Nose Infections in Cats

Just like humans, cats occasionally get nose or sinus infections. Caused by bacteria, these types of infections can spread from one cat to another. If one cat has an infection, it is best to have any other cats in the household checked by a veterinarian as well.

  1. Causes

    • Feline viral respiratory disease is the most common cause of nose infections. Ninety percent of cats who recover from this disease become carriers and are able to give it to other cats, and it also can reactivate during times of stress. Younger cats are more likely to contract these types of nose infections until they build up immunity. It is also possible for a cat to get a nose infection if it has damage to the lining of the nose. This occurs when the inside of the nose is cut by a foreign object.

    Symptoms

    • Sneezing, yellow discharge, breathing difficulties, breathing through the mouth and snoring are the most common symptoms of a nose infection in cats. Often times, the infection causes the cat to temporarily lose its sense of smell, which causes it to lose its appetite. If the infection is deep in the nasal membranes, a bloody discharge is possible.

    Treatment

    • If you suspect that your cat has a nose infection, take it to the vet as soon as possible. The veterinarian will prescribe an antibiotic, either in liquid or pill form. He may also recommend an appetite stimulant if your cat isn't eating enough.

    Home Treatment

    • If an immediate trip to the vet isn't possible, help keep your cat comfortable until you can get antibiotics. Take a moist cotton ball or cloth and wipe you cat's nostrils gently to remove excess discharge. This also helps prevent the nostrils from drying out and cracking. To get your cat to eat, feed it its favorite food and warm it up to increase the aroma.

    Prevention

    • Ask your vet about vaccinations for upper respiratory infections. Also, keep your cat away from any other cats that you know are sick. If you have more than one cat, isolate the sick cat so it won't infect the others. If you leave your cat in a kennel, ask if other sick animals recently stayed there and what they do if one shows symptoms while staying there.