How to Cure a Cat's Runny Nose

Runny noses are common in cats and kittens, particularly in crowded environments like shelters. Most runny noses in cats are caused by the feline herpes virus or feline calicivirus. Veterinary treatment is recommended in order to avoid a more serious condition like pneumonia. Most viruses that cause runny noses in cats will run their course in one week or less if proper care is provided.

Instructions

  1. Treating Runny Noses in Cats and Kittens

    • 1

      Make an appointment with your cat's veterinarian. Inform the clinic ahead of time that your cat's experiencing a runny nose so that precautions can be taken to avoid infecting other cats in the waiting room.

    • 2

      Visit your veterinarian. Be prepared to answer questions about your cat's symptoms, eating habits, litter box behavior and other topics. Your veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotics to help your cat avoid bacterial infections while his body fights off the virus that caused his runny nose.

    • 3

      Administer medication according to your veterinarian's instructions. Most cats will eat crushed pills in canned food or baby food. If your cat will not take pills in food, ask your veterinarian to demonstrate how to pill a cat.

    • 4

      Wipe your cat's eyes and nose with a warm, moist washcloth several times daily for the duration of the illness. This will keep your cat comfortable and help her keep her appetite by removing obstructions to her sense of smell.

    • 5

      Return to the veterinarian if your cat has not improved in one week or if symptoms worsen.