Feline Nasal Congestion

Feline nasal congestion in cats is usually the result of a feline respiratory infection. Highly contagious, feline respiratory infections usually resolve in about 10 to 14 days, and may require treatment through your veterinarian depending on severity, according to the Summerlin Animal Hospital.

  1. Causes

    • Feline upper respiratory infections (URI) cause nasal congestion in cats. The feline herpes virus (rhinotracheitis) and calicivirus account for about 90 percent of all infections, according to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. In addition, bacterial organisms such as feline chlamydia and bordetella bronchiseptica can contribute to nasal congestion in cats, says the Summerlin Animal Hospital.

    Treatments

    • Based on the severity of the infection, treatments for feline nasal congestion usually involve antibiotics, such as tetracyclines, used to treat secondary bacterial infections caused by the viral infections. Other treatments include keeping the nasal passages moist through nebulization, providing fluids, interferon-alpha treatments, and lysine supplements, according to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.

    Considerations

    • Always seek veterinary treatment for lethargic cats having trouble breathing or with severe loss of appetite. To prevent feline respiratory infections, vaccinate cats with the FVRCP shot, which protects against the herpes virus 1, feline calicivirus and feline panleukopenia. Nasal vaccines for herpes and calicivirus can provide quicker protection, within three to four days, according to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.