{"id":646766,"date":"2024-09-07T03:42:31","date_gmt":"2024-09-07T07:42:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=646766"},"modified":"2024-09-07T03:42:31","modified_gmt":"2024-09-07T07:42:31","slug":"why-does-my-cat-have-black-boogers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/lifestyle\/why-does-my-cat-have-black-boogers\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Does My Cat Have Black Boogers? Vet-Reviewed Causes & When to Worry"},"content":{"rendered":"

Even though it may be gross to think about, familiarizing yourself with a cat\u2019s nasal discharge can help you take better care of them. The color of your cat\u2019s boogers can alert you of potential infections and diseases.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, your cat may have black boogers. In most cases, their nasal discharge will appear black or brown when it contains dried blood. Blood in the nasal passage often points to an underlying health issue that requires veterinary attention.<\/strong> So, it\u2019s best to consult your vet if you notice black boogers in and around your cat\u2019s nose.<\/p>\n

\"divider<\/p>\n

The 5 Possible Reasons Your Cat Has Black Boogers<\/h2>\n

A cat\u2019s nasal discharge usually looks transparent, but it can change colors and become more opaque if they get sick. Both environmental factors and internal health issues can affect the color of your cat\u2019s nasal discharge. Here are some common reasons why your cat\u2019s boogers may by black.<\/p>\n

1. Respiratory Tract Disease<\/h3>\n

When a cat\u2019s respiratory tract gets inflamed, it can cause black or brown boogers to form around their nose. Nasal discharge from respiratory tract disease is usually thick and yellow. However, it can have a red tinge with fresh blood or it may appear dark brown from older blood. Along with nasal discharge, cats with respiratory tract disease often have eye discharge and sneezing. They can have runny eyes and noses for several weeks to months.<\/p>\n

\"vet
Image Credit: megaflopp, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

2. Nose Bleeds<\/h3>\n

Dark nasal discharge is often caused by blood in the nose, which is known as epistaxis. There are many different causes for epistaxis and the seriousness of the condition varies from mild to severe. It\u2019s most common for epistaxis to be a sign of an infection or trauma. However, it can also be caused by liver failure, feline leukemia virus infection, drug reactions, fungal diseases, hemophilia, and rodenticide poisoning.<\/p>\n

\n

3. External Pollutants<\/h3>\n

Sometimes, black boogers may form around your cat\u2019s nose if they\u2019re exposed to external pollutants<\/a>. This can occur in urban cities where there\u2019s more smoke, gas, and other airborne particles. It\u2019s also more common for outdoor cats than indoor cats to have darker nasal discharge because they have more exposure to outdoor air and dirt.<\/p>\n

\"blue
Image Credit: ddisq, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

4. Rhinitis<\/h3>\n

Rhinitis refers to when the mucous membranes in the nose become inflamed. Most cases of rhinitis are caused by a viral infection, but it can also be a sign of allergies. The nasal discharge<\/a> from rhinitis is usually clear, but it can become thicker and more opaque if a secondary bacterial infection occurs. Other signs of rhinitis include sneezing, pawing at the face, labored inhalation, and snoring.<\/p>\n

\n

5. Nasal Trauma<\/h3>\n

A significant injury to the nose or nasal cavity can cause bleeding. Dried blood can gather within the nose and look like black boogers when they fall out. Most cases of nasal trauma will be apparent. An injured nose usually looks swollen, bruised, or discolored. Cats can also experience difficulty breathing, so it\u2019s important for your cat to receive medical attention as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

\"close
Image Credit: maleblackdog, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"divider<\/p>\n

What to Do if Your Cat Has Black Boogers<\/h2>\n

If your cat\u2019s boogers look like soot or ash, it\u2019s possible that they\u2019ve been exposed to air pollutants. You can usually just wipe their noses clean and remove any bigger particles that are clinging to the outer parts of their nostrils.<\/p>\n

If your cat\u2019s boogers are dark brown and look more like dried blood, it\u2019s best to get them to a vet for a checkup. Dried blood in the nasal cavity usually indicates an underlying medical condition that requires veterinary intervention and care. Make sure to take note of any other signs or unusual behaviors from your cat, as this information can be helpful for your vet\u2019s diagnosis.<\/p>\n

Since a variety of health issues can cause bloody noses<\/a>, treatment plans will vary from case to case. Therefore, it\u2019s important to consult your vet before treating your cat. Your vet can provide treatment options and prescribe medication that will help your cat feel better.<\/p>\n

\"woman
Image Credit: Sawet_Rawpix, Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"divider<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

Overall, your cat\u2019s boogers may turn black when there\u2019s bleeding in their nasal passages. In some cases, their boogers may be black due to inhaling air pollutants. Causes of blood in the nasal passages will vary. So, it\u2019s important for your cat to see a vet to get a proper diagnosis and ensure they receive the right treatment to help them get better.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Sources<\/div>
\n