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As the winter months approach, it is perfectly normal to worry about your cat’s health, but there is a reason why so many people ask can my cat catch a cold?
Cats may seem different from us, but in truth, we sneeze, cats sneeze, so it’s only natural to worry about them. There are plenty of illnesses that spare neither humans nor cats, but is a cold one of them? Let’s take a look…
So, Can My Cat Catch A Cold?
Cats can catch colds, and although there is no cure for the common variant, any sign of a cold is most likely to be just that. So, a sneeze, a runny nose, just like you and I when it’s that time of year when everyone seems to catch something, can all be a sign of a cat with a cold.
An upper respiratory infection (URI) is common in cats so they can easily contract the flu or a cold. The pathogens that cause it are easily caught, making them highly contagious. Again though, this is not dissimilar to us humans. It can be useful to know what to look out for…
What Are The Symptoms Of A Cold For A Cat?
The most common symptoms are not unique to a cold, or even the flu, so if they continue for longer than a few days, it is best to take your feline to the vet to check it is not anything more serious. Here are the symptoms you can expect from a cat with a cold:
- Sneezing
- Sniffles
- Runny nose
- Mild fever
- Watery eyes
Other more serious symptoms to look out for can be a loss of appetite and coughing.
How To Take Care Of A Cat With A Cold
If you suspect your cat has a cold, help them out a little by wiping their nose gently with a clean cloth and cleaning any runny eyes with a cloth that has been doused in saline solution to keep it hygienic.
If you have a humidifier, leave this on for a while to ensure the air is not too dry in the house.
Your cat needs their regular nutrition to keep them strong and give them a chance of getting better faster. A cat with a cold may find it difficult to swallow. If you suspect this is the case, warm their food as it makes it easier to swallow and can also be more appealing.
Helping a bunged up cat can be tricky, but you can make breathing easier by securing them in a pet carrier and placing a bowl of hot water in front of the cage. Then, cover the cage and bowl with a blanket for 15 minutes. This can help soothe symptoms of a cold for cats. The warm air combined with moisture can help loosen mucus and alleviate some of the symptoms.
Never give human cold medication to your cat, and always consult your vet before giving your feline friend any medication.
Can Cats Catch Colds From Each Other?
Cats can catch colds from each other, usually via the droplets spread by sneezing. Cat colds can be bacterial or viral and outdoor cats are far more likely to catch a cold because of their frequent contact with other felines.
Those asking can my cat catch a cold from another cat should know that it is less likely if they predominantly live indoors, and a vet can treat symptoms and resolve secondary bacterial infections. They may prescribe antibiotics should they suspect a bacterial infection and eye drops to soothe their eyes.
Are Cat Colds Contagious To Other Cats?
Yes, cat colds are contagious and other cats are susceptible to catching them should they come into close contact. Outdoor cats are most at risk. Droplets spread by sneezing (see our article about sneezing for more information on what this can mean) and drinking the same water are the most common ways for a cold to transmit between cats.
The cold weather can weaken your cat’s immunity, much the same as humans during the wintry months. Quality nutrition and adequate shelter can protect a cat from catching a cold.
Can My Cat Catch A Cold From My Dog?
A cat is highly unlikely to catch a cold from a dog. It is rare for viruses that cause cold-like reactions to jump between species so humans, cats, and dogs are not likely to transmit cold symptoms to one another.
Cold-causing viruses and bacteria tend to be specific to one species so cats and dogs are very unlikely to infect one another.
My Cat Has A Cold Can I Catch It?
Humans are not likely to catch a cold from their cats. Much like dogs and cats, bacteria and viruses tend to stick to one species so it is rare for them to jump from species to species, and that includes from a cat to a human.
Your kitty can pick up a virus from cats who roam close to your home, or if you pet a cat with a cold elsewhere and then touch your cat, unknowingly passing on the virus.
Can My Indoor Cat Get A Cold?
Indoor cats can get a cold, although it is far less likely than those that roam outdoors. Other places where cats can pick up a cold include a shelter, cattery, or boarding kennel. Family cats living indoors are not completely protected from catching a cold though.
Your kitty can pick up a virus from cats who roam close to your home, or if you pet a cat with a cold elsewhere and then touch your cat, unknowingly passing on the virus.
Poor ventilation can increase a cat’s risk of catching a cold. The same goes for poor air quality, and cats with a weakened immune system are also at higher risk.
Do Cat Colds Resolve On Their Own?
Yes, most cat colds resolve on their own. Monitor your feline’s friend’s health, and expect the symptoms to go away within 1-2 weeks. However, if there is no sign of improvement by day four, you should take your cat to your vet to ensure the persisting cold gets treated before it can develop into pneumonia.
How To Prevent A Cat From Catching A Cold?
- Vaccinations – keep your cat’s vaccinations up to date to enhance their immune system. Speak to your vet to stay on top and give your kitty the best chance of staying away from colds.
- Keep Her Indoors – At the very least, keep your cat away from infected cats or cats you do not know well.
- Give Her Quality Food – The best holistic cat food can help her maintain a healthy immune system and wellbeing, keeping colds at bay.
- Clean Her Living Quarters – With adequate ventilation and proper air quality, your cat is less likely to catch a cold.
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