Stop Nosebleeds in Cats

Nosebleeds in cats can be the result of any number of injuries or illnesses. In many cases, the underlying cause is easily treatable, but only your vet can make a specific diagnosis. If your cat's nose starts bleeding, your job is to keep your cat calm, stop the bleeding, and give them proper care after they return from the vet's office or animal hospital.

Steps

Taking Action During a Nosebleed

1. Stay calm. Cats easily pick up on human emotions. If you panic, your cat will become nervous, which will cause their blood pressure to rise. This can lead to more bleeding. On the other hand, keeping a cool head will allow your cat to calm down and cooperate with you.
2. Keep your cat still. First, talk to your cat in a soothing tone and pet them as you normally would. This will work with your calmness to help your cat settle down. Then, secure them in a comfort bag. Make sure it's not too tight around the cat's neck.
   • If you don't have a comfort bag, you can wrap them in a towel and secure it with a clothespin. This will allow you to start taking measures to stop the bleeding.
3. Make an icepack. Readymade icepacks are usually too large for small feline noses. Take one or two ice cubes from your freezer. Place them in a plastic bag. Then, wrap the bag in a clean towel.
4. Apply the icepack. Place the icepack on the bridge of your cat's nose. Make sure you don't cover your cat's nostrils. The cold temperature should cause the blood vessels to constrict and stop the bleeding.
5. Don't give your cat any unprescribed medication. A nosebleed can stem from a number of illnesses or injuries. Medication could worsen your cat's condition. The only exception to this rule is if your vet has prescribed medication specifically for the nosebleed or its underlying cause.
6. Clean up the blood. Find a clean and dry paper towel. Wipe away any blood from your cat's face. This will keep their airways clear and prevent them from swallowing blood. Make sure you use gentle strokes. If the nosebleed was caused by a cut in the nose, forceful strokes could trigger more bleeding.
7. Seek veterinary help. Nosebleeds in cats occur due to an underlying illness (such as an infection or leukemia) or injury (such as head trauma or a foreign body in the nose). Only your vet can make the proper diagnosis and take measures to cure the condition or keep it under control.
   • Depending on what's causing the nosebleed, treatments can range from simple antibiotics to surgery or a blood transfusion.

Providing Aftercare and Preventative Care

1. Visit your cat at the vet's office. Unless the nosebleed resulted from a minor infection or injury, your cat might have to stay at the vet's office or animal hospital for several days. For their recovery, they'll need to see familiar faces and hear familiar voices. Talk to your cat and pet them often to reduce their stress.
2. Limit your cat's activity and excitability. Heightened activity or emotions could trigger another nosebleed. Follow your vet's advice on keeping your cat calm for the recovery period. This might include crating, relocation to a small room, or medication.
3. Stick to the vet's feeding instructions. If your cat's nosebleed was the result of kidney failure, high blood pressure, or related condition, they'll have to go on a special diet. Give your cat only the foods that the vet deems safe. Sometimes, the diet will only be temporary. However, you should be prepared to keep your cat on the diet for the rest of their life.
4. Provide any prescribed medications. Cats suffering from respiratory infections or recovering from surgery will need antibiotics. Some nosebleed-related conditions, such as poisoning or blood clotting disorders, require dietary supplements and/or long-term medications.
   • Stick to the dosing schedule your vet prescribes. You'll usually only have to give your cat antibiotics for two weeks or less. However, if your cat has cancer or other chronic condition, you should be prepared to stick to the dosing schedule for the rest of their life.
5. Tend to your cat's stitches. Cats whose nosebleeds were caused by foreign bodies, abscesses, or cancer will likely have to undergo surgery. Change the surgical dressing as prescribed. Look for swelling, redness, blood, discharge, or foul odor in the stitched area. These usually indicate infection. Call your vet if you notice any of these abnormalities.
6. Follow all other veterinary advice. Your vet will give you a list of symptoms to look out for as your cat recovers. These usually include blood loss, pale gums, weakness, or collapse. Don't try to improvise on any instructions. If your vet tells you to bring your cat to the office for certain symptoms, do exactly that. Your cat's life could depend on it.
7. Visit the vet for follow-up care. Your vet will need to check your cat's prognosis. Work out a schedule for follow-up visits and keep each appointment. The vet will let you know when your cat has a clean bill of health.

Tips

• Tell your vet what your cat was doing immediately before the nosebleed. Significant acts include playing rough with other animals, sustaining head trauma, sneezing, rubbing of the nose, or vomiting a substance that looks like coffee grounds. If your cat's mouth or gums have been bleeding or if their stool is black, that's also something to note. Let the vet know if you've recently laid out any rodent poison that your cat could have eaten.
• Don't panic if you see blood in your cat's stool the day after a nosebleed. It might be the result of swallowing some blood. Contact your vet if it continues.

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