Question:
Why is my cat sneezing? He was put on prednisone recently and a new prescription food (for IBD) - could he be having an allergic reaction to either of those?
A: I would recommend a visit to your veterinarian. Prednisone is a steroid and can lower the immune system strength, increasing risk for infection.
Sneezing in cats is usually a sign of an allergy, a herpesvirus infection, or a bacterial upper respiratory tract infection. Herpesvirus is an upper respiratory virus carried by cats. It is usually in the quiet stage without clinical signs. If there is a change in the cat's life (new food could trigger it, or the prednisone is another possibility), the virus will become active. Clinical signs are sneezing and tearing of the eyes. The problem with this virus is that it can make the affected cats more susceptible to a bacterial infection.
I would recommend a visit with your veterinarian to make sure the sneezing is treated before clinical signs worsen.
~Dr. Page Wages
Oberlin Animal Hospital
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