If you’ve spotted black boogers around your cat’s nose and/or eyes, it’s usually nothing to be too concerned about.
Most cats will have the occasional booger, and yes, they’re often black in color.
However, if your cat has a runny nose or persistent boogers, it might be a sign of infection!
Why Does My Cat Get Black Boogers?
Cats get black boogers for the same reason people do – because their bodies are efficient at producing mucus!
Mucus is produced in response to irritants, such as dust, pollen, or even just a cold virus.
The darker color of your cat’s boogers simply indicates that they’ve been hanging out in your cat’s nose for a while.
So, if you see black boogers, it’s nothing to be too alarmed about.
However, if you notice your cat has a runny nose or is sneezing more than usual, it might be time to take them to the vet.
These could be signs of an upper respiratory infection, which is fairly common in cats.
If your cat does have an infection, the vet will likely prescribe antibiotics to clear it up.
Related – How long does a cat cold last? Explained!
Do Cats Get Colds?
Yes, cats can get colds, just like people.
However, they don’t usually show the same symptoms that we do.
Instead of a runny nose and sneezing, you might notice your cat has watery eyes or is licking their lips more than usual.
They might also have a reduced appetite or be lethargic.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to take your cat to the vet.
Colds in cats usually go away on their own, but a vet can prescribe antibiotics if your cat is having a hard time shaking the cold.
How Do You Know if Your Cat Has an Infection?
If you’re not sure whether your cat has a cold or an infection, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and take them to the vet.
The vet will be able to listen to your cat’s breathing, take a look inside their nose, and run some tests if necessary.
They’ll then be able to give you a diagnosis and recommend the best course of treatment.
In most cases, a simple antibiotic will clear up an infection quickly.
How to Clean Cat Boogers
It’s not the most desirable job, but there are many cleaning up tasks that come with owning pets, and wiping boogers are one of them.
If your cat needs a little help removing boogers, the best way to do it is with a warm, damp cloth.
Gently wipe away any boogers you see, being careful not to irritate your cat’s nose.
If your cat has a runny nose, you might also want to use a saline solution to help clear away any mucus.
Sometimes cats also have a black crusty substance around their eyes, typically in the inside corner.
You can also do them a favor by gently wiping away these black crusty buildups away.
Related content:
Here’s how to use wet wipes on your cat.
More on why some cats have short whiskers.
Why some cats shiver while purring.
Can You Prevent Cat Boogers?
There’s no surefire way to prevent cat boogers, but there are some things you can do to reduce the amount of mucus your cat produces.
First, try to keep their environment as clean as possible.
This means regularly cleaning their litter box, sweeping and vacuuming floors, and dusting surfaces.
You might also want to consider using an air purifier, especially if you live in an area with a lot of pollen or other environmental irritants.
Finally, make sure your cat is up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Cats that are vaccinated are less likely to contract respiratory infections, which can lead to increased mucus production.
While you can’t prevent cat boogers entirely, following these tips can help reduce the amount of mucus your cat produces.
When Should You Take Your Cat to A Vet?
While black boogers are usually nothing to worry about, there are some cases where you should take your cat to the vet.
If you notice your cat has a runny nose or is sneezing more than usual, it might be time to take them to the vet.
These could be signs of an upper respiratory infection, which is fairly common in cats.
You should also take notice of how your cat is behaving. Simply having boogers should not cause your cat to be unwell.
If they’re showing any other symptoms of being unwell, such as not eating or drinking, acting lethargic, etc, this is a sign that you need to take them to a vet.
In Summary
Black boogers might be a bit gross, but it’s usually nothing to worry about.
If you notice your cat also has a runny nose or is sneezing more than usual, or is showing any other signs of being unwell, then there may be cause for concern.
And, yes, you may have to wipe your cat’s nose clean from time to time!
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Image credits – Photo by Nora Hutton on Unsplash
