Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Cats

Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Cats

By: PetPlace Veterinarians

Section: Causes

The following list emphasizes the most important causes of nasal discharge.

  • Infectious diseases – viral and bacterial: Rickettsial infections (also lead to bleeding disorders), bacterial infections (usually secondary to something else)

  • Infectious diseases – fungal diseases (mycotic infections) – Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhinosporidium, Sporothrix

  • Nasal mites (tiny insects)

  • Dental disease with infection of the tooth roots

  • Inflammatory diseases of the nasal cavity such as
    1) lymphocytic plasmacytic rhinitis – an "immune" or nonspecific response of the nasal mucosa (lining cells) to an injury or stimulation
    2) idiopathic (no known cause) including "allergic" rhinitis

  • Neoplasia– tumors or cancers, including: adenocarcinoma
    , chondrosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, mast cell tumor, osteosarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma

  • Polyps – inflammatory benign growths

  • Congenital diseases – ciliary dyskinesis (lack of normal microscopic hairs, cleft palate (food leaks from mouth to nose), imperforate posterior choanae openings (nasal discharge cannot drain)

  • Foreign bodies

  • Trauma

  • Bleeding disorders – abnormal clotting of blood manifested as a "nose bleed" caused by: immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopathia, Ehrlichiosis, hyperglobulinemia, polycythemia, hyperviscosity syndromes and hypertension

  • Extranasal diseases leading to nasal discharge: pneumonia, swallowing disorders, deficiency in local immunity (IgA)

    •  
    Printable Version
     
    Have a Pet Question?
    Review the Most Frequent Questions
    Answered by Dr. Jon and His Staff of Veterinarians
    Ask Dr. Jon
    Dr. Jon's Newsletter
    Yes! Send Me the Latest Health Information, Pet Tips, Pet Stories and more...
     
     

    Related Articles

    • 1 Nasopharyngeal Polyps in Cats

      Nasopharyngeal polyps are benign growths that can occur in the pharynx, the middle ear and even perforate through the tympanic membrane (ear drum). They occur mainly in cats and the exact cause is uncertain....

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2 Rhinitis and Sinusitis in Cats

      Rhinitis or sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucosa (lining) of the nasal cavity or sinuses. It is seen in both dogs and cats and there are a variety of causes.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3 Cytology in Cats

      Cytology is the evaluation of cells, either tissue or blood, under a microscope. Cytology can detect the presence of inflammation, infection, bacteria, fungi, parasites and cancer.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4 Chest Radiograph (X-ray) in Cats

      A chest radiograph (X-ray) is a procedure that allows your veterinarian to visualize tissue, organs and bones that lie beneath the skin of the chest cavity.

      Read MoreRead More
    Related Articles
    • 1Nasopharyngeal Polyps in Cats

      Nasopharyngeal polyps are benign growths that can occur in the pharynx, the middle ear and even perforate through the tympanic membrane (ear drum). They occur mainly in cats and the exact cause is uncertain....

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Rhinitis and Sinusitis in Cats

      Rhinitis or sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucosa (lining) of the nasal cavity or sinuses. It is seen in both dogs and cats and there are a variety of causes.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Cytology in Cats

      Cytology is the evaluation of cells, either tissue or blood, under a microscope. Cytology can detect the presence of inflammation, infection, bacteria, fungi, parasites and cancer.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4Chest Radiograph (X-ray) in Cats

      A chest radiograph (X-ray) is a procedure that allows your veterinarian to visualize tissue, organs and bones that lie beneath the skin of the chest cavity.

      Read MoreRead More
     

    Over 10,000 Veterinarian Approved Articles

    Dogs & Puppies
    Cats
    Related Articles
    • 1Nasopharyngeal Polyps in Cats

      Nasopharyngeal polyps are benign growths that can occur in the pharynx, the middle ear and even perforate through the tympanic membrane (ear drum). They occur mainly in cats and the exact cause is uncertain....

      Read MoreRead More
    • 2Rhinitis and Sinusitis in Cats

      Rhinitis or sinusitis is an inflammation of the mucosa (lining) of the nasal cavity or sinuses. It is seen in both dogs and cats and there are a variety of causes.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 3Cytology in Cats

      Cytology is the evaluation of cells, either tissue or blood, under a microscope. Cytology can detect the presence of inflammation, infection, bacteria, fungi, parasites and cancer.

      Read MoreRead More
    • 4Chest Radiograph (X-ray) in Cats

      A chest radiograph (X-ray) is a procedure that allows your veterinarian to visualize tissue, organs and bones that lie beneath the skin of the chest cavity.

      Read MoreRead More