Cats Sniffle and Snot: Understanding the Reason Behind

1. The Normal Moisture of a Cat's Nose

One of the key indicators of a cat's health is the moist condition of its nose. Generally, a healthy cat's nose should be moist and slightly cool to the touch. This moist, cool state often signifies that the cat is in good health. It's quite normal for a cat to have a little liquid after drinking water, and occasional sneezes can also produce droplets. These are all perfectly natural occurrences; the nasal passages cannot remain dry at all times, and the liquid expelled during sneezing is a normal part of the process. Pet owners should not worry unnecessarily about these occurrences.

2. Clear Nasal Discharge

When a cat sneezes and produces clear mucus, the first step for pet owners is to determine whether the mucus is thick or watery. Generally, watery, clear mucus indicates a mild cold or a slight respiratory infection. If the cat is not sneezing frequently, the owner can simply focus on providing good care, which includes keeping the cat warm, ensuring adequate hydration, and maintaining a balanced diet.

3. Purulent Nasal Discharge

Purulent mucus typically develops from clear mucus and usually signifies a more severe cold. When a cat has a common cold, it's a sign that the cat's immune system is compromised. If the cat is not properly cared for during this time, a common cold can escalate into a viral infection. One of the most noticeable symptoms of this viral infection is the transformation of clear mucus into a purulent discharge, along with an increase in the frequency of sneezing.

Of course, shortnosed cats, which have a natural physical defect, are more prone to having mucus block their nostrils during illness or colds, leading to frequent sneezing.