Infections

• A viral infection caused by the herpes virus causes nasal dripping among cats. The virus, known as rhinotracheitis, causes chronic sneezing and nasal discharge, especially in indoor cats.
  
  

Teeth

• Problems with a cat's mouth often lead to nose problems. Missing teeth and tooth decay can cause chronic nasal discharge.
  
  

Allergies

• Cats sometimes suffer from seasonal allergies similar to those that affect humans. Changes in a cat's daily environment, such as moving to a new home or climate, are usually the cause of allergies.
  
  

Rare Problems

• Bacterial or fungal infections may cause nasal pain and discharge for cats. Rarely, cats suffer from nasal tumors and cancer. Occasionally, a foreign object becomes lodged in the nose, causing problems.
  
  

Prevention

• Regular checkups with a veterinarian will prevent the majority of cat nose problems. Request an oral and nasal exam for a pet suffering from unusual sneezing or nasal dripping.
  
  

Treatment

• Most nose problems are easily treated with a decongestant. Severe allergies are often treated with cortisone injections and flushing the nasal cavity. Chemotherapy or radiation effectively treats tumors and cancers.