Chronic rhinitis in cats is a condition that affects the nasal passages, causing persistent inflammation and discomfort. Manifesting through symptoms like nasal discharge, sneezing, and pawing at the face, feline rhinitis can significantly impact your cat's quality of life. This article explores the causes, symptoms, and treatments of rhinitis in cats, providing you with comprehensive information to better understand and manage this health issue.

Understanding chronic rhinitis in cats

Rhinitis in cats is the inflammation of the mucous membranes within a cat's nose and can be a standalone condition or part of a chronic upper respiratory infection in cats.

When feline rhinitis persists over an extended period, or if continuously recurs following treatment, it is classified as chronic rhinitis.

What causes rhinitis in cats?

Rhinitis in cats, the inflammation of their nasal passages, can have a variety of causes, both infectious and noninfectious. Infectious causes usually include viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

Noninfectious causes are not related to infections and can include allergens, irritants, anatomical abnormalities, or foreign objects in the nasal passage.

Infectious causes

  • Viral infections: Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) are common viruses that can lead to nasal inflammation.
  • Chlamydiosis: Chlamydiosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia felis, which can affect the respiratory system.
  • Fungal infections: Cryptococcosis and aspergillosis are examples of fungal infections that can cause feline rhinitis.
  • Bacterial infections: Often developing secondary to other issues like a nasal foreign body or dental disease.
  • Parasitic infections: Parasites like cuterebra flybot larvae can be found in the nasal cavity and other surrounding tissues. This particular parasite would be a factor for cats that go outside.

Noninfectious causes

  • Nasal neoplasia: This includes cancers such as lymphoma and adenocarcinoma that can affect the nasal passages.
  • Oral cavity or dental disease: Problems in the mouth and teeth can extend into the nasal area, causing inflammation.
  • Foreign body: Objects like grass blades or seeds can get lodged in the nasal passages.
  • Inflammatory polyp: A nasal polyp can cause blockage and irritation in the nasal area.
  • Allergic rhinitis: Allergies to environmental substances can lead to nasal inflammation.
  • Nasopharyngeal stenosis: A narrowing of the nasal passages that can cause breathing difficulties.
  • Idiopathic rhinitis: An inflammatory condition with an unknown cause.

What are the symptoms of rhinitis in cats?

Although the disease occurs in the nasal cavity, symptoms of feline rhinitis can involve many more body systems.

Cats with chronic rhinitis will often show the following symptoms: 

  • Sneezing
  • Stridor (loud pitched breathing sounds)
  • Bloody nasal discharge
  • Lack of appetite, presumably from a decreased sense of smell
  • Nasal discharge (often clear, but can be colored)
  • Congestion or difficulty breathing through the nose
  • Pawing at the face or rubbing the nose on surfaces due to nasal and facial pain

Additionally, feline rhinitis may cause conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye), elevated third eyelids, or weight loss due to decreased appetite. These symptoms may be seen in conjunction with other signs of illness such as fever, enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, and general malaise.

How is rhinitis diagnosed in cats?

To diagnose rhinitis in cats, we rely on the pet's history, physical examination, and a series of diagnostic tests, which may include diagnostic imaging like an x-ray and sometimes require general anesthesia for a thorough nasal examination or to gather specific diagnostic samples.

The diagnostic tests for rhinitis may include:

  • Radiographs: Nasal X-rays are used to determine the extent and nature of the disease.
  • Cytology: Nasal swabs may be taken for microscopic examination to help identify the responsible pathogens.
  • Nasal Flush: This procedure helps clear any obstructions and obtains samples for cytology and bacterial or fungal culture. In some cases, thorough nasal flushing can obtain samples of any growths or masses.
  • Rhinoscopy: This imaging technique involves inserting a lighted camera tube into the nasal passages for a detailed examination.

What are the treatments for chronic rhinitis in cats?

In many cases, chronic rhinitis in cats is often managed rather than completely cured due to its complex nature. The goal of treatment is primarily to control the symptoms and improve the cat's quality of life.

Where there is evidence of a foreign body as the cause of rhinitis, we can remove them through direct examination but in most cases, we rely on flushing the nose to dislodge any foreign material.

If the cause of your cat's nasal inflammation is due to a polyp, your veterinarian will recommend surgical removal.

With idiopathic rhinitis, which is established after all other causes have been ruled out, we typically attempt a trial of corticosteroids. Oral steroids such as prednisolone or inhaled steroids via an appropriate device can be used.

Secondary bacterial infections are fairly common, and the associated nasal discharge usually gets better with antibiotics. Therefore, we typically also use antibiotics as part of our treatment strategy.

Other potential supportive therapies that your veterinarian may recommend include:

  • Antihistamines
  • Nasal drops: May contain decongestants or antibiotics/steroids
  • Nebulization: Can help ease breathing and reduce inflammation in the nasal passages
  • Humidification: Dry air can irritate the nasal passages, so adding moisture to the environment can provide relief

What is the prognosis?

The prognosis for cats depends on the underlying cause of their condition and the effectiveness of treatment. For example, for cats who have foreign bodies, the prognosis is generally good. However, for cats with nasal cancer, the prognosis tends to be poor.

Cats with rhinitis caused by an upper respiratory infection may develop a chronic disorder if the destruction or remodeling of the inner nasal structures and anatomy.

Often, while chronic rhinosinusitis can be managed, it cannot be completely cured so it is important to work closely with your veterinarian.

In conclusion, rhinitis in cats is a condition that requires careful management. Depending on the cause, treatments range from surgical intervention and corticosteroids to antibiotics and supportive therapies such as antihistamines or humidification. The prognosis can vary, with factors such as the presence of a foreign body or nasal cancer significantly influencing outcomes. While some causes lead to chronic conditions, working closely with your veterinarian can help manage your cat's symptoms effectively.