Just like us, cats can get colds — what vets call upper respiratory infections, or URIs. These are common in our feline friends, and thankfully, most cases clear up within a week or two.
However, it’s important to know the signs of a cat cold and when to seek veterinary help. This article will cover everything you need to know about cats with a cold, including the causes, symptoms, how vets diagnose it, treatment options, and ways to prevent your cat from getting sick in the first place.
How to tell if your cat has a cold
Typical symptoms of a cat cold include sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes. Your cat might also cough, seem congested, lose their appetite, or act listless.
More serious symptoms include a lack of interest in food or water and difficulty breathing.
If your cat has green or yellow discharge from their nose, that could mean they have a bacterial infection, which might need antibiotics.
Cats are good at hiding when they don’t feel well, so keep an eye out for subtle signs like sleeping more than usual or hiding.
What causes cat colds?
Most cat colds are caused by viruses. Here are the most common culprits:
Common Viral Causes
Feline herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) are the most frequent viruses that cause colds in cats. FHV-1 is also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis, or FVR. In fact, nearly 90% of cat colds are caused by these viruses.
These viruses are highly contagious, and they can be spread through sneezing, coughing, and close contact. Cats housed in shelters or boarding facilities are more prone to infection because they’re in closer proximity to more cats.
Bacterial Causes
Sometimes, a cat cold is caused by bacteria. Bordetella bronchiseptica and Chlamydophila felis (C. felis) are the bacterial species that most often cause upper respiratory infections in cats. Bacterial infections may require antibiotic treatment.
How are cat colds diagnosed?
If you think your cat has a cold, a vet will need to examine her. They’ll probably start with a full physical.
To find out exactly what’s causing the illness, the vet might take samples from your cat’s nose or throat. They might also do blood tests or PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing.
Sometimes, vets use X-rays or ultrasounds to see how bad the infection is and to make sure nothing else is wrong.
Treating Your Cat’s Cold with Care
If your cat has a cold, you’ll want to work with your vet to come up with a treatment plan. The strategies you use will depend on what’s causing the illness and how severe it is.
Medications
If the vet thinks the cold is viral, they may prescribe an antiviral medication. If the culprit is a bacterial infection, they may recommend antibiotics.
Important: Never give your cat human cold medicine. Some ingredients that are safe for people can be toxic to pets.
Supportive and Home Care
Make sure your cat keeps eating and drinking. You might try offering warm, tasty, and aromatic foods to encourage their appetite. Gently wipe away any discharge from their nose and eyes with a clean cloth and a saline solution.
Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air and make it easier for your cat to breathe. Plus, keep them warm and comfy.
Environmental Management
Create a calm, warm environment to give your cat the best chance for a speedy recovery.
Prevention: Protecting your cat from colds
Vaccination offers the best protection against cat colds. There are vaccines for both feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus.
It’s also important to:
- Keep your cat’s living space clean. Regularly disinfect food and water bowls, and litter boxes.
- Minimize stress in your cat’s environment. The viruses that cause colds can remain dormant and reactivate when cats get stressed.
- Keep cats indoors. This reduces their exposure to other sick animals.
- Make sure any cats your cat socializes with are healthy and vaccinated.
When to see a vet
If you’re worried about your cat, or if its symptoms get worse or don’t go away after four days, call your vet.
Get veterinary help right away if your cat has trouble breathing, coughs, or won’t eat.
Older cats, kittens, nursing cats, and cats that haven’t been vaccinated are more likely to get severely ill, so they should see a vet immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you give a cat when it’s cold?
If your cat has a cold, first and foremost, don’t give them human medications without consulting your vet! Instead, focus on supportive care. Make sure your cat stays warm and comfortable. Provide a cozy bed in a warm place, away from drafts. Gently wipe away any discharge from their eyes or nose with a soft, damp cloth.
It’s crucial to ensure your cat is eating and drinking. Offer wet food, which is often more appealing and hydrating. You can even warm it up slightly to enhance the aroma. If your cat is congested, a humidifier or sitting with them in a steamy bathroom (while you shower) can help loosen nasal passages. However, never force your cat to stay in the bathroom if they are stressed.
Most importantly, monitor your cat closely. If their symptoms worsen, they develop a fever, have difficulty breathing, or stop eating altogether, seek veterinary care immediately. A feline cold can sometimes lead to more serious complications, and a vet can provide appropriate treatment, which might include antiviral medications or antibiotics if a secondary bacterial infection is present.
In Summary
Just like us, cats can get colds. These common, contagious upper respiratory infections can be managed with good care and a visit to the vet.
Vaccinations and hygiene can go a long way toward preventing colds in cats.
And, if your cat’s cold symptoms are severe or don’t clear up quickly, it’s always best to get veterinary care right away to prevent any complications.