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How can I help my cat with his frequent stuffy nose and congestion?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 9 years and 4 months old | 10 lbs

My cat Jude has always had frequent stuffy noses since I brought him home 5 years ago. He runs around and plays just fine. He’s seen the vet numerous times since I brought him home from the shelter. It doesn’t seem to affect his everyday life but it must be a little annoying in the least. Is there anything I can do for him? What about an air purifier or a humidifier?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 21st, 2018

You can try a humidifier for Jude. That may help him with the stuffy nose. You can also try bringing him into the bathroom when you take a shower, as the steam from that can help his congestion. Finally, you can try starting him on an L-lysine supplement - this is an amino acid that has been shown to help the immune system fight off respiratory infections more effectively. Enisyl and Viralys are both good brands, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription - just follow the dosing instructions on the label based on your cat's weight. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 10th, 2018
Considering that most of these upper respiratory tract/nasal inflammations are due to viral/infectious diseases, antibiotics should be enough to resolve clinical signs and no other action or treatment is usually is required.I would recommend just to keep the nares externally cleaned with water, wiping gently dry discharge.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 15th, 2019
Respiratory infections can be caused by a virus, and that's why antibiotics do not work. Viruses cannot be treated by antibiotics. There are a few things you can try at home for BeBe. First, you can try starting her on an L-lysine supplement - this is an amino acid that has been shown to help the immune system fight off respiratory infections more effectively. Enisyl and Viralys are both good brands, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription - just follow the dosing instructions on the label based on your cat's weight. If she's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing her into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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