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Cat Runny Nose – Common Causes & Prevention Tips!

Cat Runny Nose – Common Causes & Prevention Tips!

You may ponder the potential causes and possible remedies if your kitty suffers from a runny nose. Here we’ll cover all essential information on this issue, such as its source, symptoms, and treatment plan. Knowing these facts can help us give our cats better care when they need it most!

Understanding What a Cat’s Runny Nose Looks Like

A cat’s runny nose may look different depending on the underlying cause. Here are some general descriptions of what a cat’s runny nose may look like:

  • Clear and watery: A runny nose that appears clear and watery on your cat may be a sign of allergies, irritants, or even a mild viral infection. Taking notice of these symptoms can help you to identify the underlying cause quickly so that proper treatment can begin promptly.
  • Thick and yellow or green: Does your feline friend have a runny nose? If the discharge is thick and yellow or green, it’s likely due to bacteria. This type of mucus is usually stickier than clear nasal drainage.
  • Bloody: If your cat’s runny nose contains blood, it could be due to a nasal trauma, something obstructing their nasal passageway or an underlying health issue.
  • Cloudy: If your cat’s runny nose appears cloudy, it may be due to a fungal infection. This type of infection is more common in cats that live in warm, humid environments.

Causes of Cat Runny Nose

There are several possible causes of a cat’s runny nose. The most common ones include the following:

Viral infections

Two common viral infections that can cause a runny nose in cats are:

Feline herpesvirus

Feline herpesvirus (FHV) is a common yet highly contagious respiratory virus found in cats. It can manifest symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and eye discharge. Spread through direct contact or contact with contaminated surfaces; this virus requires immediate isolation of the infected cat to prevent further spreading.

Feline calicivirus

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a contagious respiratory virus that cats often suffer from, resulting in symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, mouth ulcers, and limping syndrome. This disease is typically spread through close contact between cats or contaminated surfaces.

Bacterial infections

Some bacterial infections that can cause a runny nose in cats are:

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a contagious bacterial infection that can lead to respiratory problems, such as sneezing, runny nose, and eye discharge. This ailment can be transmitted directly from an affected feline or through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces.

Bordetella bronchiseptica

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that can cause respiratory symptoms in cats, including a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. It is highly contagious and spread through direct contact with an infected cat or contaminated surfaces.

Allergies and Irritants

I’ve noticed that my cat, Harley, sometimes sneezes and has a runny nose. While it’s usually not due to sickness, I’ve learned that irritants in his environment can cause it. Harley may be allergic to his dander, which can cause a runny nose and other allergy symptoms.

Furthermore, everyday irritants such as dust can also lead to a runny nose. For example, anytime he plays underneath furniture in our home, I often recognize that his subsequent runny nose is due to the accumulation of particles he may have inhaled.

Additionally, cats can encounter irritants that can cause their nose to run; however, this isn’t typically a severe health concern if no other symptoms exist.

In most cases, the cat’s nose will stop running once the irritant is removed or the cat moves to a cleaner environment. Nevertheless, the runny nose does not improve or goes on for an extended period. In that case, it is recommended to seek advice from a veterinarian to assess any potential underlying health conditions.

Foreign objects

If your cat has something stuck in their nasal passage, it can cause a runny nose. Every day foreign objects include grass, dirt, and small toys.

Tumors

In extraordinary circumstances, cats can experience a runny nose due to tumors in the nasal cavity. These growths might impede the airways and lead to a blockage of mucus that causes a constant drip from their nostrils.

If you notice these symptoms in your cat, you must take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms of Cat Runny Nose

If your cat has a runny nose, it may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:

Sneezing

Sneezing is a common symptom of a runny nose in cats. Sneezing is the body’s way of expelling foreign particles or irritants from the nasal passages.

Nasal discharge

Nasal discharge is another common symptom of a runny nose in cats. This can range from a clear, watery discharge to a thick, yellow, or green mucus. You may even notice black stuff on your cat’s nose or what we often refer to as cat boogers.

Congestion

Congestion is the feeling of stuffiness or blockage in the nasal passages. This can cause your feline to struggle for air and potentially result in them having to breathe through their mouth. Listen carefully for panting sounds, as this could indicate severe congestion.

Watery eyes

Watery eyes are a common symptom of a runny nose in cats. An excess of nasal mucus may cause tears to involuntarily flow down due to the interconnectedness between cats’ tear ducts and their nasal cavities.

Loss of appetite

A cat with a runny nose may experience a loss of appetite. This can be due to a reduced sense of smell or discomfort while eating. Lack of appetite is not good because it can lead to weight loss and other nutritional deficiencies.

Lethargy

Lethargy is a general feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. When cats have runny noses, they may become less playful and more lethargic than normal, often sleeping longer.

Diagnosing a runny nose

If you think your cat has a runny nose, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with the vet for the correct diagnosis. Furthermore, they may perform any of these tests:

Physical examination

Your vet will perform a physical examination to check your cat’s overall health and look for any signs of infection or inflammation.

Blood tests

If your cat suffers from a runny nose, it could indicate an underlying infection or another medical issue. Fortunately, a simple blood test can help you and your vet determines the cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Culture and sensitivity tests

A culture and sensitivity test of their nasal discharge is necessary to identify bacterial or fungal infections in your cat. This involves testing a sample from the mucus for any potential pathogens. It’s a little more involved than other tests, but it’s very helpful in determining the cause of your cat’s runny nose.

Imaging tests

Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can help your vet get a better look at your cat’s nasal cavity and identify any blockages or abnormalities. These are generally more invasive than the other tests but can provide invaluable information. They also cost more than other tests, so I’d only do this if necessary.

Treatment

The treatment for a cat’s runny nose depends on the underlying cause. Your vet may prescribe the following medications:

Antibiotics for bacterial infections

Even if your cat’s symptoms seem to improve before completing the entire course of antibiotics prescribed by your vet, it is essential that you finish out their medication. This will ensure that the bacterial infection has been thoroughly cleared from their system.

Antiviral medications for viral infections

If your cat has a viral infection, your vet may prescribe antiviral medications to help manage the symptoms and speed up recovery.

Allergy medications for allergies

If your cat has allergies, your vet may recommend antihistamines or other allergy medications to help relieve their symptoms. Antihistamines such as HomeoPet and Zyrtec have been known to reduce inflammation and help cats breathe easier.

Decongestants to relieve congestion

Decongestants can be a great way to decrease the swelling in your cat’s nasal passages and relieve them of their congestion; however, it is essential to apply caution when using decongestants as they may lead to adverse reactions in some cats.

Humidifiers to moisten the air and relieve congestion

A humidifier can help moisten the air and relieve congestion in your cat’s nasal passages. You could install a simple humidifier like the Air Innovations MI-1B to keep your cat’s airways moist and help them breathe easier.

Home Care for a Cat with a Runny Nose

In addition to medication, there are several things you can do at home to help your cat feel more comfortable and recover faster:

Keeping your cat comfortable

Ensure your cat has a comfortable resting place and plenty of fresh water.

Keeping your cat hydrated

Encourage your cat to drink plenty of water to help flush out any toxins and keep its body hydrated.

Cleaning up nasal discharge

Clean your cat’s nose with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge and keep their nasal passages clear. Don’t let mucus sit on your cat’s face for long periods, and keep them in a dust-free environment.

When to See a Veterinarian

If your cat’s runny nose persists or worsens or develops additional symptoms like coughing or fever, you should take them to the vet immediately. Bring them in if you also notice the mucus coloring isn’t normal.

Preventing Cat Runny Nose

To help prevent your cat from getting a runny nose, you can take the following steps:

Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to catch any health issues early on

Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch any health issues before they become more serious. While a runny nose can’t always be predicted, there could be some underlying conditions you can catch early to prevent it from happening.

Make sure your cat is up-to-date on their vaccinations

Vaccinations are an essential shield for your feline from common viral infections that can result in a runny nose.

Practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly and cleaning your cat’s litter box often

By observing good hygiene practices, you can help drastically reduce the likelihood of bacterial or viral infection resulting in a runny nose.

Keep your cat away from other infected cats or animals

If your cat comes into contact with other cats or animals with runny noses, it may be more likely to get sick.

Other Things You Should Consider

If your cat is experiencing a runny nose, there are a few things that you should consider:

How long does a cat’s runny nose typically last?

The duration of a cat’s runny nose depends on the underlying cause. Some cases may clear up within a few days, while others may require treatment.

Can a cat’s runny nose be contagious to humans?

Most cases of cats’ runny noses are caused by viruses or bacteria that are not contagious to humans.

Can a cat die from a runny nose?

While a runny nose is not usually life-threatening, it can be a sign of an underlying health issue that could be serious if left untreated.