So you are wondering is cat colds are contagious to other cats? I was too…I have two cats and I was thinking I better find out if they can transfer to each other.
Cat colds are contagious. Colds are the result of an upper respiratory infection (nose, throat and sinus area). Cat colds can be caused by a virus or by bacteria. These types of colds are transmitted by sneezing, coughing and grooming. Cat colds can also be transmitted via the water bowl and the food dish.
It’s critical to bring your cat to a vet if you suspect that it has a URI (upper respiratory infection). An exam by a veterinarian will determine if your cat requires medication. Your vet will also asses if your cat has a fever or if it is dehydrated.
Try to avoid self-diagnosis.
Your cat may be infectious and require isolation, antibiotics or additional veterinary care.
It is important to make sure you get your cat looked at by a vet if you think it is sick. Self Diagnosis is probably unavoidable but vets are trained to make sure we get the best care possible for our pets.
In This Article
- Are Cat Colds Contagious to Other Cats?
- How Are Upper Respiratory Infections Treated in Cats?
- What Happens If an Upper Respiratory Infection Is Left Untreated?
- How Can I Prevent My Cat from Getting Upper Respiratory Infections?
How Are Upper Respiratory Infections Treated in Cats?
Your veterinarian will prescribe the best course of treatment for your cat, which may include medications, isolation, rest and support with fluids and nutritional support.
It is important that you get an early start on the recovery process should you need medication or isolation. The longer you leave it the more chance there is for one cat to pass it along to another cat. Obviously, with multiple cats, it can be difficult to prevent any passing it along. That is why it is important to visit your vet.
Are Cat Colds Contagious to Other Cats?
Sometimes older cats are more susceptible to colds.
What Happens If an Upper Respiratory Infection Is Left Untreated?
Left untreated, some upper respiratory infections can progress to pneumonia or have other serious complications, such as blindness or chronic breathing difficulties.
How Can I Prevent My Cat from Getting Upper Respiratory Infections?
- Keep your cat indoors to minimize the risk of exposure to infected animals.
- Properly isolate infected cats to protect other pets living in the same environment.
- Minimize stress.
- Keep your cat up to date on vaccines as recommended by your vet. Vaccines for upper respiratory disease in cats may not actually prevent infection, but they help lessen the severity of the disease in some cases.
- Regular veterinary exams and preventive care can help catch and treat problems early. A cat’s best defense against upper respiratory infection is a healthy immune system.
- Practice good hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly when handling multiple cats.
Are Cat Colds Contagious to other cats?
Yes They are.