The cat suddenly has a nosebleed, droplets appear when sneezing, or constant discharge from one or both nostrils.

In most cases, bleeding stops on its own.

What to do if it doesn't stop?

Firstly, as one famous fairy tale character said: “Calm, only calm!” When cats are excited, their blood pressure increases, which leads to increased bleeding. Try to calm your pet. Do not panic yourself, since the owner’s nervous excitement is transmitted to the animal.

Second, to constrict the blood vessels, place a cold compress (such as an ice pack) on the back of your cat's nose and hold it with gentle pressure so as not to impede breathing.

Once the bleeding has stopped, very carefully use a paper towel and water to clean your cat's nose as much as possible.

If the bleeding does not stop, or you notice other symptoms in your pet, such as breathing problems, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Causes of nosebleeds in cats

The cat's nasal cavity is lined with mucous membrane containing blood vessels and nerves. Most often, nosebleeds are the result of injury to small vessels due to mechanical damage or inflammation of the nasal mucosa. But there may be more serious reasons.

Currently, many diseases have been identified that lead to poor blood clotting. With such diseases, other signs are usually observed (for example, the appearance of red spots on the gums and ears, pale gums, lethargy, loss of energy). Reduced blood clotting in a cat can occur due to a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood (for example, with viral leukemia, viral immunodeficiency, side effects of chemotherapy drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, certain tumors, with autoimmune thrombocytopenia), or with pathologies of the blood coagulation system (for example, with DIC syndrome, liver failure, hemophilia).

• Sneezing. Inflammation (for example, as a result of a respiratory infection, runny nose) or simply irritation of the nasal mucosa can cause a cat to sneeze violently, which in turn provokes nosebleeds. Sneezing can slow down natural blood clotting.

If the bleeding is one-time, caused by a minor injury and stops quickly, then there is no reason to worry.

If the bleeding is frequent, regularly repeated, accompanied by large loss of blood, and other symptoms are present, a visit to the veterinary clinic is a must!

Diagnosis and treatment

What you should tell your doctor:

~ Is your cat currently taking medications? If yes, which ones?
~ Is there rat poison in the house? Could the cat have eaten a poisoned rodent?
~ Has she interacted with another animal? Did she go for a walk without your supervision?
~ Has the cat had any injury, fall, blow, contact with sharp-edged objects or plants with hard spines?
~ Is the cat sneezing? Rubbing his nose with his paws?
~ Has your cat vomited or had bloody stools? If so, before or after the nosebleed?
~ Was the bleeding from one nostril or both?
~ Is there blood in the cat's mouth? Are her teeth okay? Is the mucous membrane of the mouth pale or marbled in color? (you should open the cat's mouth and inspect the gums).
~ Are there any hemorrhages on the skin, swelling on the body (subcutaneous bleeding)?
~ Does your pet have breathing problems?
~ Does he have any noticeable asymmetry or deformation of his muzzle, or swelling of the bridge of his nose? Are eyeballs the same? Are your eyes watering?

The answers to these questions will help the veterinarian in clarifying the picture of the disease.

To make a diagnosis you may need:

General blood tests(with platelet count) and urine- to assess blood loss and general health, kidney function, infection or inflammation; biochemical blood test- to assess the functioning of internal organs. The rate of coagulation is also determined.

Serological tests— for detection of fungal diseases, rickettsial infections, etc.

Pressure measurement– to exclude arterial hypertension.

Chest X-ray- to exclude pulmonary hemorrhage as a result of edema or tumor.

X-ray of the nose- to evaluate the roots of teeth and nasal sinuses, to identify possible bone destruction due to a tumor, etc.

Superficial rhinoscopy– to examine the nasal cavity and remove foreign bodies if necessary.

Dental examination– to exclude tooth root abscess or other inflammations affecting the nasal sinus.

Deep endoscopic examination of the nasal passages- if it was not possible to establish a diagnosis using the above methods.

Tissue biopsy– only if indicated (for example, a tumor is detected during an X-ray examination). The prognosis of cancer depends on the type of tumor.

Surgical method- to remove a hard-to-reach foreign object or take a tissue sample. It is used only in exceptional cases, since the procedure is very traumatic and is accompanied by severe bleeding.

Some of the above diagnostic methods require the use of anesthesia(!).

Treatment is prescribed by the doctor depending on the diagnosed disease.

Unfortunately, the cat cannot say when, how or why it started bleeding.

Because nosebleeds can signal a serious problem, it is important to seek prompt medical attention.

Nosebleeds are a rather unpleasant symptom that can occur not only in humans, but also in cats. The cause of the problem in animals is various factors. The owner must know how to stop a cat from bleeding from the nose, and then find out what was the provoking factor for this disease and, if necessary, begin treatment for the disease or injury.

The main causes of nosebleeds in cats

Veterinarians distinguish two types of nasal blood flow. The first is acute, the second is chronic. If the second option was diagnosed, then the symptom will be observed constantly against the background of various irritating factors. For example, a cat's nose bleeds when it sneezes or overeats. When a symptom is noticed, the owner needs to accurately determine whether blood is flowing from one nasal passage or from two at once. Based on this information, the search for the causes of this phenomenon begins. Among the main factors that provoke the symptom are the following aspects:

1. Blows or bruises to the head. Cats are very active creatures. While exploring the world around them, they often injure themselves. Jumping from a great height or running quickly can result in a strong impact to the skull or protruding part of the muzzle. In this case, a vessel ruptures inside the nasal passages. A cat's nose is bleeding after a blow. In severe cases, there may even be a concussion. Nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, severe weakness, dizziness, and loss of coordination will occur. It is very important to quickly deliver the animal to the clinic and conduct examinations using machines and tests. If the blow was not strong, then the blood will quickly stop, and the owner will only need to wash his charge’s face;
2. Entry of a foreign body into the nasal passage. Cats often injure their nose while playing with various objects. There are situations when pets accidentally injure their nose with a pencil or pen. Small objects are also dangerous for furries. Beads can get stuck in a cat's nose, thereby causing severe inflammation and pain. The owner is recommended to carefully examine the animal; if it is possible to remove the object independently, it is best to do this with sterile tweezers. If there is a risk of injury during the process, then you need to take your pet to a specialist.

You should not allow your cat to play with dangerous sharp or cutting objects, as well as small parts. After all, the owner may not immediately notice the damage, and when bleeding appears, the wound will already be neglected.

If a cat has blood from the nose after a fall, it is recommended to do an ultrasound and magnetic resonance examination of the pet's head. Timely detection of the disease will prevent serious and dangerous consequences.

Diseases that cause nosebleeds

Not only injuries or bruises can cause illness. Among the most dangerous and severe factors are diseases of various etiologies:

• lung damage. Against the background of diseases, cats may experience bleeding in the cavities of the lungs. As a result, the fluid will have nowhere to go and will begin to flow out of the nasal passages. An ultrasound is required - examination and identification of the severity of the disease. Based on the data, the veterinarian prescribes effective treatment and regular examinations at the clinic;
• infectious disease of the nasal cavity. Such ailments include rhinitis or another virus that has penetrated the mucous membrane of an organ. As a result, bleeding occurs. As a rule, treatment is carried out using drops and ointments, as well as anti-infective drugs;
• hypertension. Increased blood pressure and blood flow can occur due to medications, too much food, or obesity. To restore your pet’s health, you need to follow proper feeding and consult a doctor to replace medications with suitable medications;
• poisoning with rat poison. The problem often occurs in animals that are free-range, for example, in a private home. In this case, the cat may not even eat the poison, but only smell it. Potent substances cause an unpleasant symptom and a host of other signs of poisoning, including nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness and even death;
• malignant tumors. A growing tumor in your pet's head will be accompanied by a number of signs of cancer. With a large tumor volume, deformation of the craniofacial bones occurs. The cat's face changes, the animal becomes very quiet, lethargic, inactive, eats poorly and constantly lies down.

As first aid, it is necessary to apply an ice compress to the nose and give sedatives, because in a panic the pet can harm itself even more. A cold towel or ice will quickly constrict the blood vessels and prevent you from losing a lot of blood. In clinics, as a rule, the veterinarian injects adrenaline to stop severe bleeding. Antibiotics and antiviral drugs are then prescribed until the wound heals. In severe cases, general anesthesia and surgery are required.

When a cat sneezes, it is as natural as it is for people. This happens if dust or small midges get into the nasal opening, irritation of the mucous membrane occurs and the cat sneezes to get rid of this object. The reasons why a cat sneezes blood can be different: from an advanced stage of leukemia to a fungal infection and even cancer.

If your cat is sneezing and has bloody discharge from his nose

First of all, if you notice red discharge from the nose when your pet sneezes, you should not panic. Sometimes this happens if the animal's nasal capillaries are too close to the surface. And then, when excited, the pet may bleed from the nose.

After the bleeding has stopped, rinse your nose with warm water and dry with a towel, clearing the nasal passages.

If, when sneezing with blood, the bleeding does not stop, then it is possible to help the animal by placing a cold object on its back - this will serve as a signal to the capillaries, and they will narrow. Eventually the bleeding should stop.

If all these procedures do not help the animal who is sneezing, you should seek help from a veterinarian.

What to do if your pet sneezes and produces blood

If a cat is constantly sneezing blood, this is the case when you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic for examination and treatment of the cat. After all, only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis if a cat develops snot and sneezing. The causes of sneezing with blood can be caused by various diseases.:

1. Damage to the nasal passages by foreign objects;
2. Injury;
3. Dental problems;
4. Oncology;
5. Hypertension;
6. Poor blood clotting;
7. Fungal infection.

If, while sniffing an object, a midge or other foreign body gets into the nasal cavity, the animal tries to get rid of it by sneezing and coughing.

Therefore, if you find bloody snot in a cat, you must:

• Immediately contact the nearest veterinary clinic. Even if there is a foreign object there, then if there is red discharge in the nozzle when the animal sneezes, this symptom means that it severely irritates the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. The cat sneezes and produces blood; she cannot get rid of the object on her own, and her nose should be washed in the clinic with special disinfectants;
• Before contacting, it is worth observing the pet and how it sneezes in order to accurately describe to the veterinarian how the animal is sick;
• Only a doctor can make a diagnosis; you cannot rely on yourself and neighbors who do not have a medical education;
• You cannot use medications without visiting a doctor, as you can destroy your pet’s kidneys, which do not recover;
• If the foreign body is not found, the clinic should be tested for the presence of cancer.

Also, the doctor must, with the consent of the pet owner, in addition to a general blood test, do a blood test for biochemistry, measure the cat’s temperature and pressure, x-ray of the chest and nasal passages, examine the oral cavity and teeth.

All these analyzes and studies are done for a reason, but to establish exactly what the pet is suffering from, since he himself cannot tell us anything. And perhaps all this will save his life, because a correctly diagnosed diagnosis will help prescribe the right treatment for the pet.

Prevention

Of course, the cat must have all vaccinations against various ticks and other harmful insects. Because walking down the street and sniffing everything you can often pick up more than just fleas. From time to time it is worth examining the animal's teeth, since when you have dental disease, the nasal cavity also suffers, and as a result, blood can also be released from the nasal passages.

Vaccinations against:

• Rabies.
• Feline leukemia.
• Against various respiratory tract infections.

All these vaccinations are given when the kitten is six months old.

VETERINARIAN CONSULTATION REQUIRED. INFORMATION FOR INFORMATION ONLY. Administration

Nosebleeds can be a sign of serious illness, including injury, and are caused by droplets of blood when you sneeze or a persistent drip or stream of blood from one or both nostrils.
What to do if you suspect or discover a nosebleed in your pet?

First aid
Let's say you're at home and your cat starts bleeding and won't stop.

• Try to calm the animal. When cats are excited, just like people, their blood pressure increases, which increases bleeding. Do not give your animal any sedatives without consulting your veterinarian.
• Ask family members to remain quiet and calm, as nervous excitement is transmitted from owners to animals. Again, let us recall the chain: excitement - increased blood pressure - nosebleeds.
• Place an ice pack on the bridge of your cat's nose. Make sure this does not obstruct breathing. Cold causes blood vessels to constrict, which reduces bleeding.
• If after taking the measures the bleeding does not stop or the animal has problems breathing, immediately contact a veterinary clinic or call an ambulance.

While waiting for the doctor or on the way to the clinic
be calm, concentrate and remember some details that will be of great importance for making a diagnosis.

• Make a list of medications you currently give to your cat.
• Is there rat poison in your house or apartment, or perhaps your cat might have eaten poisoned rodents?
• Carefully examine the animal's face. You may find asymmetry or deformation, swelling of the bridge of the nose, changes in the integrity or color of the skin on the bridge of the nose, a protruding and reddened third eyelid, unequal size of the eyeballs, and lacrimation. Bring this to the doctor's attention.
• Has your cat played excessively active games with another animal? Did she go for a walk without your supervision? Maybe there was a fight?
• Has there been contact with plants that have hard awns? For example, such as wheat or rye.
• Does the animal sneeze? Does he rub his nose with his paws?
• Open the animal's mouth as wide as possible, inspect the gums and lips. Is there blood in the mouth? Do you notice dryness and marbled coloration of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and conjunctiva? This may indicate a large loss of blood, and urgent hospitalization may be required. Please draw the attention of the clinic reception staff to this; the doctor must accept such a patient without waiting in line.
• Are there signs of bleeding from internal organs? Intestinal bleeding may be accompanied by black, soiled stool. A sign of stomach bleeding is vomiting blood. Attention! If these signs appear after a nosebleed, it may be due to a nosebleed as the cat has swallowed a significant amount of blood.
• Are there any hemorrhages on the skin, swelling on the body (there may be subcutaneous bleeding)?

This information must be passed on to the doctor during the examination.
To make a diagnosis, in addition to a general clinical examination, the following diagnostic tests may be required.

Blood and urine tests
Clinical blood tests (with a mandatory platelet count) and urine are necessary to assess the general state of health and the degree of blood loss, and a biochemical blood test to assess the functioning of internal organs. As a rule, a study of the blood coagulation system is carried out (the blood coagulation rate and coagulogram are assessed).
Detected deviations from the norm may indicate a blood clotting disorder:

• by reducing the number of platelets in the blood (for example, with autoimmune thrombocytopenia, feline viral leukemia, feline viral immunodeficiency, side effects of certain chemotherapy drugs, hemangiosarcoma and other tumors)
• due to pathological changes in the blood coagulation system (for example, in case of hemolytic poisoning, DIC syndrome, liver failure, von Willebrand disease and true hemophilia).

If laboratory test results are normal, then the problem probably lies in the nasal cavity itself. But before examining the nasal passages you should:

• exclude conditions accompanied by pulmonary hemorrhage - lung tumor, pulmonary edema, injury to lung tissue. For this purpose they carry out chest x-ray.
• exclude arterial hypertension, since when blood pressure increases, small capillaries of the nasal mucosa rupture, which leads to bleeding. To do this, the cat's blood pressure is measured.

If everything is fine with the lungs, proceed to X-ray examination of the nose, superficial rhinoscopy and dental examination All these procedures require general anesthesia.
They start with x-rays, since other methods can injure tissue. Radiography allows you to assess the condition of the roots of the teeth and sinuses. In the case of a nasal tumor, an area of ​​bone destruction may be visible on an x-ray.
During superficial rhinoscopy, the nasal cavity is examined and foreign objects that cause bleeding are removed from it.
When examining the oral cavity, teeth are cleaned, paying special attention to the roots, since a tooth root abscess often affects the nasal sinus cavity.

What's next
If standard research methods fail to make a diagnosis, a deep endoscopic examination of the nasal passages is performed. During the study, a tissue biopsy is taken, but only if indicated, as there is a risk of increased bleeding. Additionally, for some reasons it may be difficult to obtain an informative tissue sample:

• the growth of nasal tumors is often accompanied by severe inflammation, which masks the oncological process
• in conditions of bleeding, it is difficult to select a tissue site for puncture.

Detection of a tumor of the facial part of the skull as a result of an X-ray examination is an absolute indication for a biopsy, since the prognosis of the disease largely depends on the type of tumor.

And in conclusion
it must be said that sometimes bleeding areas are accessible for examination only by surgery. This procedure is the most traumatic and is accompanied by severe bleeding, so it is used only in exceptional cases to remove a hard-to-reach foreign object or take a tissue sample.