TL;DR: A one-sided bloody nose in cats is usually caused by a localized issue and requires a veterinary exam within 24-48 hours, unless the bleeding is profuse or the cat has trouble breathing. Taking a photo of the episode can provide your vet with critical diagnostic information.
What does it mean if my cat has a bloody nose in only one nostril?
- A one-sided bloody nose, or unilateral epistaxis, typically suggests a localized issue rather than a systemic clotting disorder.
- Common causes include foreign objects (like grass awns) stuck in the nasal passage, localized fungal infections, or a tooth root abscess.
- In some cases, the bleeding may be caused by a nasal polyp or a tumor.
When should I seek emergency care for my cat's bloody nose?
- The urgency level is typically considered Medium, requiring a veterinary appointment within 24 to 48 hours if the cat is breathing comfortably.
- Seek emergency care immediately if the bleeding is profuse or continuous.
- Immediate attention is required if your cat is pawing at its face in distress or exhibiting difficulty breathing, such as open-mouth breathing.
How does taking a photo of my cat's symptoms help the vet?
- A photo or video allows the veterinary team to see the exact volume and color of the blood (bright red vs. pinkish discharge).
- Visual evidence helps identify the specific location of the flow, which is helpful if the bleeding stops before you reach the clinic.
- These images help the vet determine the severity of the episode and prioritize your cat's care based on the peak clinical signs.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Unilateral epistaxis in cats may be caused by oronasal neoplasia, dental disease (oronasal fistula), nasal foreign body, or nasopharyngeal disease (foreign body or mass lesions). Acute unilateral nasal discharge, possibly accompanied by pawing at the face, also suggests a foreign body. Neoplastic or mycotic disease is suggested by a chronic nasal discharge that was initially unilateral but becomes bilateral or that changes in character from mucopurulent to serosanguineous or hemorrhagic. Diagnostic tools include history, physical examination, nasal/dental radiographs or CT, rhinoscopy, nasal biopsy, and deep nasal tissue culture. If epistaxis is present, a one-stage prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and buccal mucosal bleeding time should be considered in addition to a platelet count.
Chapter: Otorhinolaryngology, Diagnostic Imaging, Clinical Pathology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1480)