Feline sinusitis is when the cat’s sinus linings are inflamed. Symptoms include sneezing or making snuffling sounds, breathing with the mouth open, having blood and/or mucus drip from one or both nostrils, pawing at the face and sometimes holding the head in a strange position because of the pain.
The sense of smell is of utmost importance to the domestic cat. Smells tell a cat where food is, if another cat is a friend or a foe and to keep away from enemies. When a cat’s sense of smell is cut off, the results are dramatic. The cat may not want to move, may attack any known cat or human and will refuse food.
Causes
There are many different causes of sinusitis in cats. Because there are so many causes, it’s vital not to guess what the cause is but get the cat to a vet straight away. According to “Cat Lover’s Home Veterinary Handbook” (Howell Book House; 1995) some causes for the inflamed sinuses include:
• Very small parasites in the nose
• A small foreign object like a splinter stuck in the nose
• An abscessed tooth, usually in the upper mouth, which presses on the sinuses
• Secondary infection from a previous illness
• Allergic reaction to something
• Tumors in the nose
Treatment
The cat will need to undergo a few diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the inflammation. This can range from taking a sample of the muscus and making a culture of it; taking blood tests; X-rays, CT scans or even sedating the cat, rhinoscopy and doing a biopsy of the nose.
In cases of infection, antibiotics are given. If the cat does not respond well to the first antibiotic, then the vet will try a different antibiotic. If the cat is dehydrated, IV fluids may be administered. Surgery may be necessary in really bad cases, such as to remove a tumor, abscessed tooth or foreign object.
The cat will probably not have to spend a long time at the vet. Whenever possible, the cat should recooperate in the familiar security of home. If possible, keep the cat isolated from other cats in a special room – mostly so the sick cat isn’t teased by the healthy cats. When you can supervise, keep a vaporiser in the room to keep the cat’s airways from drying out. Do not have anyone smoke near the cat because tobacco smoke may trigger symptoms. If the cat has nasal discharge, wipe it off with a clean cloth or baby wipes.
But the cat may not want to eat, because of the diminished ability to smell. Try to feed the smelliest tinned fish or fish-flavored cat food. Somehow, that smell tends to seep through the congestion. Warming up the food or placing warm broth on the food may also tempt the cat’s appetite and the steam may help ease the sinus pain.
One home remedy is an over the counter medicine used for human children – Afrin Children’s Strength Nose Drops (.025 percent solution.) Only place one drop in one nostril and then wait 48 hours to see if the cat improves. If that nostril improves, place one drop in the other nostril. Never place drops in both nostrils as this may be too strong a dose for most cats. If Afrin Children’s Strength Nose Drops are not available, try sterile saline drops.
References:
“Cat Lover’s Home Veterinary Handbook.” Delbert G, Carlson, DVM, et al; Howell Book House; 1995.
The Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies for Dogs and Cats.” Matthew Hoffman, et al. Bantam Books; 1997.
VetInfo. Cat Sinus Infection.” http://www.vetinfo.com/cat-sinus-infection.html
PetMD. “Nose and Sinus Inflammation in Cats.” http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_rhinitis_and_sinusitis
