Bloody Nose in a Cat

Bleeding from the nose, or epistaxis, in cats is a frightening experience for a pet owner. Nosebleeds are often minor and easily treated, but they can also be a symptom of a serious infection or illness.

  1. Causes

    • Cat's noses often bleed if they have suffered a facial injury or if they have inhaled grass or other foreign bodies. Dental disease, abscessed teeth and reactions to certain types of drugs such as chemotherapy medication or antibiotics can also cause nosebleeds. Other more serious causes include bleeding disorders, cancer of the skull or nasal passages, bone marrow disease, feline leukemia, rat poisoning and liver failure.

    First Aid

    • Ernest Ward, DVM, from Animal Health Care, recommends staying calm. If the cat sees that its owner is upset, it may also become upset, which raises the blood pressure and worsens the bleeding. Place an ice pack on top of the muzzle to slow down the bleeding. Contact a veterinarian if the bleeding does not stop or if the cat has difficulty breathing.

    Treatment

    • A veterinarian can often determine the cause of the bleeding through a physical examination. He can perform additional tests as needed to diagnose the root cause. Treatment options vary depending upon the condition.