Runny noses are never fun. Whether you’re sick, suffer from allergies, or just have the constant tingle of some sniffles from the cold, constantly dealing with a runny nose can be a pain.
Imagine being a cat with a runny nose, though, and how it would feel to not have hands and tissues with which to manage said sniffles! It would also be way tougher, if the cause of the runny nose was a health issue or something more serious.
Read on to learn why cats get runny noses and how we can help manage them as pet parents.
Runny Nose vs. Wet Nose in Cats
Let’s first distinguish between a cat with a runny nose and a cat with a wet nose.
Many experts refer to the symptoms of feline URI as being very similar to those of a human with a head cold. While cats don’t really get the variety of runny noses humans might–they can get upper respiratory infections (URI). A URI generally presents with symptoms, like:
- sneezing
- mucus coming from the nose
- runny eyes
- pawing at the face to soothe discomfort
In terms of kitty noses themselves, it is normal for cats to have slightly moist noses. The skin around the nostrils is called the rhinarium and it has tiny sweat glands which keep the nose moist. Because cats sweat only through specific areas of the body, such as the paws, this little area helps to disperse heat.
Having a moist nose also helps cats to distinguish smells as the wetness attracts scent particles. Of course, inside the nose there are scent receptors (as well as in their little kitty mouths, who knew?) that help kitties determine and identify just how things are smelling “out there”. Lastly, wet (and usually cold) noses are extremely useful tools for waking humans from slumber.
Causes of Runny Noses in Cats
Cats get runny noses generally for the same reasons we do–allergies, inflammation, infection, or illness. Here are some of the more common causes:
- Upper respiratory infection (URI): this is usually an infection caused by herpes or calici viruses and is quite common especially in cats that come from shelters or settings where they have been housed with other cats. If you bring home a new kitty with the sniffles, it’s likely any other kitties you have in the house will soon have them as well. Usually URI will resolve within a week.
- Bacterial infections: these are the second most common causes of runny noses in kitties but usually are controlled through regular vaccinations.
- Rhinitis: this term means inflammation of the nasal passages and is usually caused by URI. On more rare occasions, rhinitis can be caused by allergies or fungal infections.
- Nasal polyps: these benign growths are simply annoying for a kitty and can result in sneezing and a runny nose.
- Foreign body: it’s rare but it can happen! If a kitty were to inhale something from the environment, such as a stray piece of string from a cat toy or a little niblet of food, these could cause a runny, or even bloody, nose.
- Allergies: cats can be allergic to lots of things–from perfume and cleaners to food and pollen. In general, the response wouldn’t cause a runny nose–more likely red/runny eyes, ear infections, or snoring. Many times, allergies will cause a cat to excessively groom or chew at their fur.
- Toxic irritants: toxins from cleaners or non-cat-friendly plants can cause both irritation and inflammation, resulting in a runny nose.
- Trauma: if your kitty takes a good blow to the nose it could cause damage and swelling in the nasal passages, which may cause a runny nose. If this were to get infected it could turn yellow-green and require an antibiotic.
- Nasal cancer: unfortunately, this is a reality though not a very likely one. Nasal cancer can start showing itself simply as a runny nose but generally progresses with a think, colored discharge, congestion, facial swelling, and pain.
When Should I Be Concerned About A Cat’s Runny Nose?
Most upper respiratory infections are mild (even though your cat may look, and feel, miserable) and shouldn’t cause too much concern. If your cat is very young, elderly, immunocompromised or has an underlying health issue, some URIs can get rough, and require medication or further testing.
If your kitty’s runny nose progresses beyond being just a runny nose for a few days, it’s a good idea to make a vet appointment. Because there are so many different causes of a persistent runny nose, your vet can help you identify, diagnose, and treat the problem.
In any cat, whether healthy or not, some common signs that you need to see a vet include:
- red or swollen eyes
- persistent bloody nose
- colored (yellow/green) boogers
- lethargy
- facial swelling
- trouble breathing
In kittens these can be signs of life threatening viral infections such as coronavirus, panleukopenia, and feline leukemia. These can be passed along to other cats so it is important to isolate your kitty until you can get to the vet.
In adult cats, these symptoms can be caused by more severe URIs and are easily treated with medication. If your adult cat does not have URI, such symptoms could signal something more serious such as cancer or the presence of a foreign body.
Further Reading:
- 11 Reasons Why Your Cat’s Tongue May Be Sticking Out
- Why Do Cats Get the Zoomies After Using the Litterbox?
- 7 Reasons Why Cats Follow You Into the Bathroom