
A stuffy nose can be very uncomfortable for your cat, and there are many reasons why your cat might be suffering from one. From allergies to infections, it's important to first identify the cause of your cat's stuffy nose before you try to clear it. Once you've done that, you can try home remedies such as steam therapy, saline drops, or lysine supplements to help your cat breathe more easily. However, if your cat is having trouble breathing, it's best to seek veterinary attention.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Cause | Allergies, objects stuck in the nasal passage, or infections |
Symptoms | Sneezing, discharge, and loss of appetite |
Treatment | Steam therapy, clean the nose with a damp cloth, saline solution for watery eyes, increase humidity, extra blankets, special wet cat food, and warming cat food |
What You'll Learn
Identify the cause of your cat's stuffy nose
It is fairly common for cats to suffer from a stuffy nose, also known as rhinitis. This condition can make your cat very uncomfortable—it's hard to sleep and smell food, and lethargy and breathing difficulties affect playtime.
Common causes of a stuffy nose in cats:
- Allergies
- Tumours inside the nose
- Foreign objects lodged in the nasal passages
- Parasites
- Fungal infections
- Dental abscess
- Bacterial or viral infections
Signs of an upper respiratory infection:
- Discharge from both nostrils that is clear or cloudy
- Discharge from the eyes
Signs of a bacterial infection:
Yellow, green, or pus-like discharge from both nostrils
Signs of a fungal infection:
- Asymmetrical face
- Swollen nasal passages
- Bloody or pus-like nasal discharge
Signs of a foreign object in the nose:
- Pawing at the face
- Excessive sneezing
- Discharge from only one nostril
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Clean your cat's nose with a damp cloth
If your cat has a stuffy nose, you can help them by cleaning their nose with a damp cloth. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Identify the Cause
Firstly, try to identify the cause of your cat's stuffy nose. Common causes include allergies, flu, foreign objects lodged in the nasal passages, infections, or dental issues. Pay attention to the colour of any nasal discharge. Clear discharge is normal and may be caused by allergies or flu. However, if the discharge is yellow, brown, or red, this could indicate an upper respiratory tract infection, and you should take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
Step 2: Prepare the Cloth
Soak a clean cloth in warm water. You can also use cotton wool or pads, or a tissue soaked in water. If your cat has a shortened muzzle, such as a Persian or Himalayan breed, you may need to use a cotton swab to reach any dirt or mucus in the folds of their skin.
Step 3: Restrain the Cat
Your cat is unlikely to enjoy the nose-cleaning process, so you may need an extra pair of hands to help restrain them. Lay the cat on a flat surface, such as a table, and hold them still by the nape of their neck. Talk softly to your cat as you clean to prevent them from becoming scared or agitated.
Step 4: Clean the Nose
Use the damp cloth to gently wipe away any mucus or dirt from your cat's nose. Be careful not to rub too hard, as this may hurt your cat's nose and scare them. If the dirt or mucus is stuck, hold a warm, damp corner of the cloth to your cat's nose to loosen the hardened material before gently wiping it away.
Step 5: Reward Your Cat
Your cat may find the nose-cleaning process scary, so be sure to give them their favourite treats afterwards. While they may not jump into your lap next time, a treat will help them associate the cleaning process with something positive.
Remember, if cleaning your cat's nose doesn't help, or if their symptoms persist, take them to the vet to rule out any underlying issues.
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Try steam therapy
Steam therapy is an effective way to help your cat manage its stuffy nose. The warm vapour from the steam can help loosen mucus in your cat's nose and nasal passages, making it easier for them to breathe.
To try steam therapy, take your cat into the bathroom and close the door. Turn on a hot shower and sit with your cat in the room for about 10 minutes. You can also heat some water in a bowl and place it on a table or counter. Hold your cat close to you, lean towards the steam, and throw a large towel over both of your heads. Let the steam do its work for about five minutes, if your cat will allow it. You can do this several times a day to help your cat breathe more easily.
You can also use a humidifier or vaporizer to increase the humidity in your house, which will help keep your cat's nasal passages open.
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Visit the vet if your cat is having trouble breathing
If your cat is having trouble breathing, it is important to visit the vet as soon as possible. Cats are great at hiding signs of illness, so it can be difficult to determine whether your cat is breathing normally. However, some signs that your cat is struggling to breathe include:
- Heavy, noisy, fast, or shallow breathing
- Panting or open-mouth breathing
- Belly moving with each breath
- Nostrils flaring open
- Elbows sticking out from the body
- Neck and head held low and out in front of the body
- Coughing
- Lowered head, with the body extended forward
- Gagging or appearing to be about to vomit
These symptoms can indicate a range of underlying issues, from infections and foreign objects lodged in the nasal passages to more serious conditions like heart failure, asthma, or anemia. Therefore, it is crucial to seek veterinary care promptly to ensure your cat receives the necessary treatment.
When you visit the vet, they will perform a thorough examination to diagnose the issue. This may include:
- Asking about your cat's health history and any possible incidents that could have contributed to the condition.
- Observing your cat's breathing patterns.
- Listening to your cat's chest for any signs of a heart murmur or fluid in the lungs.
- Checking the colour of your cat's gums to assess oxygen delivery to the organs and check for anemia.
- Performing blood tests, X-rays, or ultrasounds to examine the lungs and heart.
Based on the diagnosis, the vet will determine the appropriate treatment plan for your cat's breathing problems. In most cases, cats with breathing difficulties will need to be admitted to the hospital until their breathing has significantly improved.
Remember, any time there is a question about your cat's ability to breathe comfortably, it is best to seek veterinary care immediately.
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Recognise the symptoms of a cold
Cats, much like humans, can get colds. The first symptom of a feline cold is usually red, watery eyes. The eyelids will look sore and the cat may squint one or both eyes. Sneezing will follow rapidly, usually within 24 hours of the red eyes, and the sneezing will be followed by bubbles at the nose, snorting to clear the nose and head congestion.
A mild case may not progress any further than this, but some cats will also begin coughing, act as if they have a sore throat, run a fever and develop chest congestion. In severe cases, the cat will stop eating and may have difficulty breathing.
If your cat has a stuffy nose, it's important to first find out what's causing it. There are many reasons why your cat's nose is congested, including allergies, objects stuck in your cat's nasal passage, or infections.
If your cat has a cold, you can help them manage their symptoms by cleaning their nose regularly with a wet cotton ball or a tissue soaked in water. You can also try steam therapy by taking your cat into the bathroom and turning on a hot shower for about 10 minutes. The steam will help clear up their congestion.
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Frequently asked questions
Relieving your cat's stuffy nose can be done by using steam therapy. You can do this by running a hot shower for 10 minutes and sitting in the steamy room with your cat.
Symptoms of a stuffed-up nose in cats include sneezing, discharge, and loss of appetite.
Common causes include allergies, tumors inside the nose, a foreign object lodged in the nasal passages, parasites, fungal infections, dental abscess, and bacterial or viral infections.
To clean your cat's nose, immobilize them by laying them on a flat surface and holding them still by the nape of their neck. Clean the outer part of their nose with a wet tissue or a serum or balm designed for cleaning a cat's nose.