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its morning while chasing butterfl ies in common usage. This is actually
in a rather hot and humid outdoor THE MOST COMMON a fall out of viral infections in an
garden, her nose could switch over to DISEASE OF NOSE IN adult cat where the culprits most
a dry and warm state. This situation AN ADULT CAT IS A often are Herpes and Calci viruses.
could be reversed on a cold November CONDITION REFERRED These viruses are problematic
morning if she spends too much time TO AS SNUFFLER CAT because they could affect turbinates
watching red and gold leaves dance – small structures inside the nose
to the tune of autumn winds; then OR SNUFFLERS IN that cleanse and humidify air on
her nose could be cold and dry. So COMMON USAGE. its way through nostrils, and cause
while judging a cat’s nose, you should infections that have a tendency to
also keep in mind what she has been may vary from a clear watery one to persist for a long time. In addition to
up to. The important thing to check a thick slimy discharge and in some viruses, fungi such as Cryptococcus
is if her nose returns to its moist and cases a malodorous thick yellow can also cause rhinitis in an adult cat,

warm state once kitty returns to the discharge. The first case with a clear resulting in sneezing and discharge
confines of her safe home. runny nose and some sneezing could from nose and in some cases even

be due to some agent that kitty is bleeding. This should be attended to
Another sign of an impending allergic to. It could be anything from by her vet immediately since fungi
infection would be a dry and warm certain grasses, weeds or tree pollen can be very invasive and can cause
nose accompanied by a total to moulds and mites. This is allergic permanent deformities of Nose
disinterest in her normal food and rhinitis. This condition is easily Bridge and nearby structures.
in some cases even her best loved relieved once the allergen is removed
treat. Accompanying signs such as from her surroundings. She could OTHER PROBLEMS
increased tiredness and a lack of also see her vet who would prescribe In some cases, affections of nose
interest in her food when seen along appropriate anti-allergic medicines are not presented or accompanied
with a dry and warm nose could signal for her. The second case is where she by nasal discharge or sneezing.
the onset of an impending illness has a thicker and slimier discharge, Usually, these are cases where back
and an underlying fever. Its opposite which could be self limiting or could of nasal cavity is involved. Instead,
could also be the case. Sometimes progress to a thicker yellow foul she will snore and breathe through
she could have a rather wet nose that smelling one indicating in both cases, her mouth, and sometimes have bad
remains so for too long, accompanied a more serious condition caused by breathe.
by a loss of appetite and tiredness. an infectious agent. In this case, she
This initial persistent moistness may should see her vet immediately. ENSURING NOSE HEALTH
give way to a more fl uid discharge It’s a good habit to examine your
with sneezing, coughing, and a teary A YOUNG CAT furball’s nose as part of your
eyed look in many cases. All these are Viral infections are the most normal home wellness check. In
indications of an upper respiratory common causes of affections of addition to changes in moisture
tract infection that requires her to nose in a young cat. Usually these and temperature, also look out
see her vet immediately. If you have infections are self limiting and are for changes in discharge and any
other cats at home, it is important to not a very serious problem but in swellings and in case you spot any
keep her away from them as such some cases, if she shows signs of issues, be thoughtful enough to
affection is highly contagious. excessive tiredness and goes off take her to vet. Always remember
her feed that could be an indication that, generally, a cat’s nose is extra
ON RUNNY NOSES of the onset of some complications, sensitive to sunburns so keep her
The most common sign of nasal which could affect sinuses and inner away from the sun during peak hours
infection is a runny nose – referred parts of its ear. of the day.
to as rhinitis in medical parlance
– that persists for several hours AN OLDER CAT
without any interruption. Colour Generally, the most common disease * The author is Associate Professor, Department of
of the discharge from nose could of nose in an adult cat is a condition Veterinary and AH Extension, College of Veterinary
and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, Kerala Veterinary
indicate nature of the problem and it referred to as Snuffl er cat or Snuffl ers and Animal Sciences University, Thrissur, Kerala.

OCTOBER 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 9 • NOIDA | Creature Companion 35