Why Is My Cat Squinting and Sneezing Frequently?

Is It an Eye Problem or a Respiratory Infection?

Introduction: Squinting and Sneezing Are Warning Signs, Not Just Cute Behavior

If your cat is constantly squinting and sneezing, it’s not just being cute—it may be trying to tell you something’s wrong. These signs often indicate early stages of eye infections or upper respiratory issues.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common causes, how to tell whether it’s an eye issue or a respiratory infection, how to care for your cat at home, and when to seek veterinary help.

1. Common Causes of Squinting and Sneezing in Cats

Squinting and sneezing can be symptoms of a variety of health conditions. Here are the most common culprits:

1.1 Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)

URIs are among the most frequent health issues in cats, especially in kittens and unvaccinated adults. These infections are usually caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) or calicivirus (FCV), and can also involve bacteria such as Chlamydia felis or Mycoplasma.

Typical symptoms include:

Frequent sneezing
Runny nose (clear or yellow/green)
Watery eyes or eye discharge
Squinting or inflamed eyes
Reduced appetite or lethargy
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1.2 Conjunctivitis or Corneal Infections

When the main symptom is squinting or one eye seems irritated, your cat could have an eye-specific issue such as conjunctivitis or a corneal ulcer.

Signs to watch for:

Squinting in one or both eyes
Red or swollen eyes
Yellow or green eye discharge
Pawing at the eye
Avoiding bright light (photophobia)
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1.3 Allergies or Environmental Irritants

Exposure to smoke, dust, scented candles, or cleaning products can trigger allergic reactions or irritation in some cats.

What you might see:

Occasional sneezing
Mild watery eyes
No fever or appetite loss
Overall healthy and playful
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1.4 Nasal Foreign Body or Nasal Polyps

A foreign object stuck in the nose (like a grass seed) or the presence of nasal polyps may also lead to repeated sneezing and nasal discharge.

Symptoms often include:

Sneezing mostly on one side
Unilateral nasal discharge (possibly bloody)
Loud or obstructed breathing through one nostril
Occasional nosebleeds

2. Is It an Eye Issue or a Respiratory Problem?

Here’s how to tell the difference based on symptoms:

Symptom	Likely Eye Issue	Likely Respiratory Issue
Sneezing	Rare or mild	Frequent or severe
Squinting	Primary symptom	Secondary to eye infection
Nasal Discharge	Usually absent	Clear or pus-like discharge
Eye Discharge	Yellow/green, thick	Often present with URI
Light Sensitivity	Common	Rare
Appetite/Energy Level	Normal	Often decreased

3. 6 Signs Your Cat Needs to See a Vet ASAP

Don’t wait if your cat shows any of the following:

Sneezing doesn’t stop after 48 hours
Thick yellow or green nasal discharge
Squinting so much the eyes can’t open fully
Lethargy, loss of appetite, or fever
Open-mouth breathing or wheezing
Excessive eye discharge or crusting shut

4. Home Care Tips (For Mild Cases or While Waiting for the Vet)

If symptoms are mild or you’re waiting for a vet appointment, try the following:

Gently clean eyes and nose with saline solution 2–3 times a day
Use a humidifier to ease nasal dryness and congestion
Avoid air irritants like strong cleaners, candles, or smoke
Encourage hydration and eating with warm wet food or tuna water
Keep your cat warm and stress-free in a quiet, cozy space

⚠️ Never use human cold medications or eye drops without veterinary guidance.

5. Diagnosis and Treatment at the Vet

If the vet diagnoses a URI or eye infection, treatment may include:

Antibiotic eye drops or ointments
Oral antibiotics or antivirals
Nebulizer therapy (for congestion)
Fever reducers and supportive care
Fluids and nutritional support if dehydrated
Immune boosters for chronic cases

In some cases, tests like bloodwork or X-rays may be recommended.

6. How to Prevent Eye and Respiratory Issues in Cats

Keep vaccines up to date – especially the FVRCP combo vaccine
Clean your cat’s space regularly – including litter boxes and bowls
Minimize stress – cats are sensitive to changes like new pets or homes
Ensure proper ventilation and humidity – dry air worsens URI symptoms
Schedule regular vet check-ups – early detection saves lives

7. Final Thoughts: Don’t Dismiss “Small” Symptoms

Cats often hide discomfort, and squinting or sneezing may be their way of telling you something is wrong. While some cases are mild and resolve quickly, others can be serious or even contagious to other cats in the household.

When in doubt, it’s always safest to consult a veterinarian early. Quick treatment can prevent complications—and get your feline friend feeling better fast.