Moderate severity

Nasopharyngeal Stenosis

An abnormal narrowing of the passage at the back of the nose where it meets the throat, causing chronic noisy, snorting or congested breathing.

⚠️ Common symptoms

Loud, snorting or snuffling breathing, often for weeks or monthsCongested, 'stuffy' sounds that persist after any infection clearsBreathing more easily through the mouth at timesReduced sense of smell and sometimes a poorer appetiteNasal discharge in some cats

Nasopharyngeal stenosis is an uncommon but well-recognised cause of chronically noisy breathing in cats. The nasopharynx is the passage at the very back of the nose, above the soft palate, where air travels from the nostrils toward the windpipe. When this passage becomes abnormally narrow, air is forced through a tight gap, producing the characteristic snorting, snuffling, congested sounds that owners often describe as a cat that always seems 'blocked up'.

In most cats the narrowing is caused by a thin web of scar tissue that has formed across the passage, frequently in the aftermath of a bout of upper respiratory infection or inflammation. Because the scarring persists long after the original illness has resolved, the noisy breathing continues for weeks or months, which is a useful clue that something more than a lingering cold is going on. Diagnosis usually involves a vet examining the area under anaesthetic, often with a tiny camera, and may include imaging.

The good news is that the condition is treatable. Techniques such as balloon dilation gently stretch the narrowed section, sometimes with a stent to keep it open, and many cats breathe far more comfortably afterwards. The main challenge is that the stricture can re-form, so some cats need repeat treatment, making ongoing veterinary follow-up an important part of managing the condition.

🔍 Causes

The narrowing is usually caused by scar tissue forming a web or band across the nasopharynx. This commonly follows an earlier upper respiratory infection or inflammation, though it can occasionally be present from birth or follow regurgitation, a foreign body, or surgery in the area.

🛡 Prevention

There is no guaranteed way to prevent it, but prompt, thorough treatment of upper respiratory infections may reduce the scarring that can lead to a stricture. Keeping kittens vaccinated against the common cat-flu viruses helps limit severe or repeated nasal inflammation.

💊 Treatment

Treatment aims to widen the narrowed passage. Vets may use balloon dilation, where a small balloon is gently inflated to stretch the stricture, sometimes combined with placing a temporary stent to hold it open. Surgery is occasionally needed. Because the narrowing can re-form, some cats need the procedure repeated or ongoing monitoring.

When to see a vet: See a vet for any cat with long-standing noisy, snorting or congested breathing that does not settle after an infection has been treated. Persistent upper-airway noise deserves investigation, as the cause needs to be identified before it can be properly treated.

⚕️ Medical disclaimer

  • This information is educational only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.
  • Symptoms overlap between conditions — only a vet can diagnose accurately.
  • Never withhold treatment or self-medicate based on information found online.
  • When in doubt, call your vet. Early intervention almost always leads to better outcomes.

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