Can Cats Get Colds?
Just like humans, cats can get upper respiratory infections, sometimes called a cat cold, showing symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose. If your feline friend has a virus with cold symptoms, seek veterinary care from the Stroudsburg vets to help them feel better.
How did my cat catch a cold?
Cats can get a cold from a virus or bacteria, with most upper respiratory infections (URI) caused by either feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus. These viral infections are especially common in outdoor cats or those in boarding facilities and rescue shelters, where the contagious viruses spread quickly among felines.
Before diving deeper, let’s look at the two main viruses responsible for cat colds:
1. Feline Herpesvirus
One of the most common causes of respiratory infections in cats is feline herpesvirus. This is a lifelong infection in cats, remaining dormant until stress or immune weakness causes symptoms like sneezing and eye discharge. Cats that contract this virus are likely to experience recurring cold-like symptoms during stressful periods.
2. Feline Calicivirus
Another significant cause of upper respiratory issues in cats is feline calicivirus. This virus can be more severe, causing not only sneezing and runny eyes but also painful oral ulcers in the cat’s mouth. It spreads easily in multi-cat environments, especially in shelters and rescue facilities.
Cat Cold Symptoms
Cats can catch colds, which often begin with mild symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose, typically lasting seven to 10 days. If not properly managed, these colds can worsen, leading to more serious health issues.
Cats with colds can display a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to more serious conditions. Here’s what to look for:
Common Symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Discharge from the eyes or nose, possibly yellow-green
- Coughing
- Watery eyes
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Reduced appetite due to loss of smell and taste
- Congestion
More Severe Symptoms:
- Sores in the mouth
- Corneal ulcers
- Difficulty breathing
- Risk of pneumonia
- Need for hospitalization
- Secondary bacterial infection
If your cat starts showing mild fever or sniffles, monitor closely, but if you notice any of the more severe symptoms, it’s crucial to seek veterinary help. Early care can prevent complications like pneumonia or a URI, ensuring your cat recovers quickly.
Does my cat have allergies or a cold?
If your cat has sneezing, nasal congestion, a runny nose, or coughing, it’s likely a cold, while allergies can lead to itching, watery eyes, and irritated skin. These symptoms are less common with a cold. Allergies are often triggered by environmental factors like pollen or dust, affecting your cat’s skin and eyes more than its respiratory system.
What to Do if Your Cat Has a Cold
When your cat has a cold, there are a few important steps you can take to ensure they recover comfortably and quickly. Follow these tips to help your furry friend feel better:
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Wipe their runny nose and eyes with a clean cloth soaked in saline solution and use a humidifier to ease dryness and help them breathe if congested.
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Place the pet carrier near a bowl of hot water, cover it with a blanket for approximately 15 minutes to help with congestion and speed up recovery.
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Encourage your cat to eat and drink by offering warmed-up food that’s easier to swallow and more appealing, and keep them warm with an extra blanket in their bed or favorite spot to snuggle.
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Avoid giving cold medication unless the vet advises, as most mild cases don’t need treatment. Focus on reducing stress and keeping them in a smaller, quiet room with all essentials nearby.
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Use pheromone products to lower stress, and if they have trouble breathing or won’t eat, they may need hospitalization for one to two days until stable.
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In winter, running a humidifier can ease dry air, helping to relieve nasal congestion and prevent airway irritation.
By following these steps, you can help your cat recover smoothly and feel better sooner.
How Vets Diagnose Cat Colds
When your cat shows symptoms of a cold or a viral infection, the veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination. Providing a full medical history, including the onset and nature of the symptoms that helps in determining the right diagnostic tests to check for any complications.
The vet may recommend blood work and chest X-rays to check for pneumonia, asthma, or a fungal infection. For recurrent or severe upper respiratory signs, an upper respiratory PCR panel can find the virus or bacteria causing the issue by collecting secretions from the eyes and nose with swabs, which are analyzed in a laboratory for pathogens linked to respiratory disease.
FAQS
- How can you tell if your cat has a cold?
You can spot it through symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and lethargy. - Do cat colds go away on their own?
Yes, mild cases usually clear up in a week or two, but severe symptoms may need vet care. - What can I give my cat for a cold?
Consult your vet before giving any medication; they may suggest fluids, rest, or prescribed treatments. - Can humans catch a cold from a cat?
No, cat colds are caused by viruses that don’t affect humans.