Reverse cat sneezing is uncommon and usually harmless although it must sound odd. Both before and after the episode the cat is normal. The scientific name is: Laryngospasm
For dogs, especially dogs which are bred to extreme with abnormally round heads (brachycephalic skulls) it is more common. In fact, my internet research indicates that reverse sneezing is predominantly concerned with dogs.
It is a short-lived spasm of the muscles of the larynx. The cause is a build up of mucus at the back of the throat.
It can sound as if the cat has something stuck in an air passage. The cat’s caretaker may be very concerned as a result.
During reverse sneezing the cat forcefully breathes in air through his nose causing a lusty snorting sound.
Apparently it may help to gently hold you hand over the cat’s nose.
Photo: Alisha Vargas.
Mmmm my Ozzie makes odd snorting noises at times could this be reverse sneezing? He sort of sounds like a horse when then make that snorting noise you know the one? Sorry difficult to explain 🙁 I’ll try and video him one day and show you what I mean I think its the same thing.
He could be one of the rare reverse sneezers 😉 You’ll have to enter him in the world reverse sneezing championships!
I know that sound, and it’s very scary.
It sounds like a cat is choking to death.
And, I always wonder if I can remember the cat Heimlick Maneuver.