TL;DR: Reverse sneezing is a common, non-emergency respiratory reflex caused by nasal irritation that sounds like sudden snorting. You should contact a veterinarian only if episodes become frequent, your cat struggles to breathe between events, or their gums appear blue.
What exactly is reverse sneezing in cats and what does it sound like?
Reverse sneezing, known medically as paroxysmal respiration, occurs when a cat rapidly pulls air in through their nose instead of pushing it out. This results in a sudden, repetitive snorting or honking sound. It is often caused by a temporary irritation in the nasopharynx, which is the area behind the nasal passages. It can be startling to witness, but it is essentially a reflex to clear an irritant.
Is reverse sneezing in cats an emergency and when should I worry?
- Urgency Level: Low. In most cases, an occasional episode is not an emergency and does not require immediate medical intervention.
- Episodes typically last only a few seconds to a minute, and the cat returns to normal behavior immediately afterward.
- Contact a veterinarian if your cat's gums appear blue or if they are struggling to breathe between episodes.
- Seek medical advice if the episodes become very frequent or increase in severity.
Why should I record a video of my cat's sneezing for the veterinarian?
- Because reverse sneezing is intermittent, your cat is unlikely to perform the behavior during a physical exam.
- Taking a video allows your veterinarian to hear the specific sound and see your cat's posture for a more accurate triage.
- A recording helps the vet differentiate between a harmless reverse sneeze and more concerning issues like feline asthma, a stuck foreign body, or a hairball.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In cats, an aspiration reflex, also known as a reverse sneeze, manifests as a short, paroxysmal episode of inspiratory effort aimed at clearing the nasopharynx of obstructing material. While sneezing is commonly observed in acute rhinitis as the cat attempts to clear the upper airways of discharge or exudate, excitement or movement may also induce sneezing. Acute rhinitis is characterized by nasal discharge, sneezing, pawing at the face, respiratory stertor, open-mouth breathing, and/or inspiratory dyspnea. Nasal discharge is initially serous but can become mucoid or mucopurulent secondary to bacterial infection.
Chapter: Respiratory
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1489)