Can cats get colds? Yes, our feline companions can get sick just like us, but the good news is that they can’t catch a cold from us.
You can tell a cat is sick by signs like sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. These symptoms indicate a feline upper respiratory infection, or what we know as a “cold,” caused by various pathogens.
Most cat colds resolve on their own. However, if a cat’s situation worsens, they should be seen by a vet. Let’s learn more!
Can Cats Get Colds?
Cats don’t have nine lives, and they can definitely get a cold! In fact, cat colds resemble human colds, and they’re not life-threatening. However, sometimes, symptoms may get worse and cause a more serious secondary infection. If you have a very young kitten or a senior cat, and you suspect they’re sick, watch them very closely.
Indoor cats can also get sick because cat colds can be viral or bacterial. They’re usually passed between felines through the droplets spread by a sneeze.
While outdoor and semi-outdoor cats have a higher chance of getting sick, indoor ones can also get a cold by coming in contact with other felines.
Cat Cold Symptoms
Typically, cat colds start with excessive sneezing. The rest of the symptoms develop within 24 hours. Here’s what you should look out for:
- Excessive coughing
- Runny nose, watery eyes, and drooling
- Congestion resulting in difficulty breathing
- Dehydration and loss of appetite, which you can easily notice because you know how much food your cat needs and usually eats
- Fever
As you can notice, the symptoms of a cold resemble those of allergies in cats. Both can cause sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. However, if a cat has allergies instead of a cold, it will be a chronic issue that consistently reoccurs or happens in specific cases.
For example, if your cat is allergic to something in their litter, you might notice a sneeze or two while using the litter box. You should also monitor your cat’s litter because a litter box can help detect health issues.
Note: A dirty litter can harm your cat, so make sure you clean it regularly.
Additionally, allergies can also cause digestive upset (gas and bloating) or skin itchiness and irritations, which aren’t symptoms of a cold.
If your pet experiences symptoms common for both and/or displays any warning signs of disease in cats, schedule a vet appointment ASAP.
Do Cat Colds Go Away on Their Own?
The symptoms of a cold usually go away on their own within 7-10 days. However, some cats may develop complications, such as a secondary bacterial infection—or even pneumonia.
This can cause yellow-green discharge from the eyes and/or nose, which may cause severe congestion and prevent your cat from smelling or tasting. In this case, they may also refuse food, and you should schedule a vet appointment immediately.
Note: Hairballs can also cause coughing and difficulty breathing. Make sure you learn about the hidden dangers of hairballs in cats and rule this option out before assuming a cold.
What Can I Give My Cat for a Cold?
Once you’re certain your furry friend has a cold, you can make them feel better by wiping their runny nose with a clean cloth and watery eyes with a cloth and saline solution. The following cat cold sneezing remedies can also help your feline feel more comfortable:
- Increase the humidity in your home by running a vaporizer or humidifier.
- Your sick cat probably can’t smell food and may stop eating. However, they still need food so that they can recover faster. You can tempt your feline to eat by offering wet cat food or warming up their food so that it’s easier to swallow. Also, encourage your cat to drink more water by diluting tinned tuna water with fresh water or offering cat milk.
- Cheer up your cat with some delicious DIY snacks, and add a blanket to their favorite resting spots to keep them warm.
- If they have difficulty breathing, secure them in their cat carrier, place a bowl of hot water in front of the cage, and carefully cover both your pet and the hot water with a blanket for a few minutes.
- Don’t give your cat human cold medication without consulting your vet. If they have a bacterial infection, make sure to give them the prescribed antibiotics on time and set alarms if needed.
How Do Indoor Cats Get Colds?
Indoor cats can get colds through contact with other cats or the reactivation of dormant viruses. If your cat has been around other cats, like in a boarding facility, they can catch a cold from a sick cat.
Viruses can also stay dormant in your cat’s system and reactivate during times of stress or illness, causing a cold even if your feline hasn’t been outside or near other cats.
Can Cats Get Colds from Humans?
Cats can’t get colds from humans because viruses that cause colds don’t survive in different hosts; they’re species-specific. Some bacterial infections can be transmitted between humans and cats, but this is rare.
Although cats can contract COVID-19 from humans and may show mild symptoms, this is extremely uncommon. Cats face more risk from feline coronavirus, which can lead to the often fatal disease feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).
Can Cats Get Colds from Cats?
Cats can get colds from other cats, especially if they’re one of these friendly cat breeds. In fact, the two main causes of cat colds include feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus.
Feline herpesvirus is very contagious, especially in places with many cats, like shelters. Infected cats carry the virus for life. It can stay dormant and reactivate during stress, causing symptoms like sneezing and runny eyes.
Feline calicivirus, on the other hand, causes similar symptoms and is also highly contagious. Both viruses only affect cats, not humans.
Pet vaccines can protect your feline against these viruses. While vaccines might not completely prevent infection, they help reduce symptoms and prevent serious illness.
Final Tips
If your cat has a cold, don’t worry because cat colds usually get better in a few days. However, if there’s no improvement in a week or so, visit the vet. Untreated colds can cause serious infections, especially in senior cats, kittens, or cats with weak immune systems.
