Cats can occasionally get colds, and they may exhibit symptoms like sneezing and runny nose that are common in humans. More information about cat cold causes and when to take your feline buddy to the vet is provided below.
How Can Cat Get Colds?
Cat colds are communicable among felines, just like colds are among humans. This implies that indoor-only cats are less likely to contract the cold virus than outdoor or indoor-outdoor cats who interact with other cats more frequently.
Upper respiratory infections (URIs) in cats are brought on by bacteria or viruses. Cats cannot catch human colds, but they can spread them extremely quickly among themselves, especially if they are confined to a small space.
There is a good likelihood that your cat was in close proximity to another cat who was sick if your cat recently went to the boarding facility and is now sick.
Selecting a trustworthy boarder will help lower your pet’s stress levels and decrease the likelihood that your cat will get an upper respiratory infection.
Cat Cold Symptoms
Sneezing, sniffles, runny noses, and watery eyes are all typical signs of a cold in cats. Cats may feel fever, decreased appetite, and coughing in more serious conditions. Fever in cats is defined as a temperature of over 102.5o F (39o C), with temperatures of 106o F (41o C) and higher being particularly hazardous to your cat’s health. If your cat has a high temperature, go immediately away to the emergency vet.
Taking Care of Your Sick Cat
If your cat gets a cold, you may help them feel better by gently wiping their runny nose with a soft, clean cloth. Dry their watery eyes with a soft, clean cloth and saline solution. Running a humidifier in areas where your cat hangs out if your home can also be beneficial.
If a cat is stuffed up, it’s hard for them to breathe. By securing your cat in their pet carrier, placing a dish of hot, steaming water in front of the cage, then covering the cage and bowl with a blanket for about 15 minutes, you may be able to help them breathe more readily.
If your cat keeps eating and drinking, they will recover more quickly. Some cats discover that slightly warmed food is simpler to consume. The food may begin to smell more alluring to them after warming.
When your cat has a cold, try to keep them warm. Put an additional blanket in their bed or favorite area to keep them warm.
Never administer human cold medications to your cat! Contact your veterinarian for suggestions on how to make your cat feel better and recover from their cold quickly.
If You Need Veterinary Care
Cat colds often don’t do any harm and go away on their own in 1-2 weeks. Keep a watch on your cat’s cold; if it doesn’t get better by the fourth day, schedule a visit with your veterinarian. Pneumonia could result from a persistent cold.
With elderly cats, kittens, nursing cats, cats without shots, and cats with various medical issues, exercise particular caution. Make a vet appointment right away if your cat falls into one of these groups and starts to feel under the weather.
Please take note that the information in this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice for animals. Here at Charolette Kennels we recommend scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian for a precise diagnosis of your pet’s illness.