Expert: Brandy - 2/10/2007

Question
My 1 1/2 year old female(spayed)cat cleans herself alot, especially if she thinks she may go to sleep where she is.  Is this normal?  Also she has started sneezing lately, many times after cleaning or when sniffing something.  Does she need a checkup?  Thanks

Answer
She's perfectly normal in grooming herself at night or before she goes to sleep (which for a cat, is anytime). She's just getting her coat 'in order'. The sneezing could be as innocent as inhaling a few dust spores, or she could really have a small cold. I would have a concern if she sneezes and (sorry) you see mucus on her nose. Make sure she's up to date with her shots, as feline colds can quickly progress to upper respiratory issues (sorry, just spent the weekend with Gram,and any sniffle to her is just pneumonia in disguise).