Function

• Cats sneeze as a result of stimulation to their subepithelial irritant receptors. It's a strong response that can die out as a result of chronic disease. Note how frequently your cat sneezes, what you think triggers the sneeze and how often the sneezing episodes occur. Also note if your cat exhibits any other symptoms, such as nasal discharge. Share this information when you visit your vet.
  
  

Significance

• If your cat is sneezing frequently, see if this sneezing can be linked to an issue with dust from her litter or dander from other pets. Try changing her litter or sequestering her away from other animals to see if it is potentially an allergy. If the sneezing goes away as a result, it might truly be an allergic response. However, if you note nasal discharge that is beginning to change color, the cat flu is a more likely diagnosis.
  
  

Effects

• Cat flu is unlike human flu. You can't give a cat your flu and he can't give you his. However, it is a real health issue for cats, though unlikely to be fatal. A course of antibiotics prescribed by your vet for 14 days will cure your cat if the flu is a bacterial one. If it's viral, though, no antibiotic will cure it--simply keep your kitty quiet for a few days until you see the symptoms beginning to dissipate. And, if your cat doesn't respond to the antibiotics, realize that it's the viral kind and only rest and time will cure your cat.
  
  

Theories/Speculation

• Be aware that common cat flu can start with sneezing, progress to a runny nose and also cause an eye infection. If your kitten is sneezing and her eyes are looking cloudy, don't be alarmed. Simply clean the affected eye (and runny nose, if it's getting blocked) with a soft, warm, damp cloth to make sure the duct doesn't get blocked.
  
  

Warning

• Hold off on immunizations, spaying or neutering while your cat has chronic sneezing issues. If there's an underlying infection, shots that contain a deadened or weakened form of virus can become deadly to your sick kitty. While healthy cats can easily manage injections, a cat whose immune system is compromised cannot do so as easily. Similarly, major surgeries or shocks to the system from neutering or spaying are best delayed until your cat is fully healthy.