Why Does My Cat Nose Drip When He Purrs? What to Do?

When a cat is content and happy, they’ll often purr. Some people may not notice this sound unless they listen closely, but others might see their cat’s nose start to drip when the feline is purring deeply. Why did that happen?

Why does my cat nose drip when he purrs

When a cat purrs, they open their mouth wide and release a high-pitched noise. This noise is made up of several sounds, including those humans make when breathing. 

When these sounds escape the cat’s mouth, it causes a liquid to flow from their nasal passages. Some of this liquid may be blood, but it could also be tears or other fluids. 

Most of the time, this drip is harmless and disappears on its own. However, sometimes, it can be caused by an underlying medical condition. Here are some possible causes:

Cat allergies

When a cat purrs, the air they inhale and exhale is humidified with saliva. This increases the moisture concentration in the air, which can cause an allergic response in people susceptible to allergies.

Some cats also have very sensitive noses that can’t tolerate even low levels of allergens. When these cats purr, the allergens get into their nasal passages and cause a drip.

Flu

There could be many reasons your cat is dripping from the nose, including a cold or flu. Sick cats often have runny noses and may drip when they purr because they are trying to clear their throats. Some cats also drip when they sneeze or cough.

Nasal polyps

When a cat purrs, nasal airflow and pressure increase dramatically. This increase in airflow can cause the mucous membranes in a cat’s nose to bleed (polyp) and may also exacerbate an existing nasal condition. 

Polyps can form from persistent inflammation of the nasal tissues, which is probably why some cats develop dripping noses when they purr – the increased mucous wash overcomes the polyp’s resistance and causes it to burst. 

In some cases, however, polyps may never cause any symptoms; the only sign that they’re present might be a slightly red or swollen nose when your cat is purring.

Sinusitis

If your cat is purring and seems to be having difficulty breathing, it may be because they have sinusitis. This common disease can affect cats of all ages but is most commonly seen in older cats. 

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses which can cause congestion, fever, and coughing. Left untreated can lead to more serious problems such as permanent damage to the sinuses or even death.

Blockage in the nasal passage

A common symptom of a blocked nasal passage is when a cat drips saliva from the side of their mouth when they purr. Saliva builds up in the nasal passage over time and can eventually become so obstructive that it causes a dripping sound when the cat breathes. 

This blockage can be caused by numerous factors, including age, allergies, or infection, but most often, it is caused by debris or excess mucus buildup. 

Treatment typically involves cleaning the passages with a saline solution or an antibiotic medication and correcting any underlying cause. 

If left untreated, this condition can lead to more serious health problems, such as difficulty breathing and pneumonia.

An infection in the nasal passages

When a cat purrs, the air they inhale and exhale flows through their nasal passages. This airflow is interrupted when the cat’s nose drips because of an infection in the nasal passages. 

The infection can be caused by various things, such as a foreign object stuck in the cat’s nose, a viral infection, or even allergies. 

When left untreated, this infection can spread to other parts of the cat’s body and cause serious health problems. 

If you notice your cat has an infected nose, take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment.

An injury to the upper lip or nose

Cat’s purring is sometimes a sign of an injury to their upper lip or nose. This can cause the cat to drip when they purr, as the moisture from the injured area seeps through the teeth and sinuses in the roof of their mouth and down their throat. 

If your cat is dripping when they purr, it is important to take them to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

A problem with the jaw joint

A problem with the jaw joint in some cats causes them to drool and dribble when they purr. The problem is usually caused by arthritis but can also be caused by other medical issues. 

If you notice your cat dripping when he purrs, there are several things you can do to help relieve the problem. First, make sure your cat has enough food and water. A full stomach will help keep the jaw muscles strong and reduce inflammation in the joint. 

You can also give your cat painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate symptoms. If the issue is severe, your veterinarian may recommend surgery to replace the joint. 

In most cases, though, treatment using these methods will improve your cat’s quality of life and ease his drooling when he purrs.

What to do when your cat nose drip when he purrs

When you hear your cat purr, it’s usually a sign of contentment. However, it might be time to take him to the vet if you notice that your cat’s nose is constantly dripping. 

There can be various reasons why your cat’s nose is dripping, and it’ll need to be checked out by a professional to determine the best course of action. 

In most cases, there isn’t anything wrong with your cat, and he’ll eventually stop dripping. However, in some cases where the problem is more serious, it might require surgery or medication to fix. So always consult your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your cat’s health.

How to prevent nose drip when a cat purrs

You can do a few things to help prevent your cat from leaking water and snotting out of their nose when they’re purring.

1. Keep their noses clean by using a soft brush or cloth to remove any buildup of bacteria or debris. Keeping their nose clean will help reduce the amount of fluid buildup.
2. Make sure your cat has plenty of fresh air and exercise. Outdoor cats with access to many grass and trees usually do better than indoor cats. Exercise also helps open up the nasal passages so the drainage mechanisms can work properly.
3. Make sure they have plenty of fluids. Drinking enough water will help to keep their nasal passages clear and dry.
4. Try keeping your cat entertained by providing them with toys and food puzzles that require them to use their mouth. This will help keep their mouths busy and reduce the likelihood that they’ll start drooling.
5. Change your cat’s litter box regularly. When the mucous in their nose becomes saturated, it can leak out of their noses. To prevent this from happening, change your cat’s litter box regularly and make sure they have plenty of fresh air to breathe. This will also help keep their noses clean and free of infection.
6. Consult with a veterinarian if the underlying cause of the nose drip cannot be resolved.

Conclusion

Your cat may be dripping from the nose due to a medical condition. There may be a need for treatment, and your cat may be in danger if not taken care of. If you notice that your cat is constantly dripping from the nose, consult your veterinarian immediately. 

Cats deserve the best healthcare possible, so make sure you take your kitty to the vet if they start to experience any problems with their nose or breathing.