Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 9/18/2008

Question
My cat has recurring nasal congestion.  He has been to the vet, gotten meds, and it keeps coming back.  He seems fine other than wheezing and sneezing.  He licks the air vents in our house a lot - I don't know why he likes this - do you think this is causing allergies ?  I can't close the air vents.  Or are recurring nasal problems a symptom of something else?  Our vet says it is possible for cats to have allergies just like people.  Is there such a thing as "Cat Claritin?"

Answer
Heidi -

Asthma in cats is a fairly common ailment. Is your cat actually wheezing or is he just sneezing and has nasal congestion?  If you cat is sneezing he may have seasonal allergies;  you should have your cat examined by a doctor as soon as possible.

Cats can have seasonal allergies  - hayfever, dust, dust mites,and cigarette smoke are all allergens and can cause sneezing and nasal discharge.  

Your veterinarian can help you to quiet her symptoms. He/she may require bloodwork and/or chest radiographs.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM