A runny nose in a cat isn’t a disease in itself: it’s a symptom that can have many causes, from a mild infection to more serious problems. Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell, so a blocked nose can quickly put them off their food. Here’s what can cause sneezing and a runny nose, how to keep your cat comfortable and when to see the vet.
What Causes a Runny Nose in Cats?
- “Cat flu” (upper respiratory infection). This is the most common cause. It’s usually caused by viruses, mainly feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus, sometimes together with bacteria such as Chlamydia or Bordetella. It’s very contagious between cats, especially in shelters, catteries and multi-cat homes. Cats don’t catch “colds” from drafts or getting chilly: they catch these infections from other cats.
- Allergies or irritants, such as dust, smoke, perfumes, cleaning products or scented litter.
- A foreign object in the nose, such as a blade of grass. This usually causes sudden, violent sneezing and a discharge from one nostril.
- Dental problems, such as a tooth root infection, which can cause discharge from one side of the nose.
- Nasal polyps, fungal infections or tumors, which are less common and more often seen in older cats.
Some cats that have had cat flu, especially those infected with feline herpesvirus, carry the virus for life and may have flare-ups during times of stress.
Signs of Cat Flu
- sneezing;
- a runny nose: clear at first, sometimes becoming thick, yellow or green;
- watery or sticky eyes, conjunctivitis (read more about watery eyes in cats);
- a blocked nose and noisy breathing;
- loss of appetite, because a cat that can’t smell its food often won’t eat;
- mouth ulcers and drooling (especially with calicivirus);
- fever, lethargy and hiding.
When to See the Vet
A cat with mild sneezing that’s otherwise bright and eating may only need monitoring for a day or two, but call your vet for advice. See your vet promptly if:
- your cat stops eating for more than 24 hours;
- the discharge from the nose or eyes is thick, yellow, green or bloody;
- your cat has difficulty breathing or breathes with its mouth open (this is an emergency);
- your cat is lethargic, has a fever, or has ulcers in its mouth;
- the symptoms last more than a few days or keep coming back;
- the discharge comes from only one nostril;
- your cat is a kitten, a senior or has other health problems.
Your vet will examine your cat and may recommend treatment such as antibiotics for a secondary bacterial infection, eye medication, antiviral medication in some cases, or fluids and nutritional support for cats that aren’t eating.
How to Keep Your Cat Comfortable at Home
Alongside the treatment your vet prescribes, these simple measures can help:
- Gently clean the nose and eyes with cotton pads moistened with lukewarm water, using a fresh pad for each eye.
- Encourage eating. Offer strong-smelling wet food, slightly warmed to body temperature to bring out the aroma. If your cat won’t eat for more than a day, tell your vet.
- Make sure fresh water is always available.
- Steam can help loosen a blocked nose. Many vets suggest sitting with your cat in the bathroom while a hot shower runs for 10 to 15 minutes. Never leave your cat alone in the bathroom, and don’t let it near hot water.
- Keep your cat warm, quiet and comfortable, and let it rest.
- Keep sick cats away from other cats in the household, and wash your hands after handling them, to reduce the spread of infection.
Never give your cat human cold or flu medicines, decongestants, nasal sprays or drops, painkillers or essential oil inhalations. Many are highly toxic to cats. Only use medication your vet has prescribed.
How to Prevent Cat Flu
- Vaccinate your cat. The core vaccines for cats protect against feline herpesvirus and calicivirus. Vaccination doesn’t always prevent infection completely, but it greatly reduces the severity of the illness.
- Keep up to date with boosters, especially before your cat goes to a cattery.
- Reduce stress, which can trigger flare-ups in carrier cats. Read more: how to calm a stressed cat.
- Isolate new cats for a week or two before introducing them to your other cats.
Read also: can cats catch the flu? and coughing in cats.
