Foreign object in the cat's nose or nasopharynx
A blade of grass, a grass awn, or another small object can lodge in a nostril or travel up behind the soft palate, where the nose meets the throat. The cat reacts suddenly: violent sneezing, paw rubbing over the nose, discharge from one sid...
What is it?
A blade of grass, a grass awn, or another small object can lodge in a nostril or travel up behind the soft palate, where the nose meets the throat. The cat reacts suddenly: violent sneezing, paw rubbing over the nose, discharge from one side only. The foreign object does not always come out on its own. Left in place, it causes ongoing inflammation and discharge that can persist.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Sudden onset: the cat was fine, then signs appear abruptly, often after time outdoors or after chewing grass. Violent and repeated sneezing. The cat rubs its nose with its paw or against the ground. Discharge from one nostril only, initially clear, sometimes tinged with blood. Nosebleed during sneezing. Stuffy nose sounds with each breath, even at rest, when the object lodges behind the soft palate. Some cats make noisy, jerky inhalations through the nose with neck extended for a few seconds: these 'reverse sneezes' are often mistaken for coughing or choking. If the object is not removed, one-sided discharge may persist for weeks.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The most common causes are grass blades and grass awns—pointed dry grass tips that catch and advance in only one direction. The cat inhales them while sniffing the ground or they travel up into the nasopharynx when the cat chews grass or vomits. Other small objects may be involved.
Outdoor cat, especially in tall dry grass, particularly in summer when grass awns are mature. Cat that regularly chews grass.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The vet will ask how the symptoms began: sudden onset and discharge from one nostril strongly suggest a foreign body.
Your vet will examine the nostrils, mouth, and back of the throat. In cats, the object is rarely visible without equipment: anesthesia is generally needed to explore the nose and back of the nasal passage with a small camera or appropriate instrument.
Imaging of the head may be recommended if the object is not found or if the discharge has been present for a long time.
In an older cat with discharge from one nostril that has developed gradually, the vet will also check for a tumor.
Treatment
Treatment involves removing the foreign body, usually under anesthesia, either through the nose or via the back of the throat.
Once the object is removed, symptoms typically resolve quickly. Additional treatment may be given if an infection has developed.
Never attempt to remove an object from your cat's nose yourself with tweezers or a cotton swab: you risk pushing it deeper and damaging the nasal lining.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Limit access to tall, dry grass during summer.
Inspect your cat's coat, ears, and paws after outdoor time.
Contact your vet as soon as violent sneezing starts after being outside: removing a foxtail early prevents much greater damage.
Possible complications
Chronic inflammation and infection of the nose if the object remains in place.
Progression of a foxtail deeper into the respiratory tract.
Recurrent nosebleeds.
When to see a veterinarian
Your cat is breathing with mouth open, or gums or tongue are bluish: seek immediate care.
Violent sneezing with nosebleed: contact your vet the same day.
Sneezing started suddenly after being outdoors or after chewing grass.
Nasal discharge is coming from one nostril only.
Your cat keeps rubbing its nose.
Prognosis
The prognosis is very good once the foreign body is removed: symptoms typically resolve within a few days.
It is less favorable if the object remained in place for a long time and caused ongoing infection, or if it has migrated deeper.
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell if it's a foreign body or a cold?
A foreign body starts suddenly, often after an outing, with discharge from one nostril and a cat rubbing its nose, without fever initially. Coryza rather produces discharge from both nostrils, watery eyes, fever, and often affects several cats in the household.
Can a foreign body come out on its own?
Sometimes, from a sneeze. But a grass awn tends to work its way in rather than come back out. If symptoms persist beyond a few hours or if the nose bleeds, see a doctor.
My elderly cat has a runny nose on one side only: does that necessarily mean a foxtail?
No. In an elderly cat, especially if the discharge has developed gradually, the veterinarian will also consider a nasal tumor or fungal infection. A thorough examination is necessary.
References
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 10 October 2026
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