|
Yoda, Cat who Crossed the Continent
Owner Elaine Giampietro, Monterey, CA
Dear Dr. Baum
--
One of
my two cats has been making little sneezing sounds lately, and I am
wondering whether she may need to see a vet. We have been subjected
to Santa Ana winds here in San Diego. Could that be the cause? Or
is she developing an allergy to me? In any case, should I do
anything, and is a trip to our vet indicated?
Ann
H.
Dear Ann:
Cats, like people, sneeze for a variety of reasons. When judging
the significance of the sneezing, it is important to take several
factors into account. What is the intensity, the duration and the
progression of the problem? Obviously if the effect on the cat is
one where the ability to breathe and smell is affected, thus causing
the kitty to not eat and generally feel lousy, it is obvious that
you should seek veterinary care. If the sneezing is increasing in
frequency and intensity a veterinary visit is also advisable.
However, if the problem is limited to occasional sneezing, without
any deleterious systemic effects, I wouldn't panic and I would wait
to see whether the problem stops by itself.
Think
of all the reasons that might cause you to sneeze- allergens or
irritants in the air are common. Colds, caused by viral infections
are also common in cats. As a matter of fact, these upper
respiratory viruses are so common in cats that in the 4 in 1 booster
vaccinations, three of the four agents are upper respiratory
viruses!! The reason that we are focused on vaccinating against
these viruses is that in cats, much more so than in dogs, smell and
taste are inter-related. Thus a cat with a stuffy nose is much less
likely to "feed a cold" and can more easily become seriously ill.
In
your situation, the extenuating circumstances of fire and
allergen-laden Santa Ana winds would seem to be the cause of your
cat’s problem. The other cat may or may not be affected, depending
on its individual sensitivities and susceptibilities. However, the
most important factor to consider, regardless of the cause, is the
effect that it is having on your cat, and that should be the basis
for you to seek veterinary care
Next
week:
What is causing my cocker spaniel's skin
rashes? And what can I do to help?
|
