Can Cats Catch A Cold? How To Prevent It

Everybody loves winters, but it commonly brings colds/flu season with it, which causes infections in humans as well as cats. You might be wondering can cats catch a cold, and the answer is yes. Just like humans, cats can get a cold with almost similar symptoms.

» You like to read about Why Does My Cat Sit On My Chest and Can Cats Get Lice?

Cats can get upper respiratory tract infections caused by viruses or bacteria. In fact, it is as common in cats as it is in humans.

Luckily, humans cannot contract a cold from cats because the viruses and bacteria are mostly species-specific. Depending on the type of virus, cats can catch a cold from humans, but this is rare.

 

How Does A Cat Catch A Cold?

Sharing common space with an infected cat puts a healthy cat at risk of contracting a cold, just as it does in humans.

This is because upper respiratory infections spread through saliva, eye discharge, and nasal secretions. So, if your cat shares a litter box, toys, or food bowls, or is interacting with cats outside the home that are infected, he may contract a cold from them.

Just as with humans, kittens are the most susceptible to catching a cold, while senior cats are the most at risk because of their weakened immune system. It’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your aging cats as cold season is in full force.

 

Symptoms & Signs That Your Cat Has a Cold

The signs that your cat might have a cold are similar to your own cold symptoms. They may become lethargic and lack the energy in their step that you’re used to, and they will start to show signs of upper respiratory infection.

Expect symptoms like these to crop up:

• Runny nose
• Nasal discharge
• Sneezing and coughing
• Watery eyes
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Vomiting and difficulty in breathing in serious cases

How to Treat a Cold in Cats

Commonly, a cat cold lasts 1-2 weeks. If there are only minor symptoms of cold, you do not need to take your cat to the vet. These symptoms can be treated at home by some remedies and extra care for your cat.

There are culture tests available for the diagnosis of cat flu/cold. A test can be done by taking a swab sample from the nose or saliva, but it takes more than two weeks to get the results, so it is usually not recommended.

Here are some other home remedies you can try to make your cat feel better:

• Try to give your cat wet canned food instead of dry food. It will help your cat stay hydrated. 
• Try to give them slightly warm water and heat their food a little before feeding them.
• Keep their nose clean. Use saline solution to prevent the nose from getting stuffed up. 
• Make sure that the cat is getting proper rest in a warm place.
• Keep your cat hydrated. If your cat is not eating or drinking at all, then treatments like subcutaneous fluids and appetite stimulants from your vet are required. 
• If the symptoms get worse and your cat has difficulty breathing or loses complete appetite, take your cat to the vet. And if the symptoms prolong more than 7-10 days, go for a checkup with your vet again. 
• The vet may recommend some antibiotics or other medication to help with the cold. In severe cases, a cat needs to be admitted to the clinic for proper observation and care.
• Never give human medication to your cat. It can be toxic for them.

How To Prevent Colds In Cats

Cat cold/flu is a contagious disease. It is more common in cat shelters and pet stores as the viruses and bacteria spread easily from infected cats to healthy cats. It’s also a lot more likely for an outdoor cat that is around other neighborhood cats to catch a cold.

While you don’t want to confine your cat to the house during cold/flu season, it might be best to limit their range or interaction with other cats so they don’t catch it.

If your cat catches a cold often, you should get your feline friend vaccinated. Talk to your vet about the vaccinations. Also, take your cat for booster shots as per vet instructions. 

Keeping your cat’s living environment clean can also lower the risk of suffering from viral and bacterial diseases.  

Always give your cat a healthy diet to keep its immune system strong. So, if your cat gets an infection, its body will be strong enough to fight it away on its own. 

Conclusion

Cat colds are common and they are rarely life threatening, just like in humans. If your cat catches a cold, do your best to make them feel comfortable and cared for. They’ll be back to their usual self before long.

Like this? We’d love to hear from you on our Facebook page! If you’re hungry for more, follow us on Pinterest so you never miss a thing.

Pin this for later!