My Cat Has a Bloody Nose - Cat Nosebleed

As we have mentioned in the intro, epistaxis is the scientific term for nasal bleeding. Outdoor cats are more prone to nosebleeds due to the hazards in the outdoor environment such as pointed sticks, broken glass and even other animals. The latter is especially common in uncastrated males which might fight with another cat over territoriality or access to females. You may see them with bloody noses more often than others.

Despite outdoor cats being more susceptible to nosebleeds, there are many causes of a bloody nose in cats:

• Trauma or injury
• Foreign objects
• Respiratory infections
• Fungal infections
• Blood disorders
• Nasal tumors
• High blood pressure
• Nasal irritants
• Systemic diseases
• Parasite

It is important to make a distinction between an external and internal nasal injury in cats. If the feline has a small scratch on the outside of the nose, it is most likely due to physical trauma. However, a small wound can be the sign of a skin problem such as allergic reactions or tumors. When the blood exits through the nose, it could be due to a trauma in the nasal passage such as the presence of a foreign object, but it can also be due to something which affects other parts of their organism.

We look at the reasons for a bloody nose in cats in more detail in the sections below.

Trauma can cause a cat's nose to bleed by directly injuring the delicate blood vessels and tissues within the nasal cavity. The nose is a sensitive area with a rich network of blood vessels. Any forceful impact or injury to the nose can result in bleeding. Here's how trauma can lead to a cat's nosebleed:

• Direct impact: a strong blow or impact to the cat's nose, such as from a fall, accident or rough play, can cause blood vessels to rupture and result in bleeding. We need to be particularly careful with cats which have outdoor access, especially when we live in built-up areas.
  
  
• Fighting or scratching: cats may engage in aggressive behavior, including fighting with other animals or scratching at their own face. This can lead to cuts, abrasions, or injuries to the nose, which may result in bleeding.
  
  
• Accidents: cats can sometimes be involved in accidents, such as being hit by a car or falling from a height. These accidents can cause various injuries, including to the nose, leading to bleeding. Learn more about falling from heigh with our article on high-rise syndrome in cats.
  
  
• Injury during grooming: cats are meticulous groomers, but excessive or aggressive grooming can sometimes lead to self-inflicted injuries. If a cat accidentally injures their own nose while grooming, it can result in bleeding.
  
  
• Rough handling: handling a cat roughly or applying excessive pressure to the nose can result in trauma and nosebleeds.
  
  
• Environmental hazards: cats that roam outdoors might encounter various environmental hazards, such as getting caught in tight spaces or being exposed to rough surfaces, which can lead to nosebleeds if they encounter trauma.

It's important to note that any trauma to the nose should be taken seriously, even if the bleeding appears minor. Nosebleeds can vary in severity. If you notice your cat experiencing a nosebleed, it's recommended to seek veterinary attention. A veterinarian can assess the extent of the injury, provide appropriate care and ensure that there are no other underlying health issues contributing to the nosebleed.

A foreign object can cause a nosebleed in cats when it becomes lodged in the nasal passages and irritates or damages the delicate tissues and blood vessels. A foreign object can lead to a nosebleed in cats in the following ways:

• Inhalation or entry: cats are curious creatures that may explore their environment using their nose. Sometimes, small foreign objects such as grass seeds, plant material, dust or even small toys can be inhaled or accidentally inserted into the nasal passages.
  
  
• Irritation and injury: once a foreign object is trapped in the nasal passages, it can cause irritation, inflammation, and injury to the sensitive nasal tissues. The presence of the foreign object can lead to scratching, rubbing and increased mucus production, which can contribute to bleeding. You may even see symptoms such as the cat having a swollen nose.
  
  
• Dislodgment: cats may attempt to dislodge the foreign object by sneezing, pawing at their nose or rubbing their face against surfaces. These actions can further aggravate the nasal tissues and worsen the bleeding.

Extracting a foreign object from a cat's nasal passages requires delicate and careful handling to avoid causing further harm. Unless the object is obviously easily removed, we should not try to extract it ourselves. Doing so can cause further damage to the tissues and result in something much worse than a nosebleed.

A veterinarian will be able to examine the cat and even use clinical methods to visualize the object. They can put the cat under anesthesia to reduce discomfort and ease the removal procedure. They can use specialized instruments to extract the object, as well as flush it out if necessary.

Respiratory infections can cause a nosebleed in cats through various mechanisms related to inflammation, irritation and damage to the nasal tissues. Here's how respiratory infections can lead to a nosebleed:

• Inflammation and irritation: respiratory infections, such as feline herpesvirus (FHV) or calicivirus, can cause inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages. The inflamed tissues become more sensitive and fragile, making them prone to bleeding.
  
  
• Nasal discharge: respiratory infections often lead to excessive nasal discharge, which can be thick and mucus-like. As the cat sneezes or tries to clear its nasal passages, the forceful expulsion of discharge can contribute to nosebleeds.
  
  
• Coughing and sneezing: coughing fits and frequent sneezing associated with respiratory infections can create strong pressure within the nasal passages. This pressure can cause blood vessels to rupture and result in bleeding. Learn more about the reasons why cats sneeze in our related article.
  
  
• Secondary infections: infections weaken the immune response and can make the nasal tissues more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. The combination of infection and bacterial invasion can contribute to tissue damage and bleeding.
  
  
• Ulceration: severe respiratory infections can lead to the development of ulcers or sores on the nasal mucosa. These ulcers can bleed and contribute to nosebleeds.
  
  
• Dry or crusty nostrils: Nasal discharge from infections can dry and crust around the nostrils (nares). As the cat tries to dislodge the crusty material, it can inadvertently cause trauma to the nasal tissues and lead to bleeding.

Respiratory infections can cause a range of symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge and difficulty breathing, in addition to nosebleeds. If you suspect that your cat has a respiratory infection or is experiencing nosebleeds, it's advisable to seek prompt veterinary attention. A veterinarian can diagnose the underlying infection, provide appropriate treatment and address any complications.

Fungal infections, such as cryptococcosis in cats, can invade and damage the delicate nasal tissues, leading to inflammation, irritation and bleeding. The presence of the fungal organism can compromise the integrity of the nasal passages, making them more susceptible to bleeding. If you suspect a fungal infection in your cat, it's important to seek veterinary care for proper diagnosis and treatment.

A blood disorder can potentially cause nasal bleeding in cats. Blood disorders, such as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) or coagulopathies (clotting disorders), can lead to difficulties in proper blood clotting. When the blood clotting process is impaired, even minor trauma or irritation to the nasal tissues can result in nosebleeds.

These disorders can make it challenging for the cat's body to effectively stop bleeding, leading to recurrent or prolonged nosebleeds. If you suspect a blood disorder in your cat, a veterinarian can perform appropriate tests to diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment.

Nasal tumors can cause nosebleeds in cats through several mechanisms related to their growth and presence within the nasal cavity:

• Tissue disruption: nasal tumors can grow and invade the delicate nasal tissues, leading to disruption of blood vessels and causing bleeding. As the tumor expands, it can erode the nasal lining and blood vessels, making them more susceptible to rupture.
  
  
• Direct pressure: the presence of a tumor within the nasal cavity can exert pressure on surrounding tissues, including blood vessels. This pressure can compromise blood flow and lead to the development of nosebleeds.
  
  
• Inflammation and irritation: tumors can cause inflammation and irritation of the nasal tissues. Inflamed tissues are more sensitive and prone to bleeding, and the constant presence of the tumor can contribute to chronic nosebleeds.
  
  
• Trauma during growth: as a tumor grows, it can extend into different areas of the nasal cavity. This growth can result in repeated trauma to the nasal tissues, increasing the likelihood of bleeding.
  
  
• Secondary infections: tumors can create an environment conducive to bacterial or fungal infections. Infections can contribute to tissue damage, ulceration, and bleeding.
  
  
• Blood supply alterations: tumors can disrupt the normal blood supply to the nasal tissues, leading to changes in blood flow and contributing to bleeding.

Nasal tumors in cats can vary in type and location, and their impact on nosebleeds can depend on factors such as tumor size, invasiveness, and presence of ulcers. Nosebleeds caused by nasal tumors are often persistent and may worsen over time. Since tumors can become malignant, taking the cat to a veterinarian is essential to diagnose the problem and begin treatment. External skin tumors on cats can also cause bleeding on the external part of the nose.

Similar to foreign objects, there are various irritants in the home or outdoors which can cause a cat to have a bloody nose. Irritants can cause nosebleeds in cats by directly irritating and damaging the sensitive nasal tissues, leading to inflammation and increased fragility of blood vessels. Chemicals, pollutants, allergens, dry air and foreign substances can trigger irritation, weakening blood vessel walls and increasing the risk of bleeding.

Learn more about natural irritants to avoid with our article on plants that are toxic to cats.

Several systemic diseases in cats can potentially lead to a bloody nose (epistaxis) as a symptom. These diseases often impact the blood clotting ability, blood vessel integrity, or immune system, making the delicate nasal tissues more prone to bleeding. Some of the systemic diseases that may contribute to a bloody nose in cats include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure): elevated blood pressure in cats can weaken blood vessel walls, leading to their rupture and causing nosebleeds.
  
  
• Coagulopathies: disorders affecting blood clotting, such as clotting factor deficiencies or platelet abnormalities, can result in difficulty controlling bleeding and nosebleeds.
  
  
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): this autoimmune disease can cause inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), increasing the risk of bleeding.
  
  
• Infectious diseases: certain viral infections, such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), can weaken the immune system and affect blood clotting, potentially leading to nosebleeds.
  
  
• Thrombocytopenia: a low platelet count can impair blood clotting, making cats more susceptible to nosebleeds.
  
  
• Liver disease: liver dysfunction can affect blood clotting factors and lead to bleeding disorders.
  
  
• Renal (kidney) disease: advanced kidney disease can cause hypertension and negatively impact blood clotting mechanisms.
  
  
• Cancer: some systemic cancers, such as lymphoma or leukemia, can affect blood cell production and clotting, contributing to nosebleeds.

The above diseases demonstrate why it is so important to have a cat's bloody nose diagnosed. Some of them ar epotentially fatal.

Parasites can lead to a bloody nose in cats by causing irritation, inflammation and damage to the delicate nasal tissues. For example, nasal mites that infest the nasal passages feed on tissue fluids and weaken blood vessel walls, making them prone to rupture.

Additionally, parasites trigger the cat's immune response, leading to inflammation that compromises blood vessel integrity and increases the risk of bleeding. Parasitic infestations can also lead to trauma as cats sneeze, cough and shake their heads to alleviate discomfort, further contributing to nosebleeds.

Certain parasites affect blood clotting mechanisms, making cats more susceptible to bleeding. In severe cases, blood-feeding parasites can lead to anemia in the cat, weakening blood vessels and increasing the likelihood of nosebleeds.

Parasitic infestations can also weaken the immune system, making cats more vulnerable to secondary infections that damage nasal tissues and exacerbate nosebleeds. If you suspect your cat has a parasitic infestation or is experiencing nosebleeds, consulting a veterinarian is crucial. They can provide proper diagnosis, treatment for the parasites, and address any complications, ensuring your cat's health and comfort.

Learn more about the most common types of external parasites in cats.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

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