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Causes and Symptoms of Chronic Rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis typically develops following a viral or bacterial infection, particularly in cats with upper respiratory tract infections. Common viral culprits include feline herpesvirus (FHV) and calicivirus, which can have long-lasting effects on the respiratory system, making the nasal passages more vulnerable to inflammation.
Other possible triggers include
Allergies: Cats with environmental allergies, such as pollen, dust, or mould, may develop chronic rhinitis as a response to these irritants. The body’s immune system overreacts to harmless substances, causing persistent inflammation in the nasal passages.
Secondary bacterial infections: Following a viral infection, the nasal passages can become more prone to bacterial colonization, leading to ongoing symptoms even after the initial illness.
Structural abnormalities: Some cats may have congenital or acquired abnormalities in their nasal structure, such as narrow or misshapen nasal passages, which can predispose them to chronic rhinitis.
Chronic viral infections: Cats with FHV or calicivirus may experience recurrent flare-ups of their symptoms, especially during stress. These flare-ups can worsen the symptoms of chronic rhinitis.
Symptoms of chronic rhinitis
Cats with chronic rhinitis often display a combination of the following symptoms:
Persistent sneezing: Sneezing may occur frequently, sometimes in bouts, as the cat tries to clear their nasal passages.
Nasal discharge: The discharge can be clear or cloudy and may be present in one or both nostrils.
Congestion: Cats may have difficulty breathing through their nose, leading to noisy or laboured breathing.
Loss of appetite: Due to congestion, some cats may lose their sense of smell, reducing their appetite or reluctance to eat.
Facial discomfort: Chronic inflammation can sometimes lead to discomfort around the nose and eyes.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosing chronic rhinitis often involves ruling out other causes of nasal inflammation.
Your vet may perform a thorough examination, including nasal swabs, imaging (like X-rays or CT scans), and blood tests.
In some cases, a biopsy of the nasal tissue may be necessary to confirm chronic rhinitis.
While chronic rhinitis isn’t curable, it can be managed effectively with ongoing care and treatment to improve your cat’s quality of life. Management typically includes:
Medications
- Anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids are often used to reduce nasal inflammation.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection is present.
- Antihistamines or decongestants can help manage symptoms in cats with allergies.
Supportive care
Nasal drops or saline flushes: Saline drops or flushes can help clear the nasal passages and reduce congestion.
Humidifiers: Keeping a humidifier in the room where your cat spends the most time can help ease nasal congestion and improve breathing.
Nutritional support: It is essential to ensure your cat continues to eat well. Warming their food or offering highly palatable, aromatic meals can stimulate their appetite if congestion affects their sense of smell.
Stress management: Since stress can trigger flare-ups in cats with viral infections like FHV, reducing stress in the home environment can help manage symptoms. This can include providing quiet spaces, maintaining a routine, and using calming aids like pheromone diffusers.
“Previous infections can damage the delicate tissues of the nose.”
Long-term outlook
While chronic rhinitis in cats is lifelong, most cats can live comfortably with proper management and vet support. You can help your cat lead a happy, comfortable life despite their chronic nasal issues with the right combination of medications and at-home care.
If your cat shows signs of chronic rhinitis or you have concerns about its respiratory health, consult your vet to discuss treatment options and develop a care plan tailored to its needs.
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 is chronic rhinitis in cats?
Chronic rhinitis refers to persistent inflammation of the nasal passages lasting longer than 30 days. It often causes ongoing nasal discharge and sneezing.
What causes chronic rhinitis in cats?
The condition often begins after viral infections such as feline herpesvirus damage the nasal lining. This damage can lead to secondary bacterial infections.
How is chronic rhinitis in cats treated?
Chronic rhinitis in cats is usually managed rather than completely cured, as the condition often develops after long-term damage to the nasal passages. At Cat Specialist Services, we focus on controlling inflammation and secondary infections through tailored treatment plans. This may include extended courses of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and supportive care such as humidification or nasal flushing. Because every case is different, treatment is often ongoing and adjusted based on your cat’s response to therapy.
What symptoms do cats with chronic rhinitis show?
Cats typically show sneezing, nasal discharge and congestion. These symptoms may come and go over many years.
What is the long-term outlook for cats with chronic rhinitis?
Chronic rhinitis is typically a lifelong condition, but the good news is that most cats can still enjoy a good quality of life with the right management. We often see that while symptoms like sneezing or nasal discharge may come and go, they can usually be controlled with ongoing care. Because the condition is often linked to permanent changes in the nasal passages after earlier infections, it’s rarely completely cured—but with tailored treatment and regular monitoring, many cats live normal, happy lives.
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
Chronic rhinitis refers to long-term inflammation of the nasal passages.
The condition often develops after viral infections such as feline herpesvirus.
Ongoing bacterial infections may occur once the nasal tissue has been damaged.
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