Can Cats Get Colds? The Perfect Explanation for Worried Cat

Can Cats Get Colds? The Perfect Explanation for Worried Cat 

Has your cat been sneezing more than usual? Maybe their eyes look watery, or they don’t seem as playful. If you’re wondering if your cat has a cold, you’re not alone. Many cat owners worry about their pets getting sick like people do.

The good news is that cats can’t catch the same cold viruses that we get. However, they can get upper respiratory infections (URIs) with similar symptoms to a human cold. These “cat colds” are common and can be caused by different viruses or bacteria.

Understanding Cat Colds: Symptoms and Causes

How can you tell if your cat has a cold? Look for these common signs:

• Sneezing: Just like in humans, this is a classic symptom.
• Runny nose or congestion: You might see discharge from your cat’s eyes or nose.
• Coughing: This can be a dry cough or a cough that produces mucus.
• Watery eyes: Your cat’s eyes might look watery or irritated.
• Loss of appetite: When feeling unwell, your cat may lose interest in food.
• Fever: A slight increase in body temperature can indicate an infection.
• Lethargy: Your usually energetic cat might become more sluggish and less interested in playing.

These symptoms can be caused by different viruses. The two most common ones are:

• Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1): This highly contagious virus causes many cat colds.
• Feline calicivirus (FCV): This contagious virus can cause more severe symptoms, like mouth ulcers.
• Sometimes, bacteria can also cause upper respiratory infections in cats.

How Do Cats Catch Colds?

Cat colds are very contagious and can spread easily between cats. Here’s how your cat might catch a cold:

• Direct contact: Sharing food bowls, bedding, or litter boxes with an infected cat can spread the virus.
• Sneezing and coughing: When an infected cat sneezes or coughs, tiny droplets with the virus can spread through the air.
• Human contact: If you touch an infected cat and then pet your healthy cat, you could accidentally transfer the virus.

Keeping Your Cat Healthy and Cold

While there’s no cure for cat colds, you can take steps to help prevent your cat from catching one:

• Vaccination: Ask your vet about vaccines for FHV-1 and FCV. These can greatly reduce the risk of severe colds.
• Avoid sick cats: Keep your cat away from other cats that are sick until they get better.
• Reduce stress: A stressed cat has a weaker immune system. Make sure your cat has a calm and enriching environment.
• Good hygiene: Keep your cat’s food and water bowls clean and regularly clean their litter box to reduce germs.

When to See the Vet

Most cat colds are mild and go away on their own within a week or two. However, if your cat’s symptoms are severe, last more than a few days, or get worse, it’s important to see a vet. This is especially important for kittens, senior cats, or cats with weak immune systems.

Helping Your Cat Feel Better During a Cold

If your cat has a mild cold, here are some ways to make them more comfortable:

• Offer plenty of fluids: Encourage your cat to drink water by using a water fountain or adding a little flavorless broth to their water bowl.
• Warm and humid environment: Creating a steamy bathroom environment can help ease congestion.
• Soft food: A runny nose can make it hard for your cat to eat hard kibble. Try offering soft food or warming up their kibble to make it more appealing.
• Lots of TLC: Extra cuddles and gentle petting can provide comfort and reassurance to your sick kitty.

By understanding cat colds, their causes, and how to prevent them, you can keep your cat healthy and happy. If you’re ever worried about your cat’s health, don’t hesitate to talk to your vet.

Can cats get colds from humans?

Rest simple, cat lovers! While your cat might be sneezing and sniffling, they can’t catch your cold. Cats get upper respiratory infections from different viruses, but the symptoms can look similar. If you’re worried about your cat’s cold, read on to learn more about the causes, prevention, and how to help them feel better.

Cat cold symptoms

Look for these signs if you think your cat might have a cold: sneezing a lot, watery or irritated eyes, a runny nose or congestion, sometimes coughing, not wanting to eat, a fever, and seeming less active. These symptoms can be worrying, but most cat colds are caused by viruses and go away by themselves within a week or two. If your cat’s symptoms are serious or last more than a few days, talk to your vet for the right diagnosis and treatment.