Just like us, cats can get colds, though what we think of as a “cat cold” is technically an upper respiratory infection (URI). And don’t worry, your cat can’t give you their cold, and you can’t give them yours; these infections are species-specific.
This guide will walk you through the symptoms of cat colds, what causes them, how they’re diagnosed and treated, and what you can do to prevent them. Plus, we’ll clear up any confusion about whether those sneezes are contagious between you and your feline friend.
How to recognize a cat cold
If your cat has a cold, you may notice symptoms such as:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Congestion
- Eye discharge
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Watery eyes
- Sniffles
Most cat colds only cause mild symptoms. However, you should seek veterinary care if your cat has trouble breathing or refuses to eat.
What causes cat colds?
Most cat colds are upper respiratory infections (URIs) caused by viruses or bacteria.
Viral causes
The most common viral causes of cat colds are:
- Feline herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1), also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR)
- Feline calicivirus (FCV)
FHV-1 and FCV are responsible for the majority of URIs in cats.
Bacterial causes
The most common bacterial causes of cat colds are:
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
- Chlamydophila felis (C. felis)
Other potential causes
Mycoplasma can also cause upper respiratory infections. Less commonly, feline retroviruses can be the cause of cold-like symptoms.
Diagnosing Cat Colds
If your cat has cold symptoms, you should take them to a veterinarian for an exam.
To determine the cause of your cat’s symptoms, your vet may perform some tests, such as:
- Collecting nasal swabs
- Running blood tests
- Performing PCR testing
In some cases, the vet may also want to take X-rays or use ultrasound to get a better look.
Treating Your Cat’s Cold with Care
If your cat is showing signs of a cold, it’s important to provide supportive care and seek veterinary advice. Here’s how you can help your feline friend recover:
Medications
Your vet may prescribe antiviral medications to combat viral infections. If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics will likely be used.
Supportive and Home Care
Keeping your cat warm and comfortable is essential. Create a cozy resting place and ensure they have access to fresh water and food. Gently wipe away any discharge from their nose and eyes with a clean, damp cloth. A humidifier can add moisture to the air, which may help ease congestion. Offer palatable, aromatic food to encourage them to eat, as a stuffy nose can reduce their sense of smell and appetite.
Environmental Management
Provide a quiet and stress-free environment. Minimize loud noises and disruptions to allow your cat to rest and recover. Consider isolating them from other pets to prevent the spread of illness and allow them to recuperate in peace.
Prevention: Protecting your cat from colds
While you can’t entirely eliminate your cat’s risk of catching a cold, there are several things you can do to keep those risks as low as possible.
Vaccinations
Make sure your cat is vaccinated against feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus, two of the most common causes of upper respiratory infections in cats. Also, be sure to keep up with the recommended booster shot schedule.
Environmental management and hygiene
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting your cat’s space, including food and water bowls and litterboxes, is key to keeping them healthy. Also, try to keep stress to a minimum in your cat’s environment.
Lifestyle choices
Whenever possible, keep your cat indoors to reduce the risk of exposure to contagious agents. If your cat socializes with other cats, make sure those cats are healthy and vaccinated.
Can I give my cat my cold, or can my cat give me a cold?
The viruses that cause colds in humans aren’t usually contagious to cats, and the viruses that cause cold-like symptoms in cats aren’t usually contagious to humans.
Still, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands when you handle a cat, particularly if you have a condition that weakens your immune system.
When is it time to see a vet?
It’s always a good idea to get professional veterinary advice if you think your cat has a cold. A vet can accurately diagnose the problem and develop a treatment plan.
Definitely see a vet if your cat’s symptoms don’t improve after four days or if they seem to be getting worse.
Key Takeaways
Colds are common in cats, but they’re usually treatable, especially when you give your pet plenty of TLC and follow your vet’s instructions.
Vaccinations and good hygiene are essential for protecting your cat’s health and preventing a cold.
By knowing what to look for, what causes feline colds, and how to treat them, you can keep your feline companion as healthy and happy as possible.