All you need to Know about Cat Colds
Last updated on February 24th, 2023 at 10:25 pm
Are you wondering can cats get colds?
The short answer is yes, cats can get colds. Just like people they display similar symptoms like sneezing and even a runny nose.
You may need to take them to the vet, and you can also do things like increase the humidity and the air temperature for them.
Do not give them human cold medication. Most cat colds will go away on their own within 1-2 weeks, you can monitor your cat and if it is not getting better take it to the vet.
What is a Cat Cold and How do they get them?
Symptoms are a sign that your cat has a cold. Just like humans Cat Colds are contagious, and they can catch a cold from another cat. Outdoor cats are significantly more likely to catch a cold as they interact with more cats during the day.
Colds are upper respiratory infections (URI) and they are caused by bacteria or a virus. These cat colds are not contagious to humans, but they are contagious to other cats. You cat can also get a cold if you boarded it recently while you were travelling or at work.
So if you are wondering can cats get colds if they never go outside? Well the answer is, yes they can still get the cold in a variety of ways. It is better for them to be an inside cat if you are worried about it, but you still need to know what to do when your cat gets a cold.
What are Cat Cold Symptoms?
Symptoms include but are not limited to
- sneezing
- watery eyes
- sniffles
- runny nose
- mild fever
- loss of appetite and motivation
Loss of apetite completemyl and couching or a sever fever are considered more significant symptoms and you should see a vet right away. A cats normal temperature is around 100.4 to 102.5 F and a fever in a cat would be more in the 102.5 + range. You need to see a vet if your fever reaches 106, as this can cause damage to organs.
To get the fever down usually rest and hydration are good, but a vet may also give antibiotics.
How to Care For a Sick Cat
If your cat has a cold, you can help them out by wiping his nose, and making sure the humidity is up where he/she likes to sleep. You can also put hot water infront of their kennel or crate and put a towel over it so the hot steam goes into their crate.
It is important for the cat to continue to eat and drink, so monitor how they are doing in that department.
They need to stay warm so make sure they have a place where they can do that. Also as mentioned above do not give them any human medication.
Why is My Cat Sneezing So Much?
Sneezing may or may not be a sign of a cold, it could be dust, snow mold or an allergy. But if your cat does have a cold sneezing is one of the main signs.
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 FAQ
Are Cat Colds Contagious to Other Cats?
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
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.
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. If you are reading this you have already answered the question can cats get colds, but now you need to know what happens after they get a cold. Usually they will heal, but you need to monitor them closely.
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.