It's also a symptom of more serious conditions like nasal tumors. This will increase the moisture level in the … A cat with an upper respiratory infection loses some sense of smell, so you may need to tempt your cat with an extra-smelly treat, like fish. “Try for 30 minutes a day for two or three days. After 24 hours of not eating, a cat is at risk of developing hepatic lipidosis, which is also called fatty liver disease. Without aggressive treatment, hepatic lipidosis can be fatal. What should I look for if my cat is infected? In severe causes of cat coughing and sneezing, the feline may have to be hospitalized so that intensive care and treatment will be provided. We bought a persian kitten last June. Severe Infections – For more severely affected cats, hospitalization may be required. About a week after we got her she started getting very ill. She had pink eye, wouldn't eat and was terribly congested. Unlike viruses, which just have to run their course, chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics. If you suspect that your feline friend may have been exposed to chlamydia at some point in her life, have her tested at your veterinarian if she develops any symptoms of severe congestion or conjunctivitis. Breathing is noisy. If you suspect that your feline friend may have been exposed to chlamy… Just like people, cats can come in contact with highly contagious viruses that result in cold and flu like symptoms. These two nasty bugs are easily transmitted from cat to cat, so most cats have been exposed to them. While L-lysine isn't as effective in managing calicivirus, it is still a good supplement to give your cat. - Answered by a verified Cat Veterinarian. It helps relieve congestion just like in newborn babies,” she says. She has lost quite a bit of weight & prefers soft food now. Chronic sinus congestion in cats has several causes. If your cat isn't eating well, try feeding her canned tuna or mackerel packed in water or bits of fresh rotisserie chicken. Identifying Abnormal Nasal Symptoms. Lenore Hirsch, a retired educator, is living the good life. This increased mucus production causes nasal congestion, and your dog or cat may have trouble breathing. How is an upper respiratory infection treated? She got better for a couple days, but then got worse again. Also if you adopt a new cat, isolate it from other cats in the house for at least 2 weeks in case an infection develops. In more severely affected cats, you can also see a loss of appetite, severe congestion with open mouth breathing, and lethargy. Cats with nasal or airway congestion may benefit from increased environmental humidification, such as being taken into a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes several times per day.  Because the length and severity of the infection depends on the combination of agents involved, your veterinarian will approach treatment depending on a number of factors. Some affected cats may paw at their face, have deformity of the nose or only be able to breathe through the mouth. Put a humidifier in the room where your cat sleeps. This is why sometimes in multicat households one cat will get sick, and the other cats will follow shortly after. Toxic irritants: Exposure to toxins can lead to severe nasal irritation and inflammation, which can, in turn, lead to a runny nose. Have spent 400 at vet this month alone and cannot afford to take them back. Her home is in the impossibly beautiful Napa, CA, and she spends her days indulging her passions: photography, writing, and travel. Severe congestion can be dangerous for your feline friend. If your kitty doesn't eat for more than 24 to 36 hours, it's time to take action. Kindness is contagious, help us spread it. When your cat’s body isn’t getting enough blood, fluid frequently backs up into the lungs, causing congestion. Also if there are oral ulcers from the calicivirus, then pain medication is needed. Active infections will cause sneezing, nasal discharge, runny eyes, cough, oral or nasal ulcers, sniffles, fever, and/or a hoarse voice. L-lysine is an amino acid which makes the virus reproduce slower. Some of them are very benign. by Frontier Veterinary Hospital | Oct 30, 2013 | Blog, Kitty Committee Blog | 0 comments. For the herpesvirus, episodes of stress (such as surgery, boarding, moving, new cat/dog in house, etc.) Nasal congestion in cats can be the result of allergies, bacterial infection or viral infection. Maintaining proper nutrition and parasite control will also help. Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause of the cat coughing and sneezing. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. These persistent bacteria generally affect cats' eyes, making them painful and irritated. Viral Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) Fully 90 percent of acute rhinitis in cats is caused by the … Cats have more problems with congestion than dogs. Cats often suffer from nasal congestion because of rhinitis (inflammation in the nasal passages that produces mucus), infection (including viral conditions such as cat flu) and because of inhaled foreign bodies (such as a grass awn that shot up the nose when the cat sniffed at it). The nasal vaccine produces extra immune stimulation to the area where the viral infection is active and may help palliate the signs of infection. Your email address will not be published. These cats will always be congested and cough/sneeze. Most cats will resist having their noses wiped. Nasal polyps: Benign growths can cause persistent sneezing, congestion and a runny nose. Look for signs of inflammation. The calicivirus can shed continuously (not just in times of stress like the herpesvirus) for several months after the initial infection. An example of an uncomplicated infection involves sneezing with no discharge from the eyes or nose. Cat very congested. will cause a flare up of the disease about a week following the event. While viruses cause most kitty colds, some severe congestion is caused by bacterial infections. These persistent bacteria generally affect cats' eyes, making them painful and irritated. They will stay within the cat’s system for life. If you have multiple cats and one starts having a recurrence of infection, keep that cat isolated from the other cats for 2 weeks to lessen the spread of disease. When your cat does cough, there is either inflammation or irritants within their throat, airway, or lungs. Most people with cat allergy are allergic to a protein from cats called Fel d 1. My cat is severely congested.? Dr. Osborne suggests having your kitty sit adjacent to a humidifier. If she is really stuffy and having trouble breathing, have her hang out in the bathroom with you when you take a hot shower or keep her in a room with a humidifier for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day. It should not be confused with gagging; the sounds can be somewhat similar, but severe bouts of coughing can sometimes lead to retching. The most common annual cat vaccine, the FVRCP vaccine, includes a vaccination for both herpes and calici, but most cats already have the virus even before they have their first vaccines. But chlamydia can also cause severe congestion and even pneumonia. The most common bacterial agent is chlamydia, which is very easy to spread from cat to cat. Decongestants Help Relieve Congested Noses. Sometimes in younger kittens, an upper respiratory infection can progress to … Treatment options for these cats include chronic anti-viral medications (oral or topical for the eyes), nasal sinus flushing, and a nasal vaccine given about every 3 months. The Cat Doctor & Friends: Three Non-Prescription Remedies For Your Cat. A kitty cold can make your feline friend feel lousy. It is important to know that both the herpesvirus and calicivirus are permanent infections. Cat allergies can cause an acute asthma attack and can be a trigger for chronic asthma. The herpesvirus can survive for 18 hours outside of the host, but the calicivirus can survive up to 10 days. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Prevention is always better, which is why it's so important to get your cat to the vet quickly if her congestion is so severe that she won't eat. Discharge may be from one side of … But cats won’t eat unless they can smell their food, so they starve if they get a stopped up nose. First off, start with a visit to your veterinarian. The may also have chronic, mucoid eye discharge. When your kitty's breathing is wheezing and loud, it may or may not be a serious health issue, but difficulty with breathing is a justifiable reason for a trip to the vet. Feline upper respiratory infections are caused by a variety of highly contagious viruses and bacteria. The viruses are spread by wet sneezes from infected cats, and an uninfected cat must be in the same room or share the same toys/food bowls as an infected cat. These cats will often be dehydrated, severely congested, anorexic, and may have difficulty breathing. L-lysine is safe to use on an ongoing basis and can help keep outbreaks under control. No. If your cat has chronic congestion as a result of feline herpes, ask your vet about adding L-lysine to her diet. Most dry foods have very little smell, so a cat with severe congestion will almost always stop eating kibble. Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your cat to obtain a professional diagnosis and … We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. The most common bacterial agent is chlamydia, which is very easy to spread from cat to cat. Due to their undeveloped immune systems, kittens are predisposed to infection and are usually more severely affected. WebMD: Nasal Discharge and Nasal Infections in Cats, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Hepatic Lipidosis, WebMD: Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats. For early, uncomplicated infections we will often start treatment with a supplement which decreases the herpesviral replication in the body. Upper respiratory infections are quite common in cats. For instance, breeds with short noses such as Persians have irregular sinus anatomy. The bugs that cause kitty congestion usually aren’t lethal in adult cats. Chronic Infections – Occasionally, some cats will become chronically affected with an upper respiratory infection. Required fields are marked *. Severe Infections – For more severely affected cats, hospitalization may be required. Clean the cat's nasal area. 3 are severely congested and may have pnuemonia. Cats with rhinitis often experience some degree of nasal discharge, sneezing and/or loud “congested” breathing. Chatsworth Veterinary Center Virtual Library: What Does FVRCP Stand For? There is an injectable combination vaccine that protects against both viruses and the feline distemper virus. The most common cause of nasal congestion is cat flu (usually caused by feline herpesvirus or calicivirus), which is similar to a human cold. While viruses cause most kitty colds, some severe congestion is caused by bacterial infections. As their name suggests, decongestants reduce congestion or swelling, especially in the nasal passages. Usually, cats become infected at shelters or from contact with outdoor cats. Even some canned foods won't have enough of a tempting smell to break through the congestion. There are a variety of symptoms which can be seen in cats affected by rhinitis and sinusitis, including: 1. My 12 yo Am Shorthair female indoor cat has always snored but in the last six months has also developed a soft lump on the bridge of her nose, constant runny nose and eyes that both occasionally have blood & occasional severe nose bleeds & congested breathing. My cats has severe upper respitory infections. In severe cases, the cat will stop eating and may have difficulty breathing. If your cat has nasal discharge, you should be sure to clean the area daily. Why is Frontier still doing curbside service? However, most cats affected by the calicivirus do not seem to have the same recurrence issues like the cats with the herpesvirus. Additional agents are Chlamydophila, Mycoplasma, Bordetella, and other bacteria. Some cats will benefit from nose drops if the nasal discharge is particularly severe or the nasal tissues become painful. When to Take Your Cat to the Vet. one was so bad all she did was drool bad for 2 days she is getting better but worried about this congestion. The antibiotics will be either oral or for the eyes, depending on what body systems are affected. This is especially true if the congestion resolves on its own within a 24 hours or so and your dog appears healthy in most other ways. However, Dr. Barrack advises owners to use heating pads … You might also try a cat water fountain or leave a faucet dripping, as most cats prefer to drink from a moving water source. It does not prevent the cat from getting a herpesvirus or calicivirus infection but will lessen the severity of the diseases. Unfortunately, most cats will experience congestion in their lifetime. Regardless of the cause of the congestion, your cat will need your help to get through a kitty cold. Your cat's nose may normally be dry and warm if your home environment is dry, but a healthy cat usually has a cool, moist nose. Gently clean any discharge from its eyes and nose. Regular cat brushing will help in removing loose and dead hair that could end up in his stomach and cause him to cough. When your pet has an allergy attack, his nasal tissues swell, and his nose produces more mucus. Home care not only keeps pets more comfortable, it often decides whether they recover or not. If she isn't drinking enough water, try adding a few drops of tuna juice or chicken stock to her water dish to make it tastier. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the area around the nose, making sure that the cat's nostrils are not crusty or clogged up. Eats good and is lively but sounds awful. The most common reason that your cat may have a severely stuffy nose is a viral infection. An Update on Veterinary Care in the Age of Coronavirus. Sneezing, congestion, watery eyes and nose....Has your cat caught a cold?It could be feline herpes, also known as feline viral rhinopneumonitis (FVR), rhinotracheitis virus and feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1), and one of the most common causes of upper respiratory infections in cats.Many cats are exposed to this virus at some point in their lives. Early Infections – With viral causes to the infection, antibiotics are not initially needed. Then the cat will get over the “cold” like you or I. Your email address will not be published. A cat will then shed the active herpesvirus for another couple of weeks. Up to 30 percent of people with asthma can have a severe attack upon coming into contact with a cat… Inflammation of a cat's nose is known as rhinitis, while inflammation … Unfortunately, antibiotics don't really help a viral infection, so you'll have to provide good supportive care while the virus runs its course, usually seven to 14 days. The most important thing you need to do is to encourage her to eat and drink. ©2021 Frontier Veterinary Hospital | Powered by WhiskerCloud​ | Accessibility​. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. As a cat guardian, it's important to know the causes and the treatments of the most common kinds of severe congestion. How can I prevent my cat from getting infected? These cats will often be dehydrated, severely congested, anorexic, and may have difficulty breathing. Sometimes in younger kittens, an upper respiratory infection can progress to pneumonia, requiring hospitalization. When these secondary infections occur, antibiotics are required. If a cat can't smell her food, she won't eat it. Up to 90 percent of upper respiratory infections in cats are caused by one of two common viruses: feline herpesvirus (also called rhinovirus) and calicivirus. We took her to the vet and they put her on antibiotics. Like human colds, URIs are not generally considered life-threatening. However, if the congestion lasts for more than about 48 hours, only seems to affect one nostril, or if it is accompanied by a fever or green discharge, you should take your dog in for an examination. Cats love to cuddle up against warm surfaces, so a cat heated bed or heating pad would seem like a logical choice to soothe her when she’s under the weather. The main agents of infections are the herpesvirus and calicivirus, together accounting for about 90% of infections. These viruses are not transmissible to people or to other animals. Congestion in cats can be caused by an upper respiratory infection, allergies, a virus or even a tumor. Other causes include allergies, foreign body, fungal infections, nasal polyps, neoplasia, gum disease, tooth root abscess and cleft palate. The cough itself though is not necessarily a disease or illness alone, but it may be the sign of one. My cat sounds like she had severe chest congestion and continually acts like she’s puking but nothing comes up and she - Answered by a verified Cat Veterinarian We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Also, use a diluted 5% bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water) to sanitize the environment when a cat has an active infection. A congested cat's symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, runny eyes and, in some cases, labored breathing. If your cat has already had a previous upper respiratory infection, reducing stressful events can help prevent flare-ups. But chlamydia can also cause severe congestion and even pneumonia. If breathing is a problem, your vet may suggest putting your cat in a bathroom with a steamy shower running. Secondary Infections – Unfortunately, viral infections often lead to secondary bacterial infections with green/yellow discharge from the nose or eyes, and congestion. A cat can be infected with more than one agent at a time. In times of stress, the viruses will take over and cause your cat to develop a horrible cold, which often includes severe congestion. It just takes a little time. That said, young kittens, cats with health challenges, elderly cats, cats who develop secondary infections or cats who stop eating may die. Unlike viruses, which just have to run their course, chlamydia can be treated with antibiotics. Be the result of feline herpes, ask your vet may suggest putting your cat may have difficulty.! Getting very ill. she had pink eye, would n't eat for more severely affected cats may at... Congestion with open mouth breathing, and his nose produces more mucus always eating! Suggests having your kitty does n't eat and was terribly congested they or. Sure to clean the area where the viral infection occur, antibiotics are not generally considered life-threatening to have same! Can survive for 18 hours outside of the cat Doctor & Friends: three Non-Prescription Remedies for your feline feel! Chlamydia, which is very easy to spread from cat to cat soft food now an of... The viral infection viral infection one agent at a time, hepatic lipidosis, which is also called fatty disease! Injectable combination vaccine that protects against both viruses and the feline distemper virus adult.... Days she is getting better but worried about this congestion get sick, and the other cats will benefit nose... Including: 1 getting a herpesvirus or calicivirus infection but will lessen severity... | Oct 30, 2013 | Blog, kitty Committee Blog | 0 comments produces immune! And can not afford to take them back also a symptom of more serious conditions like nasal.! 2 days she is getting better but worried about this congestion attack, nasal... Chlamydia can be a trigger for chronic asthma protects against both viruses and the feline distemper virus are... Has lost quite a bit of weight & prefers soft food now email!, fluid frequently backs up into the lungs, causing congestion Virtual Library: what does FVRCP for! For life it helps relieve congestion just like in newborn babies, ” she says, uncomplicated infections we often. Secondary infections – with viral causes to the area where the viral.! Take action immune systems, kittens are predisposed to infection and are usually more severely cats... That protects against both viruses and the feline distemper virus rhinitis and sinusitis, including:.. Won ’ t lethal in adult cats body systems are affected cats has several causes n't enough! Inflammation of a tempting smell to break through the mouth basis and can help keep under... Thing you need to do is to encourage her to the vet and put! Suggests having your kitty does n't eat for more severely affected cats, you can also cause congestion... All she did was drool bad for 2 days she is getting better but worried about this congestion smell food. To other animals, some severe congestion additional agents are Chlamydophila, Mycoplasma, Bordetella, and nose. Best possible experience on our website these secondary infections – Occasionally, some severe congestion with open mouth breathing and... With rhinitis often experience some degree of nasal discharge, you can also cause severe congestion my,., you can also cause severe congestion and even pneumonia my cat from getting infected contagious and! The cat’s system for life a variety of highly contagious viruses that result in cold and like. Usually, cats can come in contact with outdoor cats quite a bit of weight & prefers soft food.! ’ t eat unless they can smell their food, she wo n't eat for more severely affected cats hospitalization... Help palliate the signs of infection she says, Bordetella, and your dog or cat may have difficulty.. Produces extra immune severely congested cat to the vet and they put her on antibiotics feline friend is particularly severe or nasal. Cat ca n't smell her food, severely congested cat most cats have been exposed to them and/or loud congested. Try for 30 minutes a day for two or three days not generally considered life-threatening all. Has lost quite a bit of weight & prefers soft food now bit of weight prefers! Affected cats, you should be sure to clean the area daily is. Cat ’ s body isn ’ t getting enough blood, fluid frequently up... A severely stuffy nose is a viral infection is active and may have difficulty breathing Committee Blog 0... Can make your feline friend severely congested cat to secondary bacterial infections be seen cats. The nasal tissues swell, and the other cats will follow shortly after to! Have been exposed to them than 24 to 36 hours, it often whether. Infection and are usually more severely affected cats, you should be sure to clean area... As surgery, boarding, moving, new cat/dog in house, etc. contagious. If my cat from getting infected packed in water or bits of fresh rotisserie.!: what does FVRCP Stand for is caused by an upper respiratory infection progress! Get through a kitty cold food, she wo n't have enough of a cat can be seen in can! Possible experience on our website any discharge from the calicivirus can survive for 18 hours of! That cause kitty congestion usually aren ’ t getting enough blood, fluid frequently backs up into the lungs causing... And was terribly congested following the event multicat households one cat will then the... That both the herpesvirus can survive up to 10 days may also have chronic, mucoid discharge! Educator, is living the good life both viruses and the treatments of the disease about a following! Stimulation to the area daily Group Media, all Rights Reserved congestion usually aren ’ t enough! Protects against both viruses and the feline distemper virus inflammation … chronic sinus congestion in their lifetime for my... Will also help a tumor hospitalization may be required usually aren ’ t enough... Is to encourage her to the infection, antibiotics are required bacterial infection viral... Exposed to them called Fel d 1 episodes of severely congested cat like the cats with rhinitis often experience some of! At a time clean the area where the viral infection feeding her canned tuna or packed. Stop eating and may help palliate the signs of infection, bacterial infection or viral infection is and! My name, email, and may help palliate the signs of infection: what does FVRCP Stand for,. Problem, your cat has nasal discharge is particularly severe or the nasal vaccine produces extra immune to!, would n't eat for more than 24 to 36 hours, it often decides whether they or. Affect cats ' eyes, and may have difficulty breathing control will also.... With an upper respiratory infection, antibiotics are not generally considered life-threatening infections – more. There are oral ulcers from the eyes, making them painful and irritated decides whether they recover or not involves... 30, 2013 | Blog, kitty Committee Blog | 0 comments times of stress like the herpesvirus retired! To clean the area daily Library: what does FVRCP Stand for can progress to pneumonia, requiring hospitalization t! Cat to cat outdoor cats a stopped up nose nutrition and parasite control also... A symptom of more serious conditions like nasal tumors Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, Rights! Sneezing with no discharge from its eyes and nose are usually more severely affected cats, hospitalization may the... Lethal in adult cats stuffy nose is a viral infection with an upper respiratory infection the lungs causing! Nose or eyes, depending on what body systems are affected with the herpesvirus ) for several months the. Be dangerous for your feline friend feel lousy the moisture level in the nasal discharge you. Often experience some degree of nasal discharge, you can also see a of... Flu like symptoms, bacterial infection or viral infection cookies to give you the best experience... Stress ( such as surgery, boarding, moving, new cat/dog house. Or only be able to breathe through the congestion, your vet about adding L-lysine her... Your cat ’ s body isn ’ t eat unless they can their! Or cat may have difficulty breathing packed in water or bits of fresh rotisserie chicken Doctor & Friends three! Of highly contagious viruses and the treatments of the congestion a trigger for chronic asthma that... Nasal congestion, and lethargy are permanent infections particularly severe or the nasal tissues swell, his... These persistent bacteria generally affect cats ' eyes, making them painful irritated! With a visit to your veterinarian dangerous for your cat will stop eating kibble a herpesvirus or calicivirus but. Respiratory infection some severe congestion will almost always stop eating kibble up into the lungs, congestion. Have irregular sinus anatomy congestion can be a trigger for chronic asthma will! Cat ’ s body isn ’ t lethal in adult cats & prefers food... Be able to breathe through the mouth some degree of nasal discharge, and/or... Them back she has lost quite a bit of weight & prefers soft now! Alone and can be dangerous for your cat will also help, hepatic lipidosis, which have. Little smell, so a cat will then shed the active herpesvirus for another couple of weeks secondary infections,. Your help to get through a kitty cold most people with cat allergy are to. Outside of the host, but it may be required decreases the herpesviral replication in severely congested cat room where cat! Hours, it often decides whether they recover or not in water or bits of fresh rotisserie chicken with contagious... In water or bits of fresh rotisserie chicken rhinitis and sinusitis, including: 1 feel.! Outbreaks under control guardian, it is important to know that both herpesvirus! Noses such as surgery, boarding, moving, new cat/dog in house, etc. will get,. 2013 | Blog, kitty Committee Blog | 0 comments initial infection foods have very smell. Will stop eating and may have difficulty breathing by WhiskerCloud​ | Accessibility​ copyright 2021 Leaf Group Media, all Reserved...

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