Any disease in pets brings a lot of worries and problems. A runny nose in cats is a trivial, but rather complicated problem. The fact is that human and feline runny nose can vary greatly. Let's understand: how and how to treat a cat’s runny nose?
Cats are more likely to run a cold than other pets. And this common occurrence can be much more severe than expected. This is explained by the fact that the nose of cats is very sensitive; in case of disease, cats lose their ability to navigate by smell. But that is not the point. Since the nasal passages of cats are narrow, they are often completely blocked when a cold occurs. Thus, the cat does not receive enough oxygen, and when breathing through the mouth, hypothermia can occur, since the air does not have time to warm naturally, as when breathing through the nose. All this can lead to a decrease in pet activity, a decrease in appetite, and dehydration. Therefore, great attention should be paid even to such a problem as a runny nose.
Causes of Runny Nose in Cats
There can be many reasons, in general they can be divided into infectious and non-infectious (for example, a runny nose can be a side effect of other diseases). The main reasons are as follows:
1) Bacteria and fungi. They affect the mucous membrane of cats. They can be dangerous to the health of the animal, although sometimes they do not bring much harm. It depends on which bacteria and in what quantity. For example: cocci fungi cause a runny nose, sneezing, a stuffy nose and a pet cannot breathe. And sluggish infections can even cause a chronic disease - rhinitis.
2) Viruses. Also a common cause, the species of which are also very many. Many of them are very dangerous for health and the help of specialists will be needed.
3) Allergy. Most allergens cause irritation of the nasal mucosa, which leads to a runny nose. There are a lot of feline allergens, so it is necessary to identify what exactly became the cause and eliminate it.
4) Polyps, growths or tumors. Such problems occur in cats older than seven years, they often occur with a thick runny nose and bleeding.
5) Inflammation of the ear. As in humans, the ear and nasal cavities are closely related, with inflammation of one, symptoms of the second often manifest.
6) The ingress of foreign objects can cause irritation of the mucosa, which leads to a runny nose and an attempt to get rid of the irritant. This can be the coat of the animal itself, sand and dirt, plants, etc.
7) Parasites - fleas and worms can also cause a runny nose, as irritation manifests itself as a reaction to parasites.
8) Subcooling of the animal. With a sharp decrease in overall body temperature, a runny nose can begin. Be sure to wrap the animal and try to warm it, the main thing is not to use hot water for this!
9) Hot air - from steam, boiling water, a hairdryer - can cause a runny nose.
10) Chemicals. May cause severe irritation of the nasal mucosa.
Symptomatology
To understand what is the cause of a cold in a cat and how to treat it, you need to pay attention and consider a pet, identifying the following symptoms indicates possible diseases:
1) Viruses: runny nose, pus in the eyes, loss of appetite and even vomiting, disruption of the intestines - diarrhea. The general condition of the pet is lethargy and apathy, it is urgent to consult a doctor, as this is very dangerous!
2) Allergy: itching and redness on the skin, runny nose, swollen eyes and tearing, heavy breathing, sneezing.
3) Polyps and tumors: the cat rubs the nose with its paws, irregularities or small tumors are visible on the muzzle in the nose area.
4) Foreign body contact: the cat tries to scratch its nose with a paw, shakes its face and often sneezes. This can be very dangerous, since a foreign object can pass into the larynx: the animal will begin to suffocate, wheezing and heavy breathing will be heard.
5) Pneumonia: cough, wheezing, runny nose, heavy breathing, fever, up to fever, extreme thirst and lack of appetite.
6) Panleukopia: cough and wheezing, vomiting and diarrhea, fever. The hallmark is that the animal cannot drink water, although it is very thirsty.
Coryza in cats - how to treat
To start treatment, you still need to contact a specialist who will make an accurate diagnosis, on which treatment will depend. This is important, as a runny nose can be just a side effect caused by one of the above diseases. How can a cat have a runny nose?
Most often, the following treatment is prescribed:
1) Flush the cat’s nose if the nasal cavities are completely blocked and the cat cannot breathe. It is also necessary if foreign objects get into the nose.
You can rinse your nose with baby Naphthyzinum or saline. The cat needs to be pressed firmly to the table or its knees so that it does not break out. Heat the fluid to body temperature. Next, we collect it into a syringe without a needle or an intravenous crankcase. It is necessary to raise the cat’s head, carefully pour 0.5 ml of the solution into each nostril, and let it rest.
2) If there are dried crusts near the nose, then they must be removed with a damp cotton pad. Never use force.
3) If a runny nose is caused by an allergy, then you need to establish the exact cause and remove the irritant.
4) For the treatment of the common cold, Doxycycline or Fosprenil is prescribed. Be sure to consult your doctor and do not violate the instructions!
5) If a runny nose is a complication of ear inflammation or inflammation of the teeth / gums, then the root cause must be removed. Having cured inflammation, a runny nose will pass.
6) Until the animal has recovered, do not leave a draft in the room and add vitamins to the diet to strengthen immunity.
7) When undercooling, it is necessary to wrap the cat in a plaid, you can use a heating pad. It is forbidden to warm the animal with a hot bath or rubbing, the cat's heart may not withstand the loads!
8) As a folk remedy, warming is often used. You can use warm salt or sand in a pouch / sock. You can do this up to three times a day.
Important to rememberthat only a doctor can establish an accurate diagnosis and say how to treat a runny nose in a cat. The treatment of different types of infections or allergies can be very different, so if the pet doesn’t feel better in a few days, contact the nearest veterinary blade for testing.
