Cats. They’re just like us. Independent. Strong. Domesticated. Known to have a runny nose from time to time. Wait, what? Well, their runny noses are a little different from ours. 

If you’ve noticed nasal discharge coming from your kitty’s nose, your cat may have anything from allergies to an infection. And it’s something that should be taken care of as soon as possible, because the nose is a vital part of the cat’s ability to perceive its surroundings. Your cat’s sense of smell is pretty remarkable when you think about it. 

In this article, we’re going to go over five expert veterinarian tips on what to do when your cat has a runny nose. Before we dive in, here's a reminder: While we've researched this topic thoroughly and found the absolute best sources for info, always check with your veterinarian on how your cat can lead a healthy lifestyle. While we strive to be your experts on all things feline, your vet is the final authority on what your pet specifically needs.

Reasons Why a Cat Might Have a Runny Nose

A cat can smell all sorts of scents. Cats have 200 million scent receptors in their nasal cavity. Most breeds of dogs don’t have even close to that number. Your cat’s sense of smell guides it to prey, tells it if food is edible or toxic, tells it where you’ve been, and even helps it find its home if she gets lost. Its sense of smell however, may get affected due to several illnesses caused by viruses, pollens and bacteria.

Feline respiratory disease complex is a set of respiratory illnesses caused by a group of organisms that can cause infection alone or together [1].  

In layman’s terms, this means that your cat has the flu. Natural transmission of these agents occurs through small droplets in the air (such as from a sneeze) and contaminated objects, which can be carried to a susceptible cat by a handler. 

In 80% of cases, the culprit is either feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus infection (both things that can spread easily among unvaccinated cats). These are species-specific, so you don’t have to worry about your dog, rabbit, gerbil or fish catching it. But other cats in the same space are at a high risk.

If you think your cat has the flu, look out for these symptoms:

• Lethargy

• Coughing

• Sneezing

• Fever

• Loss of appetite and not drinking water

• Runny eyes 

• Trouble breathing

• And of course, runny nose

Bacterial infections are the second most common cause of runny noses, which include Chlamydophila felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica [2].

Feline chlamydial conjunctivitis is an infection caused by a bacterial organism (called Chlamydophila felis) [3]. The most common signs of chlamydia in cats involve the eyes or the upper respiratory tract (nose or throat), and only when infection is not treated does it spread to the lungs. This bacteria has also been reported to infect the genital tract and joints. Cats with mild symptoms usually have normal appetites. These milder cases also include symptoms like constant sneezing or runny nose and eyes.

Borderline bronchiseptica is a bacterium that causes respiratory disease in a number of animals. It’s the animal version of the whooping cough [4]. Infection with B. bronchiseptica in cats usually results in mild sneezing, coughing, nasal and ocular discharge and fever. Signs typically last between a week and ten days. However, in some cases (especially in young kittens, and with severe stress) infection may be more severe and can sometimes result in life-threatening pneumonia.

Five Expert Veterinary Tips on What to Do

1. Visit your veterinarian. If you’re a new cat owner, or even if you’ve had your kitty for a while, you need to make sure you are seeing a good vet. Decide what matters most to you. Are you looking for a highly skilled vet in a state-of-the-art facility that offers a personal touch? Or, would you prefer a quick, inexpensive vet visit with a no-frills approach? Of course, there are options in-between. Just make sure you’re going somewhere you trust. This is your cat and you want to make sure it’s in the best hands.

2. Make sure your cat has all its vaccines [5]. Commonly called the “distemper” shot, this combination vaccine protects against three diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia (sometimes called “feline distemper”). Your veterinarian may also recommend other vaccines for your cat depending on where you live and your cat’s lifestyle. As you already know, chlamydia causes severe conjunctivitis, and the vaccination for it is often included in the distemper combination vaccine. Getting vaccinated for bordetella is important because this bacteria causes highly contagious upper respiratory infections. Your veterinarian may recommend this vaccine before your cat goes to a boarding kennel or groomer.

3. Targeted nutritional supplements such as L-lysine that aid in mucous membrane repair and maintenance and general immune system stimulation can be helpful, especially in chronic viral infections. Lysine is given by mouth in the form of a powder, crushed tablet, chewable tablet, or paste/gel. Mix the powder in a small amount of food unless otherwise directed. This medication can take up to a few weeks before full effects are noted, but gradual improvements are usually noticeable after a few days.

4. If you’re dealing with the cat flu, there is no cure. Nursing care may be required to keep the eyes and nose clean and clear of discharges. Infected cats may need to be enticed to eat or even hand-fed. Fluid therapy may be necessary to combat dehydration as well. Attention to good hygiene is the best way to prevent cat flu [6]. Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Encourage children in the household to do so also.

5. If your veterinarian suspects a viral infection, initial treatment of a cat’s runny nose typically includes an antiviral medication and/or antibiotic. Ongoing cases might require some anti-inflammatory steroids. If the vet treats your cat for a suspected viral infection, but your cat doesn’t respond to the medications, the vet might recommend anesthetizing your cat so she can do an oropharyngeal exam to check for polyps, as well as x-rays, a CT scan or rhinoscopy to check for other masses or tooth root abscesses.

Buying Guide 

• Fuzzy Pet Health offers an online veterinary service so you don’t even have to leave your house to find out what could be wrong with your furry friend. 

• If you’re looking for Lysine, iHerb.com sells this supplement for your cat.

• Wanting to make sure your cat isn’t contaminating your other pets’ food? The Apollo Box sells an Elevated Cat Dish that sets one food apart from the rest.

• Think your cat’s having a tough time eating or drinking? Maybe a nursing kit will help.

• An A3 Ultra Quiet Air Purifier from RabbitAir may be something that could help your cat, especially if it’s got issues with the pollen or bacteria in the air.