Introduction
If you’ve noticed your cat has yellow nasal discharge, you’re likely concerned about the cause and how to treat it. Nasal discharge in cats can range from clear and watery to thick and discolored, indicating an underlying issue. While minor allergies may lead to a temporary runny nose, persistent yellow discharge could signal a more serious health problem that requires veterinary care. This article will cover the common causes of yellow nasal discharge in cats, how it’s diagnosed, treatment options, and tips to prevent recurrence. With the right information and veterinary guidance, you can get to the bottom of your cat’s symptoms and help them breathe freely again.
Causes of Nasal Discharge in Cats
There are several potential causes of nasal discharge in cats:
Allergies
Allergies are a very common cause of nasal discharge in cats. Allergic rhinitis leads to inflammation of the nasal passages, resulting in excess mucus production. Cats can be allergic to things like pollen, dust mites, and mold. The nasal discharge caused by allergies is typically clear and watery [1].
Upper Respiratory Infections
Upper respiratory infections from viruses and bacteria often cause nasal discharge in cats. Viral infections like feline herpesvirus and calicivirus are highly contagious and cause symptoms like sneezing, coughing, fever, and yellow or greenish nasal discharge. Bacterial infections can also lead to similar symptoms along with yellow or brown discharge [2].
Foreign Objects
Cats can get foreign objects like grass, seeds, or foam stuck in their nasal passages, resulting in irritation, inflammation, and discharge as their body tries to expel it.
Allergies
Allergies are a common cause of nasal discharge in cats. Allergies cause inflammation in a cat’s nasal passages, sinuses, and airways, leading to sneezing and nasal discharge as the cat’s body tries to expel irritants. Common allergy symptoms in cats include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion and discharge – often clear and watery
- Red, itchy eyes
- Itchy skin, excessive grooming
- Respiratory issues like coughing and wheezing
Allergens that commonly trigger allergies and nasal symptoms in cats include:
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Cigarette smoke
- Certain foods and food additives
- Flea bites
- Latex and plastic materials
- Cleaning products and air fresheners
Allergies should be suspected if nasal discharge occurs seasonally or year-round. Diagnostic tests like skin testing and blood tests can identify specific allergens causing your cat’s symptoms.
Upper Respiratory Infections
Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are one of the most common causes of nasal discharge in cats. URIs are caused by viral pathogens like feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV). These highly contagious viruses spread through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or airborne particles from coughing and sneezing.
The primary symptoms of feline URIs include nasal congestion and discharge. The nasal discharge tends to be thick and often yellow or greenish in color. It may also contain mucus, pus, or blood. Sneezing, coughing, sore throat, fever, and eye inflammation or discharge may also occur. In severe cases, cats may have difficulty breathing and eating due to nasal congestion and ulcers on the tongue, mouth, and throat.[1]
Kittens, unvaccinated cats, cats from multi-cat households, and cats with weakened immune systems are most susceptible. URIs tend to be chronic and recurrent without appropriate treatment. Therefore, yellow or green nasal discharge in cats should always be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Foreign Objects
Cats can occasionally get foreign objects stuck in their nasal passages if they breathe in or swallow small objects, which may cause yellow nasal discharge. Some common foreign objects that can get lodged include grass, seeds, pebbles, food, litter, and more. According to the Dr Goodvet veterinary website, signs that a cat has a foreign object stuck in their nose include persistent sneezing, nasal discharge, pawing at the nose, nasal congestion, breathing issues, head shaking, gagging, retching, and apparent discomfort.
The University of Utah veterinary hospital notes additional symptoms like asymmetry of the nostrils, bleeding from the nose, and facial swelling. Your vet will look for visible foreign material or use imaging techniques to locate and identify the object. Treatment involves sedation and removal of the object, then managing any resulting infection or irritation. Preventing access to small objects can help avoid foreign body issues.
Dental Issues
Dental disease is a common cause of nasal discharge in cats. Periodontal disease, tooth abscesses, and other oral infections can lead to significant inflammation in a cat’s mouth. This inflammation can then spread to the nasal passages, sinuses, and upper respiratory tract, resulting in nasal discharge.
According to Shallowford Veterinary Hospital, nasal discharge and sneezing are two potential signs of dental disease in pets. Dental infections cause inflammation in the mouth that can spread to the nasal cavity, leading to discharge. Other symptoms of dental disease include bad breath, difficulty eating, loose or discolored teeth, tooth loss, facial swelling, and pawing at the mouth.
Cats with dental disease may have thick, yellow or green nasal discharge from one or both nostrils. The discharge is often foul-smelling. Sneezing, nasal congestion, and nosebleeds may also occur. In severe cases, an oronasal fistula can develop – an abnormal opening between the mouth and nasal cavity causing chronic nasal discharge.
Nasal Tumors
Cancer is a less common but possible cause of nasal discharge in cats. Nasal tumors develop from the nasal cavity lining and often take the form of adenocarcinomas or squamous cell carcinomas. While not extremely common, nasal tumors do occur more frequently in cats than other animals. Signs of a nasal tumor include bloody or mucus-filled discharge, noisy breathing, facial swelling and deformity, and epistaxis (nose bleeds).
There are a few different types of nasal tumors that can occur in cats:
- Adenocarcinoma – This malignant tumor arises from the nasal glands and causes unilateral bloody nasal discharge. It is locally invasive and eventually spreads to the bones around the nasal cavity, eye sockets, and brain.
- Squamous cell carcinoma – An aggressive tumor originating from the nasal epithelium that leads to ulceration, bleeding, and tissue destruction.
- Undifferentiated carcinoma – A rapidly growing tumor composed of poorly differentiated cells. It often fills the entire nasal cavity.
- Chondrosarcoma – A rare cartilaginous tumor that can obstruct breathing.
While the long-term prognosis is poor, radiation therapy can help prolong survival times in cats with nasal tumors. Surgical removal may also be an option, but tumors often recur. Unfortunately, many nasal tumors are not diagnosed until an advanced stage due to their location deep within the nasal passages.
Diagnosis
To diagnose the cause of yellow nasal discharge in cats, veterinarians will perform a full physical exam and take the cat’s medical history into account. They will look into the cat’s nose, mouth, and throat for any abnormalities, inflammation, foreign bodies, tumors, or dental disease that could be causing the discharge.
The vet may also recommend imaging tests like x-rays or CT scans to get a closer look at the nasal passages, sinuses, mouth, and teeth. These images can help identify dental disease, foreign objects, masses, or other issues that may not be visible on an exam.
Lab tests like cultures, biopsies, or bloodwork may be done as well. Cultures can identify a bacterial or fungal infection causing the discharge. Biopsies of the nasal tissue or discharge itself can diagnose cancer if present. Bloodwork can check for underlying illnesses contributing to nasal infections.
With a full diagnostic workup including exam, imaging, and lab tests, the vet can pinpoint the root cause of a cat’s yellow nasal discharge and recommend appropriate treatment.
Treatment
The treatment for yellow nasal discharge in cats depends on the underlying cause. Some common treatment options may include:
Medications: Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is a bacterial infection causing the discharge. Antihistamines or decongestants may help reduce mucus production for allergies. Antiviral medication can treat viral infections. Specific medication will be determined by your veterinarian.
Surgery: If there is a foreign object, tumor or other mass in the nasal passage, surgery may be required to remove it. Endoscopic surgery going through the nose or an open surgery cutting into the nasal passage are options. Biopsies will also be taken if cancer is suspected.
Nose Drops: Saline nose drops can help flush out the nasal passage and thin mucus secretions. Medicated drops may also be prescribed by your vet.
Dental Care: Tartar buildup on teeth can lead to nasal inflammation. A professional dental cleaning by your vet may help.
Overall, medications and surgery are common treatments, but the specific approach will depend on the diagnosed cause of your cat’s yellow nasal discharge. Consult with your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Prevention
There are several steps cat owners can take to help prevent nasal discharge in their cats:
Keeping up with regular veterinary checkups and vaccines can help catch underlying illnesses early and prevent upper respiratory infections. Annual dental cleanings are also important, as dental disease is a common cause of nasal discharge. Be sure to brush your cat’s teeth daily as well.
Avoid exposing your cat to irritants that can trigger nasal discharge, such as cigarette smoke, dust, pollen, and strong scents from household cleaners or candles. Use unscented litter and grooming products. An air purifier with a HEPA filter can also help remove allergens and pollutants from your home.
Make sure your cat’s food and water bowls are clean to avoid bacterial buildup. Wash bedding frequently as well. Keep your cat indoors to reduce exposure to upper respiratory viruses from other cats.
While nasal discharge can’t always be prevented entirely, staying on top of vet care and minimizing irritants can reduce the chances of your cat developing a runny nose.