Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Cats (2024)

FAQs

Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Cats? ›

A cat sneezing and coughing typically means that it's primarily an upper respiratory process with postnasal drip irritating the throat. A cat sneezing and wheezing can suggest concurrent lower respiratory disease. A cat sneezing blood or other discharge should be photographed for your veterinarian.

Common symptoms of upper respiratory infection in cats include: Recurring sneezing over several hours or days. Unusual discharge from the nose or eyes that can appear clear, yellow, green or bloody. Repeated coughing or swallowing.

These upper respiratory viruses persist in some cats, known as carrier cats, for weeks, months, or even years. In some, but not all, of these carriers, the chronic viral infection damages the protective mucous membranes and allows bacteria to invade the damaged tissues, causing persistent clinical signs.

To help your cat feel better while they have a cold, increase the humidity in your house by running a humidifier or vaporizer. If your cat has a stuffy nose you can use a warm, damp cloth to gently wipe their nose. Cleanse and soothe your cat's watery eyes by applying a saline solution with gauze pads.

Consider taking your cat to the vet if: Clear eye discharge turns into yellow green eye boogers with squinting and redness. Clear nose discharge turns into yellow green nose boogers. Nasal congestion causes a drop in appetite (cats won't eat if they can't smell their food)

Cats with nasal or airway congestion may benefit from increased environmental humidification, such as being taken into a steamy bathroom for 10–15 minutes several times per day. Some cats will benefit from nose drops if the nasal discharge is particularly severe or the nasal tissues become painful.

It's even normal for a cat to throw an occasional sneezing fit. However, it's uncommon for a cat to sneeze several times a day for many days in a row. If sneezing persists – or if other symptoms develop along with sneezing – you may need to check with our veterinarians to see if treatment is required.

Nasal sprays: Saline nasal spray and pediatric nasal sprays (Little Noses) can be given in kittens and cats to alleviate dryness and nasal congestion associated with a cold.

Will a cat sinus infection go away on its own? ›

Chronic rhinosinusitis may persist over the life of your cat. It can be a challenge to manage and there is no cure. However, nose and sinus inflammation is rarely life-threatening to cats and is often easily treated with medication unless there is a serious and chronic underlying condition associated with it.

Keep your cat indoors and watch for changes. But be sure to call the vet if your cat sneezes continuously or often, sneezes blood, or has other signs such as those listed above. They may be signs of an illness or condition that needs veterinary care. Treatment depends on the cause of the sneezing.

In most cases, a runny nose is part of the normal nasal clearing process and/or the result of an infection that will clear up on its own. If the discharge is green or yellow, persisting for longer then a few days, or your cat seems ill (not eating, lethargic) then it's time to take your kitty to the veterinarian.

Feline upper respiratory tract infections are a frequent cause of sneezing in cats; often with goopy, green or blood-tinged snot and watery eyes. The cat may sound congested and cough or gag. An infected cat may have thick discharge from its eyes and have difficulty holding its eyes open.