How to Treat a Cat with a Stuffy Nose

Co-authored by Ryan Corrigan, LVT, VTS-EVN

Last Updated: December 27, 2020 References Approved

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Providing Care at Home

1
Look for signs of inflammation. 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]
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- Sneezing
- Discharge from the nose
- Stuffy nose
- Loss of appetite
2
Recognize common causes of a stuffy nose. 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]
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3
Examine your cat for signs of an upper respiratory infection. 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]
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4
Let an upper respiratory infection run its course. 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]
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5
Clean your cat's nose regularly. 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]
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6
Try steam therapy. 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]
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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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Getting Veterinary Care

1
Look out for bacterial infections. 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]
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- 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
Watch for symptoms of fungal infections. 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]
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- 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]
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3
Make sure there isn't a foreign body in your cat's nose. 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]
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- Let the vet to remove foreign objects from your cat's nose rather than attempting to remove them yourself.