Cat With a Stuffy & Runny Nose & Difficultly Breathing

Stuffy, runny noses and sneezing are the most common symptoms of feline sinus infections. The causes of these infections vary, says veterinarian Roger Ross, and include invasion by fungi, bacteria, viruses (often several working in tandem), dental disease, hair or grasses in the sinuses, or acid reflux from hairballs or vomiting. Since the causes vary, only a vet can diagnose whether your cat has a cold for something more dangerous.

  1. Causes

    • Cats and kittens can catch viruses from other cats or contaminated materials either outdoors or carried into the house by humans or animals. Occasionally fatal in kittens but rarely in adults, upper respiratory infections (URIs) are highly contagious and can be transmitted back and forth between cats living in the same home. Some cats can be carriers and are able to infect other cats without showing symptoms themselves.

    URIs

    • Two major feline URIs are so prevalent a vaccine was developed to immunize cats against them. Since unprotected cats are vulnerable to secondary infections, an attack of feline virus rhinotracheitis (FVR) or feline calicivirus (FCV) can be complicated by pneumonia, which makes breathing difficult. The feline Chlamydia organism also causes upper respiratory symptoms and can affect the lungs and breathing.

    Diagnosis

    • URI symptoms are similar, so a veterinarian must determine which infection a cat has. Vets conduct a thorough exam, confirm all symptoms, run blood and tissue tests, and take fluid samples to diagnose the infection. Dr. Moss of the FoxNest Veterinary Hospital says it is common for multiple viruses, bacteria, parasites and other agents to infect a cat. This is called feline infectious respiratory disease complex.

    Treatment

    • Cats that cannot smell their food may not eat. This weakens their immune system and makes them vulnerable to secondary infections like pneumonia. For mild URIs, offer a strongly aromatic brand of wet cat food like fish that may penetrate through the congestion to stimulate her appetite, or microwave the cat's favorite dry food a few seconds to bring out the aroma. Saline drops or a steam bath in the bathroom may help clear kitty's stuffy sinuses, stimulating its appetite. Dr. Ross says cat owners need to watch their pets and report any worsening symptoms to their veterinarian. With mild colds, healthy cats can recover, but untreated serious URI infections can cause permanent damage. Treatment options include antibiotics, anti-histamine sprays, steroids and vitamin combinations.

    Prevention

    • Kittens get their first three-in-one FVRCP vaccine at age 6 to 7 weeks, with a booster at age 14 to 16 weeks. Cats from 1 to 3 get an annual booster. Dr. Ross says many veterinarians no longer recommend yearly vaccines after that. Mature cats get the vaccine every three years to age 12. Some vets do not vaccinate geriatric cats older than 12.