After my pet had a long, drawn-out battle with cancer, I realized that I needed to do a better job with understanding my pet's needs. I wanted to be there for them no matter what, so I started focusing on my other animals. They needed more love, attention, and medical care, so I focused on those things. I started taking them in for regular checkups and working on their physical appearance. I was able to spot a few other potentially catastrophic health conditions with my animals because of my actions. This blog is all about understanding your pet's needs.
Understanding Your Pet's Needs
Does Your Cat Have The Sniffles? Four Reasons They Might Be Stuffed Up
Gisele Pereira
Sometimes it can be hard to know if your pet is sick, especially when it comes to cats, who tend to hide illnesses. If you notice that your cat has the sniffles, it is important to take this seriously. There are a few different factors that might come into play when your cat seems to have a cold. Here are four common causes that can make your cat stuffed up, and here is what you should do.
1. Common Colds
Just like people, there are upper respiratory infections that cats can catch, both viral or bacterial. Many times, these will clear up on their own. If your cat's nose and ears are a little warmer than usual and your cat seems a bit tired, monitor them for a day or two. For the most part, symptoms should clear up quickly. If your cat has a turn for the worse, you can get them to the animal hospital and describe the symptoms.
2. Allergies
Another less harmful and hopefully preventable cause for your cat's runny nose and sneezing can be common allergies. Your cat might actually have allergies to mold or fungus at certain times of the year, or this might be something within your home. If your cat's symptoms tend to flare up when they are specifically indoors or outside or this is combined with skin irritation, an allergic reaction might be the cause. This is something your vet can determine and offer medications or changes in your cat's lifestyle to help.
3. Foreign Object Lodged in Nose
If a runny nose and sneezing comes on suddenly and your cat's nose and face are sensitive to the touch, this might be an internal irritation that your vet will need to extract. If you have an outside cat, there are so many things that can irritate your cat physically. If a piece of grass or a thorn has lodged itself inside your cat's nose, it is a good idea to get them to the animal hospital ASAP.
4. Bigger Problems
While the hope is there isn't a bigger issue going on with your cat, getting illnesses diagnosed and helping your cat deal with health issues will fall to you. If your cat is always stuffed up or sneezing, they might have a virus such as FIV or FeLV. Both can lay dormant for some time but can affect other cats and should be diagnosed. This will help you provide the right long-term care and make sure that other cats aren't infected.
While the hope is your cat's sniffly nose and runny eyes are just a quick cold or minor allergy, it is important to pay attention and note their symptoms. Anything that comes on suddenly, seems to be causing your cat distress, or lasts more than a day or two should be checked out by the vet.
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