Cat nose: remove boogers correctly

If your cat has boogers or incrustations on his nose, you should gently remove them. At the same time, you should pay attention to how the soiling comes about – because it is not always harmless.

They can also be a sign of a health problem and therefore require special attention. Therefore, you should be able to distinguish between the different types.

We will show you when cleaning is necessary and when you need to consult a veterinarian.

In this article you will learn how boogers can form in cats and when you need to blow their noses. In addition, we explain when boogers in the cat’s nose are a cause for concern and how you can differentiate between the contaminations.

Removing boogers from the cat’s nose

If crusting forms on the nostrils, you should remove it carefully and gently. Most cats will put up with this, as long as you do it correctly.

What you have to pay attention to, we tell you in the detailed instructions in the following sections. First, let’s take a look at how boogers and crusts form on a cat’s nose in the first place.
Cat nose: Boogers, crusts and their causes

Cats produce nasal secretions just like we humans do. The fluid is meant to flush the nose, thereby ridding it of debris.

When some cats purr, their noses even drip as they do so. This can be partly attributed to the fact that in kittens, the mother still does the blowing and removes excess secretions.

Adult animals should blow their own noses, but for various reasons do not always do so thoroughly or quickly enough. Possible causes are:

movement restrictions due to pain
weaning from the mother too early
diseases with increased nasal discharge
Infections or other illnesses that lead to a reluctance to clean.

The secretion then wets the fur and together with dust or other dirt particles can develop into a booger at the nostrils or a crust.

Furthermore, respiratory infections or foreign objects, such as a blade of grass in the nose, can be responsible for increased discharge.

This can be sticky, purulent or bloody.

If this is the case, you should see a veterinarian immediately. This also applies if:

your cat sneezes
there are noticeable breathing noises
loss of appetite occurs
the body temperature is elevated
the eyes are watering
there is rattling or coughing
your cat seems weak and tired
there was a fall, a blow or another injury before.

Also, if your cat seems to have problems eating, an examination is necessary.

Because then an inflammation in the area of the tooth roots could have extended to the respiratory tract.

Cat nose: removing boogers step by step

For cleaning the cat’s nose you need a cotton pad or better a terry cloth washcloth and lukewarm water.

Do you have everything at hand? Then follow these steps:

Soak the pad or rag and squeeze the water out just enough to prevent dripping.
Now wrap the cloth or pad around your finger.
Stroke your cat with your free hand until it calms down and is completely relaxed.
Now make stroking movements with your finger from the center of the nose outward, using light pressure. Try to imitate the licking of the mother cat.
Repeat the stroking until the booger is loosened and all incrustations can be gently removed. Be careful not to pull on the hairs. Otherwise, your cat will struggle or flee the next time.

If some of the booger is in a nostril, it may be difficult to remove with a rag or pad.

Soak the crust as much as possible to make it easier to remove.

Afterwards, you can use a cotton swab or, if that’s not enough, your fingernail to gently run into the nostril and try to pull out the booger.

Wash your hands thoroughly before and after. Refrain completely from force and great exertion of force. Otherwise, you may injure your cat.
Removing crusts in case of cat cold

If your sofa lion is sick with cat cold, has an allergy or has a dirty nose all the time, you should clean the face daily.

The crusts and boogers not only hinder breathing, but can also contain allergens and germs.

Therefore, they cause irritation again and again. In addition, the skin under the crusts can become sore.

If you notice increased nasal flow and the need for daily brushing, a veterinary examination and treatment is always advised.

You should not blow your cat’s nose before the examination. This is because the nature of the secretion and its appearance can provide information about the condition, allowing for a more targeted diagnosis.

Remove cat nose boogers – but correctly

In the case of boogers on or in the cat’s nose, you only have to imitate the licking or brushing of the mother, so that your pet will put up with the measure without any problems.

If soiling of the nose occurs more frequently or the discharge is conspicuous, you should immediately consult a veterinarian.

From infections to a foreign body in the nose, there are various causes that need to be treated.

The earlier the therapy takes place, the easier and shorter it is.