How to treat a runny nose in a 2 month old kitten

Cause of runny nose

There are various causes of a runny nose in a cat. Depending on them, separate treatment is selected. For example, if a cat is coughing and sneezing due to a bacterial infection, an antiviral drug is not given, but antibiotics are used.

Colds in cats

Cold or viral infection

ARVI in cats is quite common. It is accompanied by the following clinical symptoms:

• dry cough;
• rhinitis - inflammation of the nasal mucosa, accompanied by mucus secretion;
• increased body temperature;
• occasional sneezing;
• symptoms of illness - weakness, fatigue, lethargy, drowsiness, sudden loss of strength, the cat constantly sleeps, rarely moves.

Important! Unlike a bacterial infection, a cold is not accompanied by the discharge of pus. But if there is no therapy for a long time, the pathogenic microflora is gradually activated, so a complication appears in the form of infection.

Fever

High body temperature accompanies many diseases:

• conjunctivitis;
• rhinitis;
• inflammation of various sinuses;
• tracheitis, bronchitis, pneumonia;
• ARVI.

Elevated body temperature always accompanies pathological conditions. Normally it does not rise. The temperature rises to increase the body's resistance and destroy bacteria and viruses.

Typically, viral diseases are accompanied by a slightly elevated body temperature. After 3 days of illness it gradually decreases.

If the cat gets sick with a bacterial infection, the temperature rises significantly. If there is no antibacterial treatment, it does not decrease, and the animal’s condition gradually worsens.

Allergic runny nose

Some animals experience allergic rhinitis. This is a condition in which exposure to an antigen leads to irritation and inflammation of the nasal mucosa. This condition occurs over a long period of time upon contact with an allergen.

The cause may be household dust, household chemicals, pollen from certain plants, or food. The owner must not only use antihistamines, but also completely eliminate the allergen from the animal’s life so that rhinitis does not recur.

Rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis

If a cat develops rhinitis, the inflammatory process can gradually spread to the sinuses. Initially, the animal secretes serous exudate from the nose. If there is no treatment for a long time, the bacterial infection begins to multiply. Therefore, transparent snot is gradually replaced by green discharge. A bacterial infection cannot be cured with antiviral drugs; the animal’s condition gradually worsens. This leads to purulent sinusitis with increased body temperature, swelling of the face, and pain in the head.

Rhinitis

Important! The cat or kitten becomes restless, sleeps poorly, and is tormented by constant pain.

How to cure a runny nose in a kitten?

The kitten's immune system is imperfect, so babies are prone to runny nose. Most often, this is a symptom of an incipient serious illness. The inflammatory process affecting the nasal cavity is called rhinitis. The body tries to remove mucus from the nose, which contains dirt, toxins and pathogens. When a pet has a runny nose, it is difficult to breathe, it sneezes, rubs the bridge of its nose with its paws, and it requires veterinary care.

Green snot is a danger signal

Green snot signals the addition of bacterial microflora. It could be as follows:

• streptococci;
• staphylococci;
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa;
• pneumococci.

Snot in a kitten, cat and cat: how to treat it

These are the main bacteria that cause your pet to snot. But there may be other pathogenic microorganisms. The green color is formed due to the proliferation of bacteria, the action of the immune system, which secretes lymphocytes and inflammatory mediators. The greater the immune response, the greater the swelling and exudate.

Gradually, rhinitis with green snot becomes more complicated, leading to the following diseases:

• rhinitis;
• sinusitis;
• sinusitis;
• pharyngitis;
• frontitis.

Purulent exudate can pass not only into the sinuses, but down the respiratory system. First, pharyngitis appears, which then develops into tracheitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. This condition is common, especially in cats with reduced immune reactivity.

Purulent exudate has a thick structure, so it often completely clogs the nasal passages. The pet begins to breathe heavily and snore in its sleep. In severe cases, body temperature rises.

In rare cases, the infection can travel throughout the body, causing infectious inflammation of the kidneys, bladder, and even the brain.

Attention! If antibacterial drugs are not given to the animal in a timely manner, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing sepsis and death without first aid.

How to diagnose the disease yourself

You can independently identify the viral nature of the disease by the following symptoms:

• a sharp deterioration in health, prolonged sleep is not typical;
• loss of appetite;
• increased body temperature;
• snoring in sleep, bad breathing;
• nasal congestion, clear or mucous exudate may flow from it;
• the eyes begin to water, often the condition is complicated by conjunctivitis;
• Due to the movement of snot along the respiratory tract, a cough occurs.

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If the above symptoms are supplemented by an elevated body temperature for more than 3 days and the presence of green snot, this indicates a bacterial infection.

With allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis, the animal constantly sneezes and coughs, and its eyes water. The condition can last for many months with constant contact with the allergen.

Important! You can only suspect a pathological process on your own, but in order to confirm it and get the right treatment, it is better to consult a doctor who will conduct instrumental and laboratory tests.

How to determine the cause of a runny nose in cats by the appearance of discharge

Before starting treatment for snot in a kitten, you should find out the nature of its occurrence. With different syndromes, the nature of nasal mucus differs significantly.

Allergic rhinitis is manifested by copious liquid discharge. With a cold, the exudate is clear, but is usually accompanied by fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

With infections caused by pathogenic bacteria, the kitten's snot is green in color with a foul odor. The nasal passages are clogged, the cat breathes through its mouth.

Viral diseases are accompanied by copious liquid discharge from the nose. A runny nose is not the only symptom. The disease is accompanied by high fever, the animal's nose becomes dry and hot. Conjunctivitis, lacrimation, and inflammation of the cornea occur. Malaise and loss of appetite are typical.

Important! Viral diseases - calcivirosis, rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia cannot be treated independently; consultation with a specialist is required.

Treatment of a runny nose in a cat with medications

If your cat sneezes and has snot, your veterinarian will tell you what to do. It is not recommended to apply therapeutic measures on your own, as a serious illness may occur. It is better to undergo a full examination first.

Cold

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If a cat has a cold, the use of antibiotics is recommended only if there are complications in the form of green snot and the spread of infection.

Otherwise, the following types of drugs are indicated:

• antipyretics for prolonged high temperatures;
• expectorant medications that help thin and release mucus;
• vitamin therapy, which improves the resistance of the immune system so that it can independently fight the disease;
• vasodilating drops for rinsing the nose, for example, Naphthyzin;
• antiviral drugs (Anandin);
• immune system stimulant (Derinat as nasal drops).

Important! The course of treatment is no more than 7 days. During this period, the cat should recover completely. If this does not happen, consult a doctor again.

Allergic rhinitis

If a cat sneezes and coughs, how to treat allergies at home, the veterinarian tells us after conducting an allergy test:

• complete elimination of the allergen from the pet’s life;
• taking antihistamines when the first signs of allergy appear (Suprastin, Zodak);
• in rare cases, when allergies are accompanied by severe dermatitis, steroid hormones are prescribed;
• immunotherapy, that is, the pet’s body is gradually saturated with the allergen in small quantities so that the immune system gets used to it.

If the allergy is accompanied by diarrheal disorders and digestive disorders, the animal is prescribed a constant diet that eliminates the introduction of any allergen.

ARVI complicated by infection

The body can cope on its own, but to do this, you can stimulate the immune system. For example, with the drugs Derinat, Gamavit.

They give an antiviral drug, but if an antibacterial infection occurs, an additional antibiotic is prescribed (Neopen, Cefazolin, Macropen).

In order for the cat to quickly cope with a cold, do not disturb it and give it plenty of water. To help her move around less, a bowl of food can be placed next to her bed.

Complication of infection

Cold drops for cats

If your cat has non-green snot, it is recommended to adhere to the following treatment regimen:

• Apply vasoconstrictor drops to relieve swelling, inflammation and temporarily eliminate the release of exudate (Galazolin, Naphthyzin).
• Instill an antibiotic or antimicrobial agent (Dioxidin, Tobrex, Vigamox, Levofloxacin).
• Instead of antibiotics, antimicrobial solutions can be used, for example, zinc sulfate, boric acid.

Gradually the condition of the nose and sinuses returns to normal. If a cat has allergic rhinitis, it is recommended to add antihistamines and a hormonal substance to the vasodilators.

Traditional methods of treating a runny nose

For traditional methods of therapy, herbal decoctions are used, which can be instilled into the cat's nose or washed out of the eyes from suppuration. Suitable for this:

• chamomile;
• coltsfoot;
• calendula.

They can be brewed together or separately. They not only have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, but also saturate the body with vitamins.

Important! To eliminate suppuration and pain in the eyes, you can wash them with oak bark tincture. It has tanning properties and acts as an antiseptic.

What not to do when treating a runny nose in a cat

To treat your cat, it is recommended to use the treatment prescribed by your veterinarian. It is not recommended to use the following methods without his approval:

• give antibiotics without prescription;
• use herbal preparations if you have allergies;
• give drugs that are intended for people, but not animals (some drugs are only suitable for humans);
• walk your pet if it has an elevated body temperature;
• often give an antipyretic, body temperature may drop below the minimum level, which will lead to a drop in blood pressure, a sharp loss of strength, and fainting;
• give hormonal substances;
• Treat the animal yourself if only 1 of the signs of illness appears, that is, the cat could sneeze, but this does not necessarily mean the appearance of a runny nose or cold.

Many medications require veterinarian approval. If the pet owner neglects this rule, he may get complications. For example, when treating a viral disease with antibiotics, a fungal infection and disruption of the intestinal microflora may gradually develop.

Rhinitis is often complicated by conjunctivitis

Colds in cats

No animal is immune from hypothermia. A long walk in the cold, exposure to a draft - all this can lead to a cold.

Symptoms of this condition:

1. Hoarse breathing.
2. Clear nasal discharge.
3. Coughing and sneezing.
4. Decreased body temperature.

It is impossible to treat a cold animal with medicines intended for humans. First aid boils down to wrapping the pet in a warm blanket and warming its paws with a heating pad or dry heat. Under no circumstances should you put your cat in hot water! If after an hour the animal does not feel better, it is recommended to urgently contact a veterinary clinic.

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Preventive measures

To prevent colds in pets, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

• periodically ventilate the room, but do not create strong drafts;
• diversify the diet so that the animal’s body receives all the beneficial substances;
• follow the vaccination schedule and visit the veterinarian periodically;
• It is not recommended to dry your pet’s face with a hairdryer;
• periodically treat parasites and helminths;
• carry out wet cleaning of premises;
• hide chemical solutions and cleaning products so that the animal cannot come into contact with them.

Attention! Compliance with the rules of prevention will not completely eliminate the risk of colds, but will significantly reduce it.

Preventive examination by a veterinarian

Colds can occur in any animal, especially if the resistance of its immune system is reduced. To eliminate the possibility of infection, it is recommended to stimulate the pet’s immune system. Treatment is carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian, in a strict dosage and according to a certain course.

Prevention of snot in pets

To prevent the occurrence of a runny nose in cats, you must comply with the following conditions:

• provide a balanced diet rich in vitamins;
• ensure that there are no drafts in the room;
• in the first eight weeks of life, immunize with Multifel-4, Quadricat, Nobivak;
• limit the cat’s contact with allergens and chemicals;
• do regular vaccinations to form stable lifelong immunity against dangerous viral diseases;
• Every six months, treat with anthelmintic drugs.

With timely measures taken, rhinitis in a kitten can be quickly cured if the cause is a cold or allergy. Severe bacterial and viral pathologies require medical intervention; delay can lead to the death of the animal.

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