Runny nose in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
BVMS
Updated October 16, 2025
4 min read

What to do

Causes

When to worry

Prevention

Diagnosis

Home treatment

Vet treatment

Risk

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Runny nose in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
BVMS
Updated October 16, 2025
4 min read

A runny nose in cats is a common symptom that can be caused by various diseases in the upper respiratory tract. Some of these diseases, such as a viral infection, can be mild and easy to treat. However, others may be more serious, such as a tumour in the nose.

The medical name for a runny nose is nasal discharge. The discharge can be anything from thick snot to blood or clear fluid. Cats of any age can develop a runny nose, but certain causes are more prevalent at specific stages of life. A runny nose is not normally a medical emergency unless your cat is losing a lot of blood or has problems breathing.

What to do if your cat has a runny nose >What to do if your cat has a runny nose [What to do

The most common causes of a runny nose in cats >The most common causes of a runny nose in cats [Causes

When you should be worried about a runny nose in cats >When you should be worried about a runny nose in cats [When to worry

Tips on how to prevent a runny nose in cats >Tips on how to prevent a runny nose in cats [Prevention

Diagnosis of a runny nose in cats >Diagnosis of a runny nose in cats [Diagnosis

How to treat a runny nose in cats at home >How to treat a runny nose in cats at home [Home treatment

Vet treatment for a runny nose in cats >Vet treatment for a runny nose in cats [Vet treatment

Are some cats more at risk of a runny nose than others? >Are some cats more at risk of a runny nose than others? [Risk

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