How to Treat a Runny Nose in a Cat

If your cat's nose and eyes are running, they have a low appetite and are lethargic, there is a good chance it has an upper respiratory infection tract disease, or cold. This is a highly contagious virus that your cat probably got from being around another infected cat. Infected cats can actually spread viruses to other cats up to 4 feet away via a sneeze. A cold itself is not serious, but left untreated can become serious.

Things You'll Need

  • Warm moist cloth
  • Baby oil or vaseline
  • Medicine dropper
  • Steam vaporizer or humidifier
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Instructions

    • 1

      Call the veterinarian and book an appointment. You will likely go right into the doctor's office when you come in because cat colds are very contagious and they don't want your infected cat hanging out in the waiting room with other cats.

    • 2

      Give the cat any antibiotics the vet prescribes. Be sure to finish the entire prescription even if your cat shows signs of being better.

    • 3

      Wipe your cat's nose with a warm moist cloth frequently to prevent mucus crust from forming. Wipe the corners of the cat's eyes with a clean tissue as well. Make sure you don't use the same tissue for both eyes.

    • 4

      Put baby oil or petroleum jelly on the nose to keep it moist.

    • 5

      Carefully insert a small medicine dropper in your cat's nostrils to draw out the mucus blocking the nasal passage way. Your cat will likely resist, so make sure you have a strong hold on it.

    • 6

      Use a vaporizer in the room where you cat sleeps to help clear its nasal passages.