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How do Nasal Cancers affect Cats?
Nasal tumours primarily affect cats’ nasal passages and sinuses, causing obstructions or damage to the surrounding tissues. Older cats are at higher risk, though nasal cancers can occur in cats of any age.
The most common types of nasal cancer in cats include nasal adenocarcinoma, lymphoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers can be locally aggressive, meaning they tend to grow in the nose or sinuses, but in some cases, they may spread (metastasise) to other areas of the body.
Symptoms of nasal cancer
Because nasal tumours can mimic infections or chronic rhinitis, it’s important to be vigilant for signs that may point to something more serious. Common symptoms include:
Nasal discharge: Like infections, cats with nasal cancer often have a persistent discharge from one or both nostrils. This discharge can be clear, bloody, or mixed with mucus.
Sneezing and congestion: A tumour obstructing the nasal passages can cause frequent sneezing, wheezing, and noisy breathing.
Facial swelling or deformity: One of the more telling signs of nasal cancer is swelling around the nose or face. This can make your cat’s face lopsided or cause discomfort when touched.
Difficulty breathing: As the tumour grows, it can restrict airflow through the nasal passages, leading to laboured or open-mouth breathing.
Eye discharge or bulging eyes: If the tumour invades the tissues around the eyes, it may cause eye discharge, swelling, or even a bulging appearance in one or both eyes.
Loss of appetite or weight loss: Cats with nasal cancer may experience a reduced sense of smell or difficulty eating due to congestion, leading to weight loss or a decreased appetite.
Diagnosing nasal cancer
Accurate diagnosis is key to determining the appropriate treatment for cat nasal cancer. Your vet will perform a series of tests, which may include:
Imaging: To visualise the tumour, your vet may recommend X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans. This helps identify the size and location of the tumour and any potential spread to other parts of the body.
Biopsy: A tissue biopsy is usually required to confirm the presence of cancer and determine the tumour type. This involves examining a small sample of the affected tissue under a microscope.
Blood tests: Although they won’t directly diagnose nasal cancer, they can inform your cat’s overall health and ability to undergo treatment.
“Symptoms can resemble infections or chronic nasal disease.”
Treatment options for nasal cancer
Once diagnosed, treatment for nasal cancer in cats will depend on the tumour type, stage, and location. Standard treatment approaches include:
Surgery: In some cases, surgical removal of the tumour is possible, particularly if it is localised and has not spread to other areas. However, the complex anatomy of the nasal passages can make complete removal difficult.
Radiation therapy: Radiation is often the treatment of choice for nasal cancers in cats, especially when surgery is not an option. Radiation therapy targets the tumour with high-energy beams, shrinking it and alleviating symptoms.
Chemotherapy: For certain types of nasal cancer, such as lymphoma, chemotherapy may be recommended in combination with other treatments. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Palliative care: If the cancer is advanced and treatment options are limited, palliative care can help manage symptoms and improve your cat’s quality of life. This may include pain management, anti-inflammatory medications, and reduced nasal discharge or swelling treatments.
Prognosis and outlook
The prognosis for cats with nasal cancer depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, how advanced it is at the time of diagnosis, and how well the cat responds to treatment. While some types of nasal cancer can be managed with surgery or radiation therapy, the overall outlook can be guarded, especially if the cancer has spread.
Early detection plays a crucial role in improving the chances of successful treatment. Regular check-ups and awareness of unusual signs in your cat’s respiratory health can lead to earlier diagnosis and more treatment options.
Are you worried about your cat’s health?
If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.
Meet The Author
Dr Rachel Korman
Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine
BVSc MANZCVS (Internal Medicine) FANZCVS (Feline Medicine)
Dr. Korman’s childhood love for cats led her to veterinary medicine, and early on, it was clear that feline care was her calling. After graduating from the University of Queensland in 2000, she worked in small animal and feline-only practices across Australia and the UK.
She received a Senior Clinical Training Scholarship from the Feline Advisory Bureau (now International Cat Care) at the University of Bristol, where she researched feline infectious and haematological diseases, and in 2018, became a Fellow of the Feline Medicine Chapter of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a registered Feline Medicine specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are nasal cancers in cats?
Nasal cancers are tumours that develop in the nasal cavity or sinuses. They can obstruct airflow or damage surrounding tissues as they grow.
Which cats are most at risk of nasal cancer?
Older cats are more commonly affected, although nasal tumours can occur at any age.
What symptoms may indicate nasal cancer in cats?
Signs can include nasal discharge, sneezing and breathing difficulty. Because these symptoms resemble infections, diagnosis may require further investigation.
Can nasal tumours spread to other areas?
Some types of nasal cancer can spread beyond the nose to other organs or tissues. The likelihood depends on the tumour type.
Why is early investigation important for nasal disease?
Early diagnosis helps determine whether symptoms are due to infection, inflammation or cancer. Identifying the cause allows appropriate treatment planning.
Patient Stories
Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.
Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.
Kitty, a lymphoma survivor
We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass
Poppi finds her feet again
Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected
Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey
Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.
Lando’s long game with cryptococcus
Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.
Popeye coughs up the culprit
Ares is a handsome young Maine Coon who was referred to CSS after presenting at AES with sudden lameness in his back leg.
Key Takeaways
Nasal tumours affect the nasal passages and sinuses in cats.
Older cats are more commonly affected, although the condition can occur at any age.
Some nasal cancers can spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body.
Cat Specialist Services Reviews 
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Tanya Bell
6 months ago
We transported our cat here from another animal hospital, as his condition was too complex for them. Our pet was given the highest quality of care, multiple investigations/procedures being able to be done at the one place a godsend. We were kept up to date frequently throughout his stay. All questions & options explained thoroughly. Being able to have private visits certainly helped us and our cat too. I would highly recommend Cat Specialist Services at Underwood. Amazing staff from reception, vet nurses, vets & specialists. Oh, and yes he is recovering wonderfully at home.
Melinda Cox
A month ago
So very happy we were asked to come here for advice for our NORBIT. He has had 2 x UTI blockages within weeks of each other since turning 6. Surgery seemed to be his only option and he didn’t feel it was very fair on him if we didn’t at least exhaust all other avenues first.
Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.
It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.
At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.
We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.
NORBIT will now be a patient of the clinic as we are so far very happy with his treatment thus far.
Lesley Rosekrans
A month ago
Hi has only been a week since losing my beautiful Peaches but can’t thank Dr Cindy, Maree and Jackie enough for the tender care they gave her and they after care they gave me. I sincerely thank them and can’t recommend the Clinic highly enough they are such caring people. Peaches I’m happier times.
Madison McEwan
A month ago
I cannot thank the entire CSS team enough and especially Dr Cindy for the care they provided for our boy with a urinary blockage, and we will be taking both our cats here from now on. The clinic is exceptionally clean and calming compared to all other clinics we’ve been too, and all staff from the reception to the nurses/vets were so supportive during a stressful time. I knew from the first minute that I got to see him after he was transferred that he was in the best place, and that the staff genuinely care about their well-being and positive long term outcomes. We were given regular updates and full transparency, so much information including QR video codes on how to administer medications, along with print outs and emails about how to best help avoid future issues or recurrence. Our boy got to smooch on everyone and was beyond well looked after. Thank you again, you all made an incredibly stressful situation actually manageable and calming.
Astrid El Gamal
6 months ago
Dr Wan-Ju has been treating my baby since her first seizure in November 2025 and she has been fantastic.
Everybody at the clinic is so friendly and caring and I know my baby is in good hands.
Thank you team!
Deeba M
3 months ago
Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!
Judith Dionysius
A month ago
My whole experience with CSS was positive – from the first email I received giving lots of information regarding the process of radioactive iodine treatment to the expected costs, to checking my cat in for the treatment, boarding for 2 weeks after the treatment and picking her up to come home. They didn’t push for any tests that were not necessary.
Janelle Wieden
5 months ago
We never knew this service existed but we are very grateful we were referred to them. Our vet Cindy was really great, she made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. We got the sense straight away the Leo was in good hands. This service made us feel better knowing that they specialise is cats only. Would highly recommend their services
Georgia Carter
5 months ago
My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.
I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.
Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.
I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.
Lauren Woodward
A year ago
My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me
Service Locations
Cat Specialists accepts referrals for cats across Brisbane and surrounding regions, working closely with local veterinary clinics to provide specialist diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
Contacting Us
Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.
Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pmSaturday/Sunday - Closed