Although it may seem gross to think about, knowing about your cat’s runny nose can help you take better care of her. The color of your cat’s nasal mucus can signal a possible infection or illness.
Sometimes cats’ boogers are black. In most cases, snot will appear black or brown if it contains dried blood. Blood in the nasal passages is often an indication of an underlying health problem that requires veterinary attention. So if you notice black boogers in or around your cat’s nose, it’s best to consult a vet.
5 reasons why your cat’s boogers are black
A cat’s snot usually appears clear, but if they are sick it can change color and become more opaque. Both environmental factors and internal health issues can affect the color of your cat’s snot. Here are some common reasons why your cat’s snot may turn black:
1. Respiratory diseases
When a cat’s respiratory system becomes inflamed, it may develop black or brown boogers around the nose. Respiratory nasal discharge is usually thick and yellow, but it may also be reddish with fresh blood or dark brown with old blood. In addition to a runny nose, cats with respiratory illnesses often have runny eyes and sneezing. Runny eyes and nose may persist for weeks to months.
2. Nosebleeds
A black runny nose is often caused by blood in the nose, known as a nosebleed. Nosebleeds have many different causes and can range in severity from mild to severe. Nosebleeds are most commonly a sign of infection or trauma. However, they can also be caused by liver failure, feline leukemia virus infection, drug reactions, fungal diseases, hemophilia, and rodenticide poisoning.
3. External Contaminants
Exposure to outside pollutants can cause black boogers to form around your cat’s nose. This can happen in urban areas where there is a lot of smoke, gases, and other particles in the air. Outdoor cats also often have darker-colored snot than indoor cats, as they are more exposed to outdoor air and dirt.
4. Rhinitis
Rhinitis refers to an inflammation of the nasal mucus membranes. Most cases of rhinitis are caused by a viral infection. However, it can also be a sign of allergies. The mucus from rhinitis is usually clear, but if a secondary bacterial infection occurs, it may become thicker and more opaque. Other signs of rhinitis include sneezing, scratching the face, difficulty breathing, and snoring.
5. Nasal trauma
Any significant injury to the nose or nasal passages may result in bleeding. Dried blood may pool inside the nose and drip out of the nose, giving it a black booger-like appearance. Most nasal injuries will be obvious; an injured nose will usually be swollen, bruised and discoloured. Your cat may also have difficulty breathing, so it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What to do if your cat has black boogers
If your cat’s boogers look like soot or ash, they may have been exposed to air pollutants, and all you need to do is give your cat’s nose a good wipe to remove any larger particles that may be stuck on the outside of the nostrils.
If your cat’s nasal discharge is dark brown and looks like dried blood, it’s best to take them to the vet. Dried blood in the nasal passages usually indicates an underlying condition that requires veterinary intervention and treatment. Be sure to record any other signs or unusual behavior your cat may have. This information will help your veterinarian make a diagnosis.
Because nosebleeds can be caused by a variety of health issues, treatment plans vary from case to case, so it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before treating your cat. Your veterinarian can suggest treatment options and prescribe medications to help your cat feel better.
Conclusion
Generally, a cat’s nasal mucus may turn black if there is bleeding in the nasal cavity. Sometimes, nasal mucus may turn black due to inhaling pollutants in the air. There are many different causes of bleeding in the nasal cavity. That’s why it’s important for your cat to see a vet to get a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment to help them recover.
Featured image credit: Firman Widyasmara, Shutterstock
