing in your garden and your cat loves to walk there, you might have to move the herb somewhere or change it for something else.

If the reaction is severe, a vet may prescribe your cat antihistamines or corticosteroids. However, in most cases, allergy symptoms in cats go away on their own without any treatment.

How to Help a Sneezing Cat

There are some home remedies you can try to ease your cat’s respiratory discomfort. One of such remedies is setting up a steamy bathroom to unclog the cat’s nose. Don’t place your cat in the bathtub but let it sit nearby.

Benadryl is a vet-approved remedy for cat sneezing, effectively relieving upper respiratory symptoms caused by allergies, mild infections, and other non-life-threatening causes.

To prevent overdose, adhere to the dosage guidelines strictly. Veterinarians recommend administering one milligram of Benadryl per pound of a cat’s weight. Don’t give the medication more frequently than once in eight hours.

Unless your cat has an allergic reaction, you can help it clear the nose using a cloth or cotton pad soaked in warm water.

If your cat has nasal discharge, increased salivation, shakes its head, gags, has difficulty breathing or swallowing, or is pawing the nose continuously, catnip has likely stuck deep in the nose.

Don’t attempt to clean your cat’s nasal passages at home – a visit to a vet is the best you can do for your furry friend. To clear a cat’s nose from catnip, a vet will use an endoscope – a tool with a flexible tube.

If a cat has a secondary infection from catnip stuck in the nose, the vet may prescribe it antibiotics to fight inflammation.

However, the inflammation will persist if catnip isn’t removed, so don’t give your cat antibiotics without visiting a vet to remove the herb first.

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