Nasal & Respiratory

If your cat is sneezing a lot, has a runny nose, or seems to have trouble breathing through their nose, they might have a nasal disease. Find out more about common causes of nasal disease in cats.

Common respiratory issues can range from mild to severe and are often distressing for the cat and its owner. Recognising the signs and understanding how to proceed is crucial to keeping your cat healthy.

In this guide, we show you how to measure your cat’s resting breathing rate at home. Tracking their breathing rate helps us monitor how they’re responding to treatment or if their condition is worsening.

Nasal tumors 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.

Cryptococcus is found in the environment, particularly in bird droppings and soil. If your cat comes into contact with this fungus, they may develop a chronic nasal discharge, swelling on the nose, and even neurological signs if it spreads.

Chronic rhinitis typically develops following a viral or bacterial infection, particularly in cats with upper respiratory tract infections. Cats with chronic rhinitis often display a combination of symptoms.

As nasal cancers progress, cats can sometimes develop problems with breathing. The cancer can also invade into nearby structures such as the brain or eyes causing neurological deterioration, blindness, or facial deformities.

Nebulisation can be a helpful treatment for cats with chronic lower airway diseases like feline asthma or chronic nasal conditions such as rhinosinusitis.

If your cat has been diagnosed with asthma or chronic bronchitis, you may need to use an inhalation chamber for medication. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it.