Kitten URI: Bloody nasal discharge when sneezing. Is it an emergency?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If Mimi is still fighting a respiratory infection, the blood coming from the nose could be due to what we call rhinitis (inflammation of the sinuses / mucous membranes of the nose). This is common in unresolved upper respiratory infections. If you are only seeing a small amount and the blood is not profuse, you should be ok to wait until this week to have Mimi seen. If she is showing more blood and the amount if profuse, she needs to be seen immediately by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Poor cat. Over 90% of cats with acute sneezing discharge are infected with herpesvirus and calicivirus. These viruses are usually exposed to cats when they are young and cats seems to recover from them but they continuously cause irritation, erosions, and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract (nasal passages) over time which can lead to mild nose bleeds. However there is also a possibility that your kitty could have a coagulation problems that is causing the bleeding as well. Therefore it is best to get kitty seen by your veterinarian for a coagulation profile in case kitty needs more extensive treatment to resolve this. If kitty is negative for any bleeding disorders or any other potential causes of nose bleeding (i.e. fungal, allergic, etc), then the extent of treatment will most likely be 1) Anti-viral medication (Lysine-availlabe over the counter at your local pet store or at your vet clinic), 2)Antibiotics- to treat any secondary infections present, 3)Steroid or NSAID therapy to help ease inflammation of the nasal turbinates. I would recommend scheduling an appointment with your cat's veterinarian soon to get the proper testing and treatment your cat needs for his care.

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Sebastian! You are describing head trauma. It sounds like he was hit hard enough in the head and face to have concussion symptoms. He may have fractured bones in his face or nasal sinuses. The blood indicates trauma to his nose which you are seeing by the swelling. This could be inflammation or something is broken. Sneezing is a normal response to inflammation/pain/irritation in the nasal cavity or sinuses. If the bleeding continues, he acts abnormal or extra sleepy, wont' eat or play then he needs a Vet exam. Otherwise you can watch the swelling and sneezing. If there is no improvement by Monday in the swelling he should be seen. I wish Sebastian the best!

I'm so sorry to hear that Bo isn't feeling well! I agree with Dr. Melanie that the blood in his mucus is pretty concerning. I'm glad to hear that he has an appointment scheduled for Monday. Your vet will be able to perform a full physical exam and any needed diagnostics. One of the most common causes of coughing, congestion and nasal discharge, particularly in kittens, is an upper respiratory infection. These infections are typically caused by viruses, like herpesvirus or calicivirus, but some kittens can also get secondary bacterial infections. As long as Bo is still eating, drinking and acting normally, and seems to be breathing normally, it should be okay to wait until his appointment on Monday. However, if anything changes or he shows any breathing difficulties, you'll need to take him to an ER vet right away. I hope that he feels better soon!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to an upper respiratory infection though something else like bilateral corneal ulcers or even dry eye are possible. This is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops and oral antibiotics and cats usually respond well to therapy. I recommend that you have Deimos evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If they agree that based on an examination, that seems to be the issue, they will likely prescribe medications to make him feel better. In the meantime, you may try to decrease his activity and rest him up which may help. Good luck and best wishes!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on your brief description, it sounds as though Mars may have a nose infection leading to inflammation causing blood and infection causing the mucus. I would recommend having Mars examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Pongkoy! Most upper respiratory infections in cats are viral. If the discharge from his nose is clear then you can just monitor him. Hopefully he can clear the viral infection. If he is lethargic, not eating, and/or the discharge changes to yellow or green he would need to see a Veterinarian for antibiotics. I would clear his nose a couple of times a day and you can keep him in a steamy bathroom twice a day for 10-15 mins. Be sure that you start Pongkoys kitten vaccinations in the next 1-2 weeks. I hope this helps and I wish Pongkoy the best!