What to feed a cat with a runny nose

What should a cat with a runny nose eat?

When a cat has a runny nose, it's essential to first determine whether it's caused by a common cold or a viral disease. Then, treat the cause accordingly. If the runny nose is due to a common cold, the cat can be given some pet-specific cold medicines. If it's caused by a viral disease, anti-viral drugs or injections can be administered. Additionally, most cats with a runny nose will also experience sneezing, and owners should address this symptom as well.

What causes a cat's runny nose?

A cat's runny nose may be due to cold exposure, a common cold, or feline upper respiratory tract infection (FURTI). First, if the ambient temperature is too low, the cat may develop a runny nose. In this case, it's recommended to keep the cat warm. Secondly, if a cat catches a cold, it may exhibit symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose. Containing ingredients such as guaifenesin, medications can be used to treat this. Lastly, if the runny nose is caused by herpesvirus-induced FURTI, anti-viral drugs and lysine supplements are helpful in treating the condition.

What does a cat with a runny nose look like?

There are two types of runny nose symptoms in cats: clear mucus and purulent mucus. Generally, clear mucus is an initial manifestation of the disease, while purulent mucus appears in the later stages. If a cat has clear mucus, the cause may be a cold, stress response, or early stages of FURTI. In this case, prompt treatment can prevent the condition from worsening. When purulent mucus is present, the cat should be taken to a veterinary hospital for diagnosis and targeted treatment.

What to look out for?

Usually, cats need to be well-protected from cold temperatures. Move the cat to a warm environment and wrap it in warm blankets or clothing. When a cat has a runny nose, its immune system is weakened, so it's essential to feed it nutritious food to ensure balanced nutrition and provide enough nutrients and energy for the body to recover.