TL;DR: Reverse sneezing is a common and usually harmless reflex in cats where air is rapidly pulled in through the nose, but recording a video of the event is the best way to help your vet rule out more serious respiratory issues.
What does it mean when my cat is reverse sneezing?
- Reverse sneezing, or paroxysmal respiration, occurs when a cat rapidly pulls air in through their nose rather than blowing it out.
- During an episode, your cat may extend their neck and make a loud snorting or honking sound.
- The behavior can look alarming and often resembles choking or a struggle to pass a hairball.
Is reverse sneezing in cats an emergency?
- Occasional reverse sneezing is typically a low-urgency, harmless reflex.
- It is often triggered by minor irritations in the nasal passages or throat, such as dust, strong odors, or excitement.
- If episodes are brief and your cat acts completely normal immediately afterward, emergency care is usually not required.
How can a video of my cat’s breathing help the veterinarian?
- Capturing a video is essential because the episodes often stop before you arrive at a veterinary clinic.
- A clear video helps your vet distinguish reverse sneezing from other respiratory issues, such as feline asthma or a cough.
- Seeing the breathing pattern allows your vet to determine if diagnostic tests, like X-rays or a nasal exam, are necessary.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Aspiration reflex, also known as "reverse sneeze," manifests as a short paroxysmal episode of inspiratory effort as the cat attempts to clear the nasopharynx of obstructing material. While sneezing is common in acute rhinitis, reverse sneezing may also be observed. Acute rhinitis in cats is characterized by nasal discharge, sneezing, pawing at the face, respiratory stertor, open-mouth breathing, inspiratory dyspnea, lacrimation, and conjunctivitis. The nasal discharge is initially serous but can become mucoid or mucopurulent secondary to bacterial infection or infiltration of inflammatory cells.
Chapter: Respiratory
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1489)