Kitten With a Stuffy Nose

It can be easy to dismiss a kitten who has a stuffy nose as just a cat with a cold. However, while a stuffy nose certainly can be as simple as a cold, it might also indicate something more serious, such as feline herpes, which can be a lifelong affliction. Owners should become familiar with methods of keeping the kitten comfortable at home while it is sick and should make an appointment with their veterinarian to have the kitten checked out as well.

  1. Upper Respiratory Infection

    • While an upper respiratory infection becomes serious in some kittens, it simply manifests itself as a cold in others. Symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, runny eyes, cough, fever or hoarse-sounding voice. The cold should run its course in 7 to 10 days but might last longer. A vet should be consulted for a possible antibiotic prescription to help prevent any secondary bacterial infections.

    Feline Herpes

    • Some other potential issues that might cause a small kitten to have a stuffy nose include the feline herpes virus. Feline herpes (FVR) is an acute upper respiratory disease and is common in kittens that have been in a shelter or multicat household. Symptoms include sneezing, eye and nose discharge, stuffy nose, fever, loss of appetite and conjunctivitis. Unfortunately, once a kitten has contracted FVR, it will be infected for life and treatment will focus on managing the symptoms.

    Treatment

    • Owners can help their kitten remain more comfortable by using a bulb syringe to suction out the nose several times a day. A drop of anticongestion nasal spray can also be applied to the nose to help clear the congestion. If medicine is prescribed by the veterinarian, it will likely be antibiotics in the tetracycline family. Follow all medication instructions carefully.

    When to Get Help Immediately

    • While medication and home care can help keep the kitten more comfortable at home, if the kitten loses appetite and does not eat or drink, has congestion severe enough to require open mouth breathing or a high fever or listlessness, immediate medical attention is needed.