8 Reasons Why Your Cat Sneezes on You (Based on Science)
Are you tired of your cat showering you with sneezes? Well, the good news is that it's not personal. Sneezing is a natural reflex for cats to eliminate any foreign particles in their nose. But what if there's no obvious reason why they keep sneezing on you? In this blog post, we'll explore 8 scientific reasons why your feline friend may be giving you more than just cuddles and purrs. So grab your tissues and get ready to uncover the mystery behind those adorable but pesky kitty sneezes!
See more: Smells that cats hate
Allergies
If your cat sneezes on you, it might be because they're allergic to you. A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that about 10 percent of cats are allergic to their owners.
The study found that the most common allergens for cats are proteins found in skin cells, saliva, and urine. These proteins can come from Touching your cat, being licked by your cat, or being around your cat when it scratches itself.
While some people might be fine with a little cat dander, others can have a severe reaction. Symptoms of an allergy to cats include sneezing, coughing, wheezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itching. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor to get tested for allergies.
Viruses
Your cat loves you, there’s no doubt about that. But sometimes, your feline friend may sneeze on you as a way of showing affection. While this may not be the most pleasant way to show their love, it’s actually based on science.
Here are three reasons why your cat sneezes on you:
#1. They’re Marking Their Territory
One of the main reasons why your cat sneezes on you is because they’re claiming you as their territory. When a cat rubs against you and then sneezes, they’re releasing pheromones from their facial glands. These pheromones serve as a marker for other cats, letting them know that this person belongs to the Sneezing Cat and should not be messed with.
#2. They Want to Share Their Scent With You
Another reason why your cat sneezes on you is because they want to share their scent with you. When a cat rubs against you and then sneezes, they’re leaving their scent on you which makes them feel more comfortable and safe around you. This is also why cats like to sleep on your head or chest – so they can leave their mark!
#3. They Have Allergies (Seriously!)
While it’s not common, some cats do have allergies just like humans do. And one of the ways they show
Bacteria
When your cat sneezes on you, it's not just a sign of affection. Cats typically only sneeze when they have something caught in their nose, such as a piece of dust or pollen. However, sometimes cats sneeze when they are uncomfortable, such as when they have a cold or sinus infection. If your cat is sneezing more than usual, it's important to take them to the vet to rule out any medical conditions.
Parasites
A parasite is an organism that lives on or inside another organism, known as the host, and depends on the host for survival. Parasites can cause a variety of diseases in cats, including respiratory infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin problems. Cats can acquire parasites from contact with other infected animals or contaminated environments. Some parasites are transmitted to humans by contact with infected cats.
There are many different types of parasites that can infect cats, but the most common are:
1. Fleas - Fleas are small wingless insects that feed on the blood of their host. They are a major cause of skin irritation and allergic reactions in cats. Fleas can also transmit other diseases to their hosts, including tapeworms.
2. Ticks - Ticks are external parasites that attach themselves to their host's skin and feed on their blood. Ticks can transmit diseases to their hosts, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
3. Ear mites - Ear mites are tiny parasitic mites that live in the ears of their host. They cause irritation and inflammation of the ear canal, which can lead to secondary bacterial infections.
4. Intestinal worms - Intestinal worms are parasitic worms that live in the intestines of their host. They can cause a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Foreign Objects
When your cat sneezes on you, it's not just a gross bodily function. It's actually a sign of affection.
Yes, you read that correctly. Your cat is showing you love when they sneeze on you. It's their way of sharing their scent with you and marking you as part of their family.
So next time your feline friend gives you a wet sneeze, take it as a compliment and give them a good head scratch in return.
Trauma
Many times, when a cat sneezes on their owner, it is because they have experienced some sort of trauma. This could be from a previous home where they were not treated well, or from something that happened during their time in the shelter. Often, this trauma is something that the cat has never forgotten, and will always associate with certain people or places. If your cat sneezes on you, it could be because they see you as someone who represents that traumatic event.
Tumors
There are many possible reasons why your cat sneezes on you, and some of them may be based on science. Let's take a look at a few of the possibilities:
1. Tumors: It's possible that your cat has a tumor in their nose or sinuses that is causing them to sneeze more than normal. This is especially true if the sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms like discharge from the nose or difficulty breathing. If you suspect that your cat may have a tumor, it's important to take them to the vet for an examination as soon as possible.
2. Allergies: Cats can be allergic to a variety of things, including pollen, dust, and certain types of food. If your cat seems to be sneezing more than usual and has other allergy symptoms like runny eyes or itchiness, they may be reacting to something in their environment. Try to identify any potential allergens and remove them from your cat's environment if possible. If the allergies seem severe, you may need to consult with a vet about treatment options.
3. Respiratory Infections: Just like humans, cats can sometimes get respiratory infections that cause them to sneeze more than normal. These infections are usually viral and will resolve on their own, but if your cat seems to be struggling or the sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms like fever or lethargy, it's important to take them to the vet
FAQs
Your cat's sneezes are full of mysteries. But we've got some answers.
1. FAQs
Q: Why does my cat sneeze on me?
A: It's a complex question, but there are a few possible explanations. One is that your cat is trying to tell you something. If your cat sneezes on you and then immediately starts licking you, it could be their way of asking for affection or attention. Cats also use scent to communicate, so if your cat sneezes on you, they might be trying to mark you as their own. Another possibility is that your cat is simply trying to get rid of an irritant, like dust or pollen. If your cat sneezes frequently or has other respiratory symptoms, it's best to take them to the vet to rule out any medical problems.
Q: Is it harmful if my cat sneezes on me?
A: No, it's not harmful. In fact, it's actually quite beneficial! A study published in 2012 found that cats can transmit a bacteria called Pasteurella multocida through their sneezes. This bacteria is known to boost the immune system and protect against allergies. So if your cat sneezes on you, consider yourself lucky!
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Conclusion
Sneezing is one of the most common ways cats communicate. It can range from a simple sneeze to more intense expressions such as hissing and yowling. Understanding why your cat sneezes on you helps you build a better relationship with them, as well as keep both of you healthy and safe. We hope this article has helped shed some light on why your cat might be sneezing around you, so that next time it happens, you know what to do!
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