Expert: Jessica - 9/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: We have 4 cats that live indoors only and one cat that comes in and goes out. They range in ages from about 2 to 8 years old. One cat, which stays indoors all the time, that is a few months past 4 years old, has been having a problem with a runny nose for a few weeks now. Its not like a mucus type but when he puts his head down his nose drips and its like clear water drops. It just randomly drips through the day when he lowers his head but only a few drips at a time. None of the other cats have been doing that nor have any of them ever done this. Is this something I should be more worried about or is it possibly something more normal that I just never noticed him doing before?

ANSWER: Hi Robyn.  To be sure, you'd have to get the kitty to the vet, and that's really the best idea.  He could be suffering a virus called calici, which causes clear nasal discharge along with sores in the nose, throat and mouth.  The virus can't be cured, but because bacteria often invade the sores that accompany it, antibiotics are usually prescribed.

Sinusitis and even nasal polyps can cause a runny nose.  Sinusitis can usually be cleared with antibiotics, but polyps often need to be removed with a quick surgery.

Environmental allergies can also cause clear nasal discharge.  Sometimes antihistamines can help if the cause cannot be found an eliminated.

I hope it's nothing too serious!

Jessica



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Just wanted to say thank you very much. Took him to the vet this morning and he said its an upper respiratory infection and that he had a fever of 102.7. He has medication for the next 10 days then he goes back to be rechecked. He also said to keep the cat away from my other cats and my kids. We had the other cats checked today too and so far they are all fine. What are the chances something like this would spread to the other cats or even my kids? Does it depend on the type of infection? Thank you again!!!

Answer
Yes, you're exactly right - it would depend on the type of infection.  The calici I mentioned in my last answer is an upper respiratory infection that is highly contagious.  It is air borne for short distances and can be spread by hands, contact with food dishes, bedding, etc.  Most likely, your other kitties will have contracted it by now.  In fact, between 70 and 80 percent of cats do contract it at some point.  Then, they go on to suppress the virus and become carriers of it for life, and it may reactivate from time to time.  But it may still be worth the isolation.  The good thing is calici is strictly a cat virus, and people can't catch it.  There is also a feline herpes, which I don't imagine your vet suspects since your kitty's nasal discharge is clear instead of thick and green.  But nonetheless, the story is very much the same.  About 90% of cats have it, contagious through sneezing and indirect contact, cats become life-long carriers, and it's only contagious to cats.  These are by far the most common upper respiratory infections in cats.

Bacterial infections tend to be less contagious than the viral illnesses.  However, certain bacterial upper respiratory infections CAN be contagious to humans.  These include pasteurella and a strain of chlamydia which, unlike the sexually transmitted variety, affects the respiratory tract.  Transmission to humans is very uncommon but would be riskier with chidlren who are more likely to put their hands in their mouths.  At any rate, your cat's infection should be gone within a week or so of antibiotic treatment.

Glad he was able to be seen by the vet!

Take care!

Jessica