Can Cats Get Congested?

Cats can feel under the weather, too.

Cats can feel under the weather, too.

Since your cat cannot "talk" in the same exact way that a human can, it's often tough to gauge her health. Remember, your poor kitty can't just tell you that she has a stuffy nose and that she needs you to go out and get some tissues and medicine.


Indeed, cats sometimes experience congestion. Congestion in felines results from a variety of different factors, including allergies, viruses and bacterial infections. Whether your pet is allergic to pork, fleas or tree pollen, she may exhibit a lot of the classic uncomfortable allergy symptoms, stuffy nose being one of them.

Signs of Congestion

Knowing exactly what's going on with your kitty's health is often like trying to decipher hieroglyphics. You can, of course, observe what's going on with your cat's exterior. Some telling congestion symptoms include nasal drip, the sniffles, coughing, itchiness, difficulty breathing and sneezing. The best way to identify the problem, however, is by scheduling a veterinary appointment. The sooner you know the issue, the easier it will likely be for you to handle it.

Appetite Loss

One easy indication to look out for is appetite loss. Most cats love eating, so if your precious pet seems totally uninterested in her kibble, it may be due to congestion. If she can't smell her food because of a stuffy nose, it won't be as delicious to her. The lack of appetite may also bring upon weight loss in your cat, so monitor her closely.

Feline Herpes

Although your pet's congestion may just be a simple case of allergies, it could also be a sign of another medical ailment -- feline herpes. To be on the safe side, seek veterinary attention for your cat immediately. The vet will be able to tell you exactly what is happening with your fluff ball, whether it's a simple problem with dust mites in your home or even herpes. If your pet comes into contact with another feline who has the herpes infection, whether by sharing treats or grooming one another, it could lead to the condition. Look out for symptoms like congestion, drooling, eye ulcers, excessive sneezing, fever and exhaustion. This is especially important if your kitty spends a lot of time outdoors in close proximity to other cats.

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