Cat Sneezing Green Boogers: What's The Cause?

If your cat is sneezing big green boogers, it could be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection. While the occasional sneeze is normal for cats, persistent sneezing accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal discharge, decreased appetite, lethargy, or eye discharge may indicate an underlying health issue. Bacterial infections, such as Chlamydophila, mycoplasma, and bordetella, often present with thick green or yellow discharge from both nostrils. Fungal infections, less common than bacterial ones, can cause severe nasal inflammation and destruction, leading to respiratory symptoms. If your cat is exhibiting any of these signs, a trip to the veterinarian is warranted to diagnose and treat the condition appropriately.

Upper respiratory viral infections

Symptoms

URI symptoms differ depending on the virus and location of the infection. Common clinical signs include:

• Nasal and eye discharge, which can be clear, yellow, or green
• Loss of or decreased appetite
• Nasal and oral ulcers
• Squinting or rubbing eyes
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Swelling of the mucous membranes around the eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Ulcers in the mouth
• Lethargy
• Anorexia

Causes

Viruses are the most common cause of upper respiratory infections in cats, with about 80-90% of infections being viral. The most common viruses include:

• Feline herpesvirus: Related to the virus that causes chickenpox and cold sores in humans, this virus is highly contagious and can cause recurring infections, especially during stressful periods.
• Feline calicivirus: This virus causes a mild to severe respiratory infection and oral disease.
• Feline Influenza

Diagnosis

A veterinarian can often diagnose an upper respiratory infection by examining the cat and discussing its symptoms. They may also recommend additional tests, such as:

• Blood tests to rule out other causes, including dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
• Eye or mouth swabs to identify the specific virus or bacteria causing the infection
• X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and diagnose a possible fungal infection

Treatment

Treatment for upper respiratory infections in cats typically involves supportive care, such as:

• Medications
• Isolation from other cats
• Rest
• Fluids through an IV
• Nutritional support

Antibiotics may be prescribed to address secondary bacterial infections, which can worsen the condition. It is important to note that viral infections themselves are not cured by antibiotics.

At home, caregivers can help their cats feel more comfortable by:

• Providing a comfortable and private space for rest
• Encouraging their cat to eat by offering extra-smelly treats, like fish
• Gently cleaning any discharge from the eyes and nose with a soft, damp cloth
• Using a humidifier or running a steamy shower to help ease breathing
• Administering any medications as directed by the veterinarian

Upper respiratory bacterial infections

The infections spread when an infected cat sneezes, spreading the bacteria in secretions from the nose, eyes, or saliva. The infection can be transmitted from cat to cat or by exposure to fomites, which are objects that can carry bacteria, such as food and water bowls, litter boxes, bedding, toys, and carriers.

The symptoms of upper respiratory bacterial infections in cats can range from mild to severe. In addition to sneezing and nasal discharge, other signs of these infections include red eyes, swollen eyelids or eyes swollen shut, and eye discharge that can be clear, green, white, or yellow. In some cases, cats may also experience a loss of appetite, nasal and oral ulcers, and squinting or rubbing of the eyes.

If you suspect your cat is suffering from an upper respiratory bacterial infection, it is important to take them to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. The vet will likely perform a physical exam and collect information about your cat's medical history. Testing may include eye, nose, or throat swabs, as well as X-rays, blood tests, and culture testing in some cases. Treatment options can vary depending on the severity of the infection but typically involve antibiotics and supportive care such as nutritional support and fluid therapy.

To prevent upper respiratory bacterial infections in cats, it is recommended to keep your cat up to date on their vaccinations and to minimize their exposure to infected animals. Proper isolation of infected cats is crucial to protect other pets in the same household.

Allergies

If your cat is experiencing allergies, there is, unfortunately, no cure. However, symptoms can be managed with a specialized treatment plan developed by your veterinarian or a veterinary dermatology specialist. This may include customized vaccines and other medications, along with a special diet.

If your cat is sneezing with green boogers, it is most likely due to a bacterial or fungal infection, rather than allergies. Bacterial infections are the most common cause of green nasal discharge in cats, and often occur secondary to another cause, such as a foreign body or mass in the nasal passage. In these cases, the discharge is usually thick and green or yellow in color, and may be present in one or both nostrils.

Fungal infections are less common but can also cause sneezing in cats. A physical exam alone is not enough to diagnose a fungal infection, so further testing such as rhinoscopy or a biopsy is usually required. Treatment options may include oral anti-fungal medications, nasal infusions of anti-fungal medications, and/or surgery.

Foreign objects in the nose

Signs and Symptoms:

It is crucial to recognize the signs that your cat may have a foreign object stuck in its nose. Some common symptoms include excessive sneezing, pawing at the face, audible breathing or snorting sounds, nasal discharge, and reduced appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a veterinarian.

Diagnosis:

Veterinarians use a combination of clinical history, symptoms, and specialized diagnostic tests to determine if your cat has a foreign object in its nasal passage. A physical examination is typically the first step, where the vet will look for signs such as nasal discharge, asymmetry of the nostrils, or visible foreign material. More advanced diagnostic techniques include rhinoscopy (inserting a small scope into the nasal passages), radiography (X-rays), and computed tomography (CT) scans.

Treatment:

The treatment options for removing a foreign object from a cat's nasal passage include manual extraction under sedation or general anesthesia, endoscopic retrieval (rhinoscopy), nasal flushing with a saline solution, and surgical intervention for deeply embedded objects. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to prevent infection and reduce swelling.

Prevention:

To prevent foreign objects from becoming lodged in your cat's nasal passages, it is important to cat-proof your home by keeping small objects out of your cat's reach. Keep plants and trash cans out of your cat's reach, and regularly clean your home to remove dust and small debris. Supervise your cat during playtime and outdoor exploration, and consider teaching them the "leave it" command to avoid dangerous items.

Dental disease

Gingivitis is a condition in which the gums become inflamed, swollen, and painful due to a buildup of plaque, a film of bacteria, on the teeth. If not regularly removed, plaque can harden and turn into tartar, which has a rough surface that attracts more plaque. Gingivitis can be treated and reversed with professional cleaning under anaesthesia, but if left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a more severe form of dental disease, where the tissues that attach the tooth to the underlying gums and bone become weakened and destroyed due to damaging substances produced by bacteria and the inflammation caused by the cat's immune system. This can lead to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss. Periodontitis is irreversible and requires more extensive treatment, including extraction of teeth in severe cases.

Tooth resorption is the slow, progressive destruction of the tooth, resulting in "holes" in the affected teeth. The cause of this condition is unknown, but poor oral hygiene may play a role. Once the sensitive parts of the tooth are exposed, these lesions can be incredibly painful, and extraction is often the only humane treatment option.

Other dental issues in cats include stomatitis, an extreme reaction to oral bacteria and plaque, resulting in severe oral inflammation; and endodontic disease, which occurs inside the teeth due to injury, enamel defects, or tooth decay. Endodontic disease may require root canal treatment or tooth extraction.

To prevent and manage dental disease in cats, regular oral examinations, professional dental cleanings, and daily toothbrushing with pet-safe toothpaste are recommended.

Frequently asked questions