How to Clean a Stuffy Cat Nose
When a cat has a stuffy nose, it is most often due to an upper-respiratory infection. In most instances, an upper-respiratory infection in a cat is equivalent to a common cold in people. This kind of infection can be treated safely at home, unless the cat doesn't respond to the treatment or unless the animal's symptoms become worse. Keeping a cat's nose clean is a primary concern if your cat has an infection.
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Instructions
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Gently wipe the cat's nose with a warm, moist washcloth. Ensure you remove fresh mucus as well as any dried crusts. Place a dab of petroleum jelly on the end of the cat's nose if it becomes chapped or dry. Repeat this process at least twice each day until the stuffy nose resolves.
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Place your cat in a humid environment to help to break up the mucus in her nose and help her recover from her upper-respiratory infection more quickly. If you have a humidifier, place it in the room where your cat most often sleeps. If you do not have a humidifier, run a hot shower and place you cat in the steamy bathroom for a half-hour.
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Give your cat Afrin Children's Strength nose drops to help alleviate his discomfort. Apply one drop to one nostril one day and one drop to the other nostril the next day. This process should be repeated in this pattern for up to a week.
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Tips & Warnings
Your cat needs to drink extra water while she is suffering from upper-respiratory infection. Consider offering her water in a small electric water fountain to encourage her to drink more. Many cats prefer to drink running water.
If a cat has a stuffy nose, he may not eat well--but he needs the nutrients and calories to help him fight the cold. Try feeding your cat especially smelly canned fish, or put his regular canned food in the microwave to release its aromas.
If you cat has mucus or discharge from her eyes, use a clean, moist washcloth to gently wash her eyes a couple of times a day. Veterinary ophthalmic ointments can be applied after washing.
