What is Runny Nose?
If your cat has a runny nose, you may be wondering if you should bring him into a vet. Some causes of runny noses are minor and do not require treatment, however, others are serious and require immediate medical attention. It’s always recommended to visit a vet if your cat is experiencing a runny nose.
Just like humans, cats can suffer from a runny nose, or nasal discharge. A runny nose is common in cats and fairly easy to spot. It may occur in one or both of your cat’s nostrils, and the discharge may be clear or have color, depending on the underlying cause.
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Symptoms of Runny Nose in Cats
A runny nose is characterized by nasal discharge. Cat owners may notice a watery or thick discharge that is clear and colorless. However, nasal discharge may also have streaks of blood or pus, giving it a slightly red, yellow, or green color. Symptoms that may accompany a runny nose include:
- Sneezing
- Eye discharge
- Stuffy nose
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Causes of Runny Nose in Cats
There are a number of different health conditions that could cause a runny nose in your cat. Some of them are minor issues, while others will need emergency medical attention from a veterinarian. Causes of a runny nose include:
- Allergies
- Upper respiratory infections
- Bacterial or fungal infection in the nasal cavity
- Tumors in the nasal cavity
- Foreign objects in the nasal cavity
- Head trauma
- Pneumonia
- Nasal polyps
Diagnosis of Runny Nose in Cats
A vet will be able to determine your cat has a runny nose by simply observing him. However, you should still inform your vet of any other symptoms you have noticed, aside from the runny nose, so he can diagnose the underlying condition. If the discharge is clear, your vet may identify the cause as allergies without doing any further testing. However, if there is blood or pus in the discharge, further testing may be required.
A complete blood count and biochemistry profile may be performed in order to see if there are any abnormalities. For example, an elevated white blood cell count may signal that an infection is causing the nasal discharge. The vet may also swab the inside of the nasal cavity to test the discharge for bacteria and fungus. If the vet believes there is another cause for the discharge, he may perform either a CT scan or an endoscopy to look for tumors, foreign objects, or polyps.
Treatment of Runny Nose in Cats
Treatment will vary depending on what is causing the runny nose. If a foreign object is lodged into your cat’s nasal cavity or polyps are present, the vet may need to perform emergency surgery to safely remove the object or polyps.
A vet will prescribe medication to treat runny noses caused by fungal or bacterial infections. It’s the cat owner’s responsibility to orally administer this medication at home and bring the cat in for a follow-up visit to ensure the infection has healed. Medication can include antifungals, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatories if the nasal lining is irritated.
Upper respiratory infections are often caused by viruses, and there are no medications to specifically treat these. However, cats are often prescribed antibiotics for these infections to treat secondary bacterial infections. Cat owners may be told to make sure the cat is drinking plenty of fluids while he recovers. Keeping the eyes and nose free of discharge while the cat recovers from cat flu is also important.
One of the common causes of a runny nose in cats is exposure to allergens. If the vet thinks this is what is causing your cat’s runny nose, testing may be suggested. This will help you figure out what your cat is allergic to so you can reduce or eliminate the cat’s exposure to the allergen.
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Recovery of Runny Nose in Cats
The time your cat takes to recover from a runny nose will depend on what is causing it. If a fungal or bacterial infection is the cause, your cat should recover after a being treated with antibiotics or antifungal medication.
Cats usually fully recover from upper respiratory infections, however, kittens and older cats with other health conditions may experience complications in their recovery. Even after they heal, cats remain carriers, meaning they may suffer from the condition again at some point in their lives.
Recovery from allergy-related runny noses is usually fairly quick if you prevent the cat’s exposure to the allergen. However, some allergies are seasonal and reactions are caused by exposure to pollen or other environmental elements. If this is the case, although you cannot prevent exposure, you can talk to your vet about treating the reactions with antihistamines as needed.
If your cat required surgery to remove a foreign object or polyps, he may need up to a week to physically recover. Your vet will most likely need to reexamine him after the surgery to ensure everything is healing properly.
The health problems that cause a runny nose can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your cat is at risk of a runny nose, start searching for pet insurance today. Wag!’s pet insurance comparison tool lets you compare plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Embrace. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!
Runny Nose Average Cost
From 461 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$500
Top
Runny Nose Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Unknown
Ming
10 Years
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargic. Runny Eye
My cat has a runny nose,one leaky eye, sneezes often, he's also lost his appetite and won't move of the sofa, he's been like this for 2 days now, im getting worried,
Aug. 13, 2018
2 Recommendations
It sounds like Ming may have an upper respiratory tract infection, however without examining her I cannot say for certain; allergies, foreign objects, tumours among other issues may also cause similar symptoms. This would be something to check with your Veterinarian and they may prescribe something to help with secondary infection or supportive care. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 14, 2018
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mixed
Chloe
16 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
2 Antbio
My cat Chloe 16 yrs old , has a runny nose, both eyes watering and won’t eat but does drink water.... been on two antibiotics.. veraflox and clamamox...improves for 3 weeks then started again...
Aug. 8, 2018
0 Recommendations
If there is improvement when treated with antibiotics, it may be that the infection is suppressed but not ‘cured’ by treatment and the infection comes back; in these cases when antibiotics have been given twice, it may be good to have a culture and sensitivity test done to determine whether there is a bacterial infection, identify the specific infection and determine the most suitable antibiotic for treatment. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 9, 2018
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domestic short hair
Nox
13 Weeks
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Runny Nose, Sneezing
Runny Nose,
Runny Nose, Sneezing, Bloody Nose
My 13 week old kitten we just adopted has the flu. Doctors said to keep his nose clear and make sure he's eating and drinking. We've been as gentle as possible around his nose, but recently he sneezed and blood came out with the mucus. We tried not messing with his nose as much and mostly just dabbing around the area to not scratch it, but now it's gotten crusty. Is there anything we should be doing differently or something we can buy for his chapped nose?
Aug. 4, 2018
2 Recommendations
For now you should just continue to gently remove any discharge with a warm (not hot) damp cloth and monitor for improvement; applying any ointments or other products will most likely end up getting licked off. Ensure that Nox is kept hydrated and follow any other instructions given by your Veterinarian, if there is no improvement return to your Veterinarian next week for a follow up examination. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 5, 2018
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DOMESTIC
Bucket
8 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
Runny Nose
Runny Eyes
My kitten has drainage from eyes and nose the eyes is yellow my husband and I clean his eyes at least 2-3 times daily But just today it seems to be more frequent. I feel that he is teething so I don't know if it's that or allergies.
Aug. 4, 2018
0 Recommendations
If there is a yellow discharge, this may be indicating an infection and you should continue wiping away the discharge and use an ointment like Vetericyn as directed; however since Bucket is so young you should think about visiting a Veterinarian to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 4, 2018
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Domestic long hair
Leo
1 Year
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
Running Nose
Watering Eyes
We just recently moved about 15hrs and into a new state. Leo was fine before the move but the day after we got to our new home he develope a runny nose and watering eyes not to mention he got the sneezing. His nose goop is slightly light green.i am keeping his nose clean as much as he will let me. He eats and drinks really well no change in his appetite. He his also still really playfulas if it's nothing.
Aug. 3, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Cats can have viral challenges that flare up when they have a stress, and that move may have been stressful for Leo - if he is eating and drinking and playful and doing well otherwise, the infection may clear up on its own. If it is continuing for more than a few days, or his eyes are bothering him, or he is lethargic or not eating, it would be a good idea to have him seen by a veterinarian, as he may need treatment.
Aug. 3, 2018
I meant he is supper playful as if it is nothing.
Aug. 3, 2018
Leo's Owner
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tabby
Nuts
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Running Nose
Running Nose, Vomiting
Running Nose Vomiting
2 year old male cat, he’s been vomiting after he eats, but still has a appetite and drinks plenty of water, his stomach he acts like is painful but prolly due to throwing up since he screams out right before he throws up. He still moves around but he lays up I can tell he’s not feeling well cause his eyes are glassy. Hes not dehydrated I’ve checked by pinching his skin and seeing if it relaxes back which it does. He’s a pretty healthy 15lb cat that all of a sudden started getting sick. He still is having bowel movements and when he throws up its his food and not bile. I’m worried sick I just want my baby to feel better.
Mix
Joeby
15 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sleeps Alot
Joeby is my 15 yr. old cat who has a running nose and eye discharge for two months. He has had xrays and been on two different antibiotics. He also had steroid shots. He doesn't eat. I have to force feed him. What else can I do?
Runny Nose Average Cost
From 461 quotes ranging from $200 - $2,000
Average Cost
$500
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