Does your cat have a case of what you can only describe as the sniffles? Like humans, cats may experience an occasional runny nose.
Before you reach for the tiny tissues, it’s important to understand that your cat’s postnasal drip could be a symptom of several conditions, some of which may require veterinary care. Here is what cat parents need to know about the common causes of a runny nose and when to make an appointment with your vet.
A runny nose in and of itself isn’t terribly concerning, but it may be a symptom of a more serious health problem.
Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)Upper respiratory infections, commonly known as “cat flu,” are only of the most common causes of a runny nose. They may be caused by viruses (like feline herpesvirus), bacteria (like Bordetella and Chlamydia), or a combination of both.
Because viral and bacterial infections require different interventions, your vet will need to do lab work to determine an effective course of treatment.
Postnasal drip may also be an indicator that your cat is allergic to something in their environment, like:
To make things more challenging for pet parents, allergies can develop without warning throughout your cat’s life. If you’ve ruled out an infection and your cat’s runny nose persists, you may have to assume the role of detective to pinpoint the allergen.
It’s also possible that a persistent runny nose is caused by a stuck foreign object. If a curious cat accidentally inhales a crumb of food or a bead from your craft kit, the irritation will cause their nose to drip.
Removing an object from the nasal passage is a very delicate procedure, so leave it to your vet.
Tooth decay, infections, and abscesses can cause a runny nose due to the proximity of the dental roots to the nasal cavity.
Dental disease can be very uncomfortable for your cat and if left untreated, it can contribute to heart, liver, and kidney problems. Get your cat’s teeth examined regularly and address any possible dental problems as quickly as possible.
While less common, tumors in the nasal cavity can cause chronic discharge and other respiratory symptoms. Particularly if your cat is older, it’s wise to investigate this possibility before chalking a runny nose up to environmental allergies.
While some cases of nasal discharge are harmless and temporary, others require a vet’s attention. Here are signs that it’s time to be concerned:
While all cats are likely to feel under the weather from time to time, pet parents can take steps to minimize sick days. Here are a few good habits that make it easier to banish the sniffles before they start.
Household dust can easily settle into cloth and other porous surfaces. Regularly clean your cat’s bedding and vacuum perches to reduce exposure to allergens and irritants.
Healthy teeth and gums prevent oral infections from spreading to the nasal cavity. With practice and patience, even older cats can learn to tolerate at-home dental care. Supplement brushing with plaque-preventing treats and make sure dental exams are part of your pet’s annual checkup.
Routine wellness appointments keep your pets living their best lives. Ensure that your cat is current on the vaccinations that will help them fight off the viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory illnesses.
At Falls Village Veterinary Hospital, a Raleigh, NC veterinarian, dogs, cats & their families deserve the best. In fact, we specialize in delivering warm, compassionate care that reminds our clients and patients how unique and important they truly are. We provide complete veterinary care including dentistry, laser therapy, surgery, and more. Call us today!
