What are Nasal Foreign Bodies in Cats?

Introduction

It was just an ordinary day when Sarah noticed her cat, Muffin, sneezing excessively and pawing at her nose. Concerned, Sarah scheduled an appointment with the veterinarian, suspecting it could be a simple cold. To her surprise, Muffin was diagnosed with nasal foreign bodies, something Sarah had never heard of before.

Nasal foreign bodies in cats are items that get lodged or stuck within a dog or cat’s nostril. In one study, 81% of foreign bodies were vegetable matter, 14% mineral matter, and 4.8% artificial material. Dogs are known to inhale a wide range of materials. These objects are usually found during routine veterinary examinations. They can cause many health issues, including pneumonia, chronic coughing, recurrent infections, asthma attacks, and even death.

A nasal foreign body can lead to serious complications such as severe infection, abscesses, and even death if left untreated. Therefore, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention if you notice anything unusual with your pet’s behavior or respiratory system.

Foreign bodies in a cat that are inhaled enter the trachea and windpipe, where they can cause severe damage. These include large pieces of meat, bone fragments, and parts of wood or branch of a tree.

If your cat might have inhaled a foreign object, take them to the vet immediately.

How Do Cats Get Foreign Bodies Stuck in Their Nose?

Felines are notorious for getting things stuck in their noses. However, they’re curious animals, and when they find something interesting, they keep going until they get stuck.

This includes food, toys, string, hair ties, etc. The most common cause of this problem is playing too rough. Cats play rough because they’re naturally playful and must stretch their muscles. But sometimes, they end up hurting themselves.

When this happens, they may rub their face against furniture, carpeting, or any object that feels good. Unfortunately, this causes them to inhale dust particles, hair, fur, plant material, or anything else nearby. These particles become lodged in their nostrils, causing irritation and eventually fungal infection.

If your cat plays rough, try keeping him away from areas where he could be injured. Also, make sure his nails are trimmed regularly. Trimming your cat’s claws helps prevent injury, making it easier for him to groom himself properly.

Another reason cats get nasal foreign body is through eating. Sometimes, they eat items that aren’t meant for them. For example, some foods contain small pieces of plastic or metal, which can easily wind up in their mouths.

Signs of Nasal Foreign Body in Cats

Clinical signs include nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, drooling, head shakes, gagging, and pawing at his face. They are most common in cats under two years old, but older dogs and cats can develop similar symptoms. In addition, foreign bodies may get stuck in the nostril or throat could cause serious medical issues.

Some pets cannot remove objects on themselves. They might try to eat or swallow something lodged in their nose or mouth. Other animals may chew on things, such as grasses or sticks, that become lodged in their mouths.

Call your vet immediately if your pet has swallowed something and shows these common signs. You don’t want them to choke on it.

How Do Vets Diagnose Nasal Foreign Bodies in Cats?

Diagnosis requires a thorough physical examination, radiograph, and rhinoscopy. Your veterinarian should perform a complete head-to-toe exam, including an oral exam to check the cat’s teeth, tongue, gums, soft palate, and oropharynx. They should also examine the cat’s nose, eyes, ears, neck, chest, abdomen, genitals, and paws. 

Rhinoscopy is the gold-standard method for diagnosing chronic nasal congestion in animals. In humans, it’s used to diagnose sinusitis, allergies, and even cancer. But what about animals? How do you tell if your dog or cat has something stuck in its nostrils?

A rhinoscopist uses a rhinoscopic probe that looks like a long tube. They insert the probe into a patient’s nostril while holding their head still. This allows them to see inside the nostril and look for anything unusual. If they find something, they use forceps to pull out whatever it is.

Most objects inadvertently inhaled by pets are much larger than those in human patients. For example, a person might accidentally swallow food, but a cat could choke on a toy. So most veterinarians don’t recommend trying to remove such items yourself. Instead, they suggest calling your veterinarian immediately.

If your veterinarian decides to perform a rhinoscopy, they will likely sedate your animal before the procedure. Sedation helps relax the patient and makes it easier for the vet to maneuver around the face. It also reduces the risk of injury.

Treatments for Nasal Foreign Bodies in Cats

The most common treatment option is sedation. This allows the veterinarian to safely perform rhinoscopy, the surgical removal of a foreign body, which involves inserting an endoscope into the cat’s nostrils to examine the nose’s interior. Once the foreign object is located, the vet uses forceps to grasp it and pull it out gently.

If the foreign object cannot be removed without sedation, the veterinarian may perform nasal flushes in the nasal passages with saline solution to dislodge the item. Finally, the veterinarian may use a laser device to vaporize the object.

The rhinoscopic examination is recommended every six months for cats over one year old and once yearly for puppies under one-year-old.

How to Prevent Nasal Foreign Bodies in Felines?

To prevent foreign body ingestion, keep your pet away from items they shouldn’t chew on, such as shoes, toys, sticks, bones, buttons, coins, jewelry, rubber bands, string, paper clips, pens, pencils, shoelaces, tape, balloons, plastic bags, and electrical cords. In addition, keep your home clean and clutter-free, and avoid leaving food where pets can reach it.

Also, never force-feed your cat or give them treats when they aren’t interested in them. This can cause vomiting and choking. Instead, offer your healthy cat foods that they like.

Finally, teach your children not to leave things that your cat could eat. They should put everything back where they found it. If your child finds something dangerous, tell her to call you immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions