Runny Nose in Cats – Vet Guide 2025 🐱🤧

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

A runny nose—or nasal discharge—in cats is a symptom, not a diagnosis. In 2025, vets understand that it may signal anything from minor inflammation to serious illness. This comprehensive guide explains causes, severity cues, home care tips, treatment options, when urgency matters, and supportive tools from Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz to help your cat breathe easy and stay healthy. 🩺❤️

1. What Is a Runny Nose?

Your cat’s nose is normally cool and slightly moist. But when irritated, inflamed, or infected, the nasal passages produce discharge—clear, cloudy, thick mucus, yellow-green, or even bloody—all of which can come from either one or both nostrils :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

2. Common Causes of Nasal Discharge

• Viral Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)

HSV and FCV cause about 90% of cat “colds.” Symptoms: sneezing, clear discharge, eye issues, ulcers. Often resolves in 7–10 days :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

• Secondary Bacterial Infections

After a virus, bacteria like Chlamydia, Bordetella, Pasteurella invade—thicker, colored discharge may follow and antibiotics are needed :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

• Allergic Rhinitis & Irritants

Allergens or harsh cleaners, perfumes, smoke can inflame nasal passages—often with sneeze fits, watery eyes, clear discharge :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

• Foreign Bodies

Grass awns or debris may lodge in nostrils—causing sudden, often one-sided nasal drip, sneezing, even bleeding :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

• Polyps & Nasal Masses

Benign polyps (common in kittens) or tumors (more common in seniors) can block airflow, bleed, or generate chronic discharge :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

• Dental Disease & Fistulas

Severe dental infection may form a passage between nose & mouth—leading to chronic discharge, often one-sided :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

• Fungal Infections

Cats may inhale fungi like Aspergillus or Cryptococcus—leading to discharge, sneezing, and sometimes facial swelling in severe cases :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

• Trauma

Facial injury or a bite can damage nasal tissue—resulting in bloody or watery discharge :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

3. When to Monitor—When to Act

✅ Monitor if:

• Clear discharge with mild sneezing; bright, eating normally, and active :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Provides mild environmental irritants or allergies suspected.

🚨 See your vet if:

• Discharge is colored (yellow/green/bloody), thick, odorous :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Additional symptoms: fever, appetite loss, lethargy, eye discharge, coughing, mouth ulcers, facial swelling :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Persistent >3–5 days or recurring frequently :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Bleeding or difficulty breathing arises—urgent medical care needed :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

4. Home Care Tips

• Keep your cat in a calm, dust-free environment.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier or take your cat into a steamy bathroom to loosen congestion :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Gently wipe discharge with a warm damp cloth to keep nostrils clear.
• Offer strong-smelling wet food; warming it enhances aroma if sense of smell is reduced.
• Avoid harsh cleaners, scented products, and smoke exposure.

5. Diagnosis Veterinary Exams & Testing

Your vet will perform:

• Full physical exam & history of symptoms
• Blood tests, nasal/oral swabs for infections
• Chest X-ray or sinus imaging (chronic cases)
• Rhinoscopy, CT/MRI, or biopsy for suspected masses :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

6. Treatment Approaches

• Viral URIs:

• Supportive care: fluids, nutrition, humidification
• Antiviral options for severe herpes flare-ups
• Treat secondary bacterial infection with antibiotics :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

• Bacterial Infections:

Culture-driven antibiotic therapy—usually penicillin derivatives :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

• Allergies/Irritation:

Antihistamines (e.g., loratadine) or safe corticosteroids; odor-free homes :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

• Foreign Bodies & Polyps:

Removal under sedation; steroids may follow to reduce swelling :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.

• Dental Origin:

Address abscesses or tooth issues surgically; antibiotics and oral hygiene follow :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.

• Fungal Infections:

Long-term antifungals (e.g., itraconazole) based on sensitivity testing :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.

• Trauma or Tumors:

Emergency care and referral to specialists may be needed—imaging and surgery for assessment :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.

7. Prognosis & Long-Term Management

• Viral URIs: Often resolve in 7–10 days, though herpes may flare under stress :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.
• Chronic rhinitis: May persist, requiring ongoing care such as antihistamines or intermittent antibiotics :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.
• Surgical issues (polyps, tumors, dental): Surgery often resolves symptoms, though follow-up is critical.
• Fungal cases: May need months of medication with occasional relapse monitoring.

8. Prevention Strategies

• Vaccinate for core respiratory viruses.
• Minimize stress and close-contact cat exposure.
• Keep indoor air fresh, avoiding smoke and strong cleaners.
• Maintain dental hygiene—regular brushing and checkups.
• Provide play to strengthen immunity and reduce stress.

9. Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz Integration 🛠️

Ask A Vet: Share photos or videos of nasal discharge, breathing and feeding patterns. Get remote guidance on when to head to the clinic and home care recommendations.

Woopf: Offers humidifier kits, sinus-clearing mats, and odor-free cleaning tools to support respiratory comfort.

Purrz: Supplies soothing plush beds, HEPA-filtered air-purifiers, and scent-free enrichment toys to reduce stress during recovery.

10. Final Thoughts 🌟

A runny nose in cats ranges from mild irritation to serious disease. In 2025, understanding when to monitor, when to treat, and when to act urgently is key. With accurate diagnosis, supportive care, prevention strategies, and expert tools from Ask A Vet, Woopf & Purrz, you can help your cat breathe cleanly, feel better, and live happier. 🐾❤️

11. Call to Action 📲

Noticed persistent or severe nasal discharge? Send it to Ask A Vet—share videos and symptom timelines for expert advice. Check out Woopf humidification and cleaning solutions, and explore Purrz stress-relief products to support respiratory healing at home. Keep those noses clear and whiskers happy! 📱