Your feline friend can be very cautious and always calculate every step it takes. At the same time however, you can find them binging on food or water as if there was no tomorrow. This actions can lead to wheezing, coughing or sneezing.
I have found my cats-Aurelio and Haru-sneezing after drinking water, especially Haru, the crazy one. That common occurrence led me to investigate further and write this post to share what I’ve learned through research and experience.
Cats can sneeze for many causes. However, The main reason why cats sneeze after drinking water is due to excitement. Eating food or drinking water can sometimes lead to overexcitement, which causes drinking water too fast, triggering the sneeze. This often happens as a reverse sneeze, an involuntary reflex on cats that works as a defense mechanism to clear any irritants from the nose, in this case, water.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
Is It Bad if My Cat Sneezes After Drinking Water?
Generally speaking, You don’t have to worry if your cat is sneezing after drinking water. That being said, if you have an old cat or one that has any special condition that could require some extra attention, more so if it is respiratory related, you should inquire your vet as soon as you have the chance to be extra sure that your kitty is safe.
Reverse sneezing in cats is often a harmless, instinctive reaction that helps them clear any strange, foreign body from their nose. It can also be commonly caused by allergens such as pollen. As with many things, if your cat suffers from reverse sneezing while drinking water but it’s something occasional, you shouldn’t worry about it. However, when this is an everyday issue, it becomes another story, and your cat will probably need a professional’s attention.
There are many reasons why your cat sneezes besides drinking water too quickly. Keep them in mind, since sneezing is not as common in cats as in dogs, for example.
Why Does My Cat Cough After Drinking Water?
If your cat coughs instead of sneezing, it can be due to many reasons as well:
Reason 1: Your cat is drinking too fast.
This can happen after a long playing session, where they need to replenish and they try to do it swiftly, which can end up in some coughing.
Reason 2: Your cat is drinking too much.
Sometimes, cats drink more than what they need in a short span just because they are not used to drinking that much water in one go.
Reason 3: Bad Tasting Water.
This is one of the reasons it’s so important to change your cat’s water regularly! This is where battery-operated water fountains come in handy, as cats prefer running water. Cats have a very strong sense of taste so they will know if it tastes funny. Avoid using plastic bowls, which can make water taste bad over time, these are a no-no for your cat. Always go with Ceramic or metal, and clean them regularly.
You can also try using filtered water instead of tap water to avoid the bad taste.
Reason 4: Swallowing a strange particle or object
Sometimes while drinking water, cats can end up swallowing anything that’s on the water. This is why it is very important to keep their water clean with a fountain or if you have a bowl, change the water in it every day.
Reason 5: Their Collar Is Too Tight
Drinking water can get tough if they have a tight collar. Personally, I’m not a collar advocate since it can lead to a few problems, and cats usually don’t like having it on. To avoid this, loosen the collar a little bit or simply remove it if you have the chance.
Reason 6: Allergies
Maybe your cat suffers from allergies, whether it is an ambient deodorant or pollen. Watch out if your cat has seasonal allergies, since they could start coughing and wheezing when the allergens spread.
Reason 7: They Could Have A Disease Or Infection
For cats that are outdoors and/or in contact with other animals, infections and diseases could be contracted, causing coughing. Watch out for respiratory diseases, since they can irritate the throat and produce the coughing.
Reason 8: Water Is Too Cold
Albeit refreshing in summer, not all cats enjoy drinking ice-cold water. The best option is to always offer them room-temperature water. Too cold water can be hard for your cat to swallow, resulting in gagging.
ALSO READ: Do Cats Need Air Conditioning?
How Can I Help My Cat To Stop Sneezing?
Once you understand the reasons why your cat sneezes after drinking water, this becomes an easy question! However, do note that this is a reflex, and no matter how much you do to make your cat stop sneezing, they could do it once in a while. It’s normal, don’t worry!
Based on the points mentioned before, Here’s a quick checklist for you:
- Get them stainless steel or ceramic bowls: Avoid plastic at all costs!
- If you can, go with a battery-operated water fountain: Cats love running water.
- If you play with your cat, avoid exhausting him or her: Being thirsty or exhausted can make them sneeze or cough if they drink too fast.
- Take them to the vet if they have any conditions. This way you discard the sneezing as a symptom.
- If you have more than one feline at home, avoid food competition by feeding them in separate bowls.
Conclusions
Seeing your cat sneeze can be worrying, fortunately, now we know that this is generally nothing to worry about. Keep an eye on your cat if they have any conditions that could require extra attention.
There are many things you can do to help your cat avoid these situations and feel more comfortable. Take note of them, and feel free to ask any questions if you have them.
