Having a stuffy nose isn't pleasant for a cat at all! The first thing to do to help him is to identify the cause of the problem. Once you've identified the trigger, you can treat the disorder with medication or, if it's a common infection, let it go away on its own. Additionally, steam baths and regular muzzle cleaning can help relieve your feline companion.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Caring for Your Cat at Home
Step 1. Look for signs of inflammation
Inflammation of the nasal mucosa is referred to as "rhinitis", while that of the paranasal sinuses (the cavities around the nose and eyes) is known as "sinusitis". Both of these conditions can cause nasal congestion in cats. In both cases, the following symptoms can be observed:
- Sneezing.
- Nasal secretions.
- Nasal congestion.
- Loss of appetite.
Step 2. Recognize the most common causes of nasal congestion
There are several factors that can cause inflammation and therefore congestion of the nose or sinuses in cats. The most common causes are allergies, tumors inside the nose, a foreign body stuck in the nasal passages, parasites, fungal infections, dental abscesses, and viral or bacterial infections.
Step 3. Look for signs of upper respiratory infection
Feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus are major contributors to nasal congestion in cats. Symptoms of these viral infections include clear or cloudy mucus from both nostrils and eye secretions.
Step 4. Let the upper respiratory infection take its course
This type of infection is manifested by sneezing, watery eyes, coughing and a runny nose. If you suspect this is the cause of the problem, you can simply let it develop and fix itself. In most cases it has a short duration and the cat heals spontaneously within 7-10 days.
Step 5. Clean your cat's nose regularly
You can relieve your pet's discomfort by keeping his nose clean: wet a cotton ball with water and use it to gently remove the mucus leaking from the nostrils. Repeat this several times a day as long as the disorder persists.
Step 6. Try the steam baths
If your cat is suffering from chronic nasal congestion, the steam can give him relief: it helps loosen the mucus in the nasal passages, thus making it easier to breathe. Take the cat to the bathroom and close the door, then turn on the hot water in the shower and run it for about 10 minutes, staying in the room with him.
Step 7. Consult a veterinarian
If your cat has difficulty breathing, make an appointment with a veterinarian who can visit the animal and perform a series of tests (oral cavity, blood, etc.) to determine the cause of his condition more precisely.
Method 2 of 2: Get Veterinary Care
Step 1. Watch out for bacterial infections
They usually occur due to a pre-existing problem, such as a viral infection, a foreign body stuck in the nose, or a tumor or polyp in the nasal cavity. Discharge caused by a bacterial infection usually leaks from both nostrils and has a pus-like texture and appearance.
- If your cat has yellow, green, or pus-like discharge, she may need antibiotic treatment.
- Ask your vet if you need to give him antibiotics. Bacterial infection can sometimes be treated more effectively with symptomatic therapy, as too frequent use of antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance to these drugs.
Step 2. Check for fungal infections
Sometimes it is the mycoses that cause nasal congestion in cats; those caused by the Cryptococcus fungus are the most common. If the cat has this type of infection, the nasal passages will probably be swollen and the muzzle may appear asymmetrical; pus-like or bloody secretions will come out of the nose.
- Your vet will treat mycosis with antifungal medications.
- For example, a Cryptococcus infection is usually treated with fluconazole, itraconazole, or amphotericin B.
Step 3. Make sure there is no foreign body in the nose
It is not uncommon for foreign objects such as seeds, blades of grass or pebbles to get stuck in the nasal passages of cats. This can cause nasal congestion, often accompanied by sneezing; the cat will also try to rub its nose with its paws. In this case the secretions will come out of only one nostril.
