PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

A stuffy nose can make your cat miserable. You can help your feline friend by first identifying the cause of its stuffy nose. Once you figure out why your cat has a stuffy nose, you can treat it with medication or by letting common infections run their course. You can keep your cat comfortable with steam therapy and by cleaning its nose regularly.

Recognizing a Stuffed-Up Nose in Cats

Watch your cat for stuffy nose symptoms like sneezing, discharge, and loss of appetite. Stuffy noses may be caused by allergies, objects stuck in your cat's nasal passage, or infections. Clean your cat's nose regularly and see a vet if their condition gets worse.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Providing Care at Home

PDF download Download Article
  1. Inflammation of a cat's nose is known as rhinitis, while inflammation of a cat's nasal passages is referred to as sinusitis. Both conditions can cause a stuffy nose. Symptoms of both conditions can include: [1]
    • Sneezing
    • Discharge from the nose
    • Stuffy nose
    • Loss of appetite
  2. There are a variety of factors that can cause inflammation of your cat's nose or nasal passages, leading to a stuffy nose. 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.[2]
    Advertisement
  3. The herpes virus and calicivirus cause a large percentage of stuffy noses. Signs of these viral infections include discharge from both nostrils that is clear or cloudy, as well as discharge from the eyes.[3]
  4. An upper respiratory infection is characterized by sneezing, watery eyes, clear discharge from the nose, and coughing. If you suspect your cat's stuffy nose is caused by a common upper respiratory infection, you can just let the illness run its course. Most of these infections are short in duration and will clear up on their own within 7 to 10 days.[4]
  5. You can help your cat manage its stuffy nose by making sure its nose is clean. Wet a cotton ball with water and use it to gently wipe away any mucus from your cat's nose. Do this several times a day while your cat has a stuffy nose.[5]
  6. If your cat is chronically congested, steam therapy can help. The warm vapor may help loosen mucus in your cat's nose and nasal passages, making it easier for the cat to breathe. Try taking your cat into the bathroom and closing the door. Turn a hot shower on for about 10 minutes and sit in the room with your cat during this time.[6]
  7. Visit your vet. If your cat is having trouble breathing, you should make an appointment with your vet. A veterinarian can examine your pet and determine why it has a stuffy nose. The vet will perform a dental exam, blood work, and/or a physical examination to determine the cause of your cat's stuffy nose.
  8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Getting Veterinary Care

PDF download Download Article
  1. Bacterial infections usually occur because of an underlying condition such as a viral infection, a tumor or polyp in the nasal passage, or a foreign body lodged in your cat's nose. Nasal discharge resulting from a bacterial infection usually occurs in both nostrils and has a pus-like consistency and appearance.[7]
    • If your cat has yellow, green, or pus-like discharge coming from its nostrils, it may need to be treated with antibiotics.
    • Ask your vet if your cat will need antibiotics for a bacterial infection. It may be better to manage a bacterial infection with supportive care, as overuse of antibiotics can lead to bacterial resistance.
  2. Sometimes a fungal infection is the culprit behind your cat's stuffy nose. Infections caused by the Cryptococcus fungus are the most common. If your cat is suffering from a fungal infection, its face may become asymmetrical and its nasal passages swollen. There will also be nasal discharge that is bloody or resembles pus.[8]
    • Let your vet treat a fungal infection with an antifungal medication.
    • For example, a Cryptococcus infection is usually treated with fluconazole, itraconazole, or amphotericin B.[9]
  3. It is not uncommon for foreign objects like seeds, blades of grass, or pebbles to get stuck in a cat's nasal passages. This can cause a stuffy nose that often occurs alongside pawing at the face and/or excessive sneezing. Discharge will only be from 1 nostril, not both.[10]
    • Let the vet to remove foreign objects from your cat's nose rather than attempting to remove them yourself.
  4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

About This Article

Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN
Co-authored by:
Licensed Veterinary Technician
This article was co-authored by Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN. Ryan Corrigan is a Licensed Veterinary Technician in California. She received her Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Technology from Purdue University in 2010. She is also a Member of the Academy of Equine Veterinary Nursing Technicians since 2011. This article has been viewed 449,160 times.
502 votes - 90%
Co-authors: 14
Updated: April 24, 2024
Views: 449,160
Article SummaryX

To treat a cat with a stuffy nose, check its eyes and nose for clear or cloudy discharge, which is a sign of an upper respiratory infection. If your cat has an upper respiratory infection, you can let it clear up on its own within 7-10 days. In the meantime, wipe your cat's nose with a wet cotton ball several times a day to help with the stuffiness. You can also bring it into the bathroom and turn on a hot shower for 10 minutes so the steam clears up its congestion. If your cat is having trouble breathing, or if it has pus-like discharge, take it to the vet for treatment. To learn how to get veterinary care for a cat with a bacterial or fungal infection, scroll down!

Did this summary help you?

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 449,160 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Melissa Beesley

    Melissa Beesley

    Jul 20, 2020

    "My pet is 19 years of age and is just showing signs of difficulty breathing through her nose (sneezing, breathing..." more
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Advertisement