Updated September 25, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: Most stuffy noses in cats are from upper respiratory infections and clear within a couple of weeks. When congestion lasts for weeks or keeps coming back, it’s called chronic rhinitis, and it often has an underlying cause: long-term damage from feline herpesvirus, dental disease, nasal polyps, fungal infection, foreign objects, or tumors. Finding the cause, sometimes with a CT scan and rhinoscopy, guides treatment. For short-term colds, see nasal congestion in cats.
Signs of chronic congestion
- Nasal discharge or sneezing lasting more than 2–3 weeks, or recurring
- Noisy breathing or snoring
- Discharge from one nostril only
- Nosebleeds
- Swelling over the nose or face
- Reduced appetite (cats rely on smell to eat)
Common causes
- Chronic rhinitis after herpesvirus: permanent damage to the nasal lining, with recurring flare-ups and secondary bacterial infections
- Nasopharyngeal polyps: benign growths, often in young cats, causing noisy breathing
- Dental disease: tooth root infections draining into the nose
- Fungal infection: cryptococcosis can cause a swelling over the nose
- Foreign bodies, such as grass blades
- Nasal tumors, such as lymphoma, especially in older cats
Diagnosis
- Exam, including the mouth and teeth
- FeLV/FIV testing and fungal blood tests
- CT scan and rhinoscopy under anesthesia
- Biopsy and culture
Treatment
- Removal of polyps or foreign bodies
- Dental treatment
- Antifungal medication for cryptococcosis
- Radiation or chemotherapy for nasal lymphoma
- For chronic rhinitis: humidity, saline nebulization if recommended, antibiotics during bacterial flare-ups, and anti-inflammatory medication in some cats
Home care
- Steam or humidifier sessions
- Gently wipe discharge
- Warm, strong-smelling wet food
- Reduce stress, which can trigger herpes flare-ups
What to avoid
- Human decongestants and nasal sprays
- Essential oils
- Repeated antibiotics without looking for a cause
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Rhinitis and sinusitis in cats
- Reed N. Chronic rhinitis in the cat. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2014
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Feline upper respiratory infection
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Cryptococcosis
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.