Why does my cat have a runny nose?

Updated 22/11/2023

Whether you’re a proud cat parent or a seasoned pet sitter, you may have experienced a cat runny nose from time to time. While it's common for our feline friends to have occasional nasal issues, a constantly running nose may be a cause for concern, especially if combined with other symptoms. We take a deep dive into the reasons behind your cat's runny nose, explore home remedies, and discuss how to treat nasal discharge in cats effectively.

Causes of your cat’s runny nose

Cat runny noses can be caused by various factors, including allergies, infections, and other irritants. When your cat's respiratory system becomes inflamed, excess mucus production can lead to a runny or dripping nose through one or both of the nostrils. 

So, wondering “Why does my cat have a runny nose?”. A clear discharge from one or both nostrils can be a sign of a respiratory viral infection, allergies, or a more serious cause can be heart disease.  Discharge that is gray, yellow, or green is a sign of a bacterial infection and needs a vet visit. Infection can be caused by bacteria, foreign material in the nose or growths such as a polyp. Red discharge is a sign of bleeding in the nasal cavities and can be from fungal infections or tumors. 

Related article: Can cats snore? A guide for curious and concerned pet parents

What to do if your cat has a runny nose

Before deciding on the course of treatment, it’s important to understand why your cat has a runny nose. Keep a close eye on their overall behavior, and watch for any changes in appetite, energy levels, or signs of discomfort. Sneezing or coughing, loss of appetite, weight loss or difficulty breathing coupled with a runny nose can indicate underlying health problems that require attention from the vet. If in doubt, schedule an appointment.

How to treat a cat with runny nose 

If your cat's runny nose persists or worsens, seeking professional veterinary care is crucial. When coupled with symptoms such as eye discharge and coughing, it’s likely your kitty has picked up a feline upper respiratory infection that will clear up quicker if treated by the vet. Take your cat straight to the vet if they are displaying worrying symptoms such as weight loss, yellow, gray, green or bloody discharge, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. A normal breathing rate in a cat is ten to thirty breaths a minute. Anything more should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. Count your cat's breaths when they are sleeping for the most accurate assessment. 

A veterinarian will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of the symptoms by conducting a physical examination, blood tests and radiographs if necessary. They will then prescribe the correct course of treatment, which can include anti-inflammatories for allergies or viral disease, antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections, or surgery for removal of polyps or tumors. 

Home remedies for cat sneezing and runny nose

Depending on your cat’s diagnosis, your vet may recommend some home remedies to try to alleviate their discomfort. A damp, warm towel or face cloth can be used to wipe away discharge from the eyes and nose, and steam therapy may work to relieve nasal congestion. You can create a steamy environment in the bathroom and let your cat breathe in the moist air for ten to fifteen minutes two to three times a day. Provide your feline friend with a quiet area to rest and recover from their illness and keep their living space clean and free from irritants to help reduce nasal symptoms. Keep your cat indoors as they may be infectious to other cats, and give them lots of TLC such as grooming and cuddles. Supplements such as Flumax provide essential vitamins and amino acids useful for fighting viral disease and can be purchased to help with runny noses related to viral disease.  

Cats can have reduced sense of smell when having a runny nose, so may loose or have reduced appetite. Try using smelly foods ,or warming up some wet food to increase the smell the food is giving off to encourage your cat to eat, as this will help with their recovery.

Prevention and care for a cat with runny nose

To prevent your cat from developing a runny nose in the first place, maintain a clean living environment and ensure they are up-to-date with vaccinations. Opening windows regularly for good airflow is important, so try and do this every day. If your cat is unwell for a period of time, be sure to completely clean all bowls, bedding etc that they use once they are recovered to prevent bugs lingering in the home. 

If you have more than one cat, and one has a runny nose, keeping cats seperate can help prevent transmission of disease in the case of viral or bacterial infections.  

Regularly check for any signs of allergies or irritants, and promptly address any respiratory tract issues your feline friend might be experiencing. When caring for a poorly kitty, symptoms should generally clear up quickly once the correct course of treatment is started. Note that kittens and cats with weakened immune systems may take a little while to recover, but as always, speak to your vet if you have any further concerns regarding your cat’s runny nose. If your cat has a runny nose for longer than two weeks, especially once starting medications, a vet visit is needed. 

A runny nose in cats can be a temporary issue caused by various factors, but persistent symptoms should never be ignored. Monitoring your cat's health, seeking professional veterinary advice, and providing the right care can help your feline friend recover from nasal congestion and enjoy a happy, healthy life. Usually most cats recover completely from the symptoms of a runny nose within one to two weeks of starting medical treatment. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.