Cat Colds: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Just like humans, cats can catch colds. While we call them “colds,” these feline upper respiratory infections (URIs) are actually quite different from the common cold that affects people. However, the symptoms can appear remarkably similar. If your cat is sneezing, sniffling, or showing other signs of respiratory distress, they might be suffering from what’s colloquially known as a cat cold.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for cat colds can help you provide the best care for your feline companion when they’re feeling under the weather. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cat colds and how to help your furry friend recover.

What Are Cat Colds?

Cat colds are upper respiratory infections that primarily affect a cat’s nose, throat, and sinuses. Unlike human colds, which are caused by different viruses, cat colds are typically caused by specific feline viruses and sometimes bacteria. These infections are highly contagious among cats but cannot be transmitted to humans or other species.

Feline upper respiratory infections are particularly common in environments where many cats live together, such as shelters, catteries, or multi-cat households. Kittens, senior cats, and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to these infections.

Causes of Cat Colds

Most cat colds are caused by one or more of the following infectious agents:

Viral Causes

• Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1): One of the most common causes of upper respiratory infections in cats. Once infected, cats become carriers for life, with the virus possibly reactivating during times of stress.
• Feline Calicivirus (FCV): Another common viral cause that can lead to oral ulcers in addition to respiratory symptoms.

Bacterial Causes

• Bordetella bronchiseptica: A bacterial infection that can cause respiratory symptoms.
• Chlamydophila felis: A bacteria that primarily causes conjunctivitis but can also contribute to respiratory symptoms.
• Mycoplasma: These organisms can cause or worsen respiratory infections.

In many cases, what starts as a viral infection can lead to a secondary bacterial infection, which can worsen symptoms and complicate treatment. Environmental factors like dust, smoke, or stress can also exacerbate symptoms or trigger recurrence in cats who are carriers of these viruses.

Symptoms of Cat Colds

Cat colds can range from mild to severe. Recognizing the symptoms early can help ensure your cat gets appropriate treatment. Common signs of a cat cold include:

• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose with clear or colored discharge
• Watery eyes or eye discharge
• Coughing or wheezing
• Lethargy or decreased activity
• Reduced appetite
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Mouth sores or ulcers (particularly with calicivirus)
• Squinting or rubbing at the eyes
• Drooling

In severe cases, cats may develop more serious symptoms like difficulty breathing, severe dehydration, or secondary infections that can affect other parts of the body. These situations require immediate veterinary attention.

When to See a Veterinarian

While mild cat colds may resolve on their own with proper home care, certain symptoms indicate that veterinary attention is necessary. Contact your veterinarian if your cat shows any of the following signs:

• Decreased or absent appetite for more than 24 hours
• Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing
• Severe lethargy or unresponsiveness
• Green or yellow discharge from the eyes or nose
• Persistent fever
• Symptoms that don’t improve within 7-10 days
• Symptoms that improve and then worsen again (which may indicate a secondary bacterial infection)

Kittens, elderly cats, and cats with pre-existing health conditions should be seen by a veterinarian even for mild cold symptoms, as these populations are at higher risk for complications.

Diagnosis of Cat Colds

When you bring your cat to the veterinarian with cold symptoms, the vet will typically perform the following diagnostic steps:

Physical Examination

The vet will conduct a thorough physical examination, paying special attention to the eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and lungs. They will check for fever, dehydration, and other signs of illness.

Medical History

Your vet will ask about your cat’s vaccination history, exposure to other cats, living conditions, and the progression of symptoms.

Laboratory Tests

In some cases, especially for severe or unusual presentations, your vet may recommend additional tests such as:

• Swabs of the eyes, nose, or throat for culture or PCR testing to identify specific pathogens
• Blood tests to check for underlying conditions or complications
• X-rays if pneumonia or other lower respiratory involvement is suspected

These diagnostic steps help determine the cause of the infection and guide the most appropriate treatment approach.

Treatment for Cat Colds

Treatment for cat colds depends on the severity of symptoms and whether the infection is viral, bacterial, or both. Here’s a comprehensive look at treatment options:

Veterinary Treatment

Professional veterinary care may include:

• Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is present or suspected, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics. It’s crucial to complete the full course of antibiotics exactly as prescribed, even if your cat seems to be feeling better.
• Antiviral medications: While there are limited effective antiviral drugs for cats, some specific medications may be prescribed in severe cases.
• Eye medications: For cats with significant eye involvement, topical eye medications may be prescribed.
• Fluid therapy: Dehydrated cats may need subcutaneous or intravenous fluids.
• Nutritional support: Cats who aren’t eating may need appetite stimulants, specialized feeding, or in severe cases, a temporary feeding tube.
• Immune system support: Your veterinarian may recommend probiotics or amino acid supplements like L-Lysine to support your cat’s immune system.

Home Care for Cat Colds

In addition to any prescribed medications, these home care measures can help your cat recover more comfortably:

1. Provide a warm, quiet environment

Create a comfortable, stress-free space for your cat to rest and recover. Keep them away from drafts and maintain a consistent temperature in their recovery area.

2. Use steam therapy

Steam can help relieve nasal congestion. You can bring your cat into the bathroom while you run a hot shower (keeping them away from the actual water) to let them breathe in the humid air. Alternatively, use a humidifier near your cat’s resting area. Never use essential oils in humidifiers around cats, as many oils are toxic to them.

3. Keep their face clean

Gently wipe away eye and nasal discharge with a soft, warm, damp cloth. This prevents skin irritation and helps your cat breathe more easily.

4. Encourage food and water intake

Cats with colds often lose their appetite because they can’t smell their food. Try these strategies:

• Warm wet food slightly to enhance its aroma
• Offer especially pungent foods that are easier to smell
• Add a bit of water to their food to prevent dehydration
• Try different food textures and flavors to tempt their appetite

5. Supplement as directed

If recommended by your veterinarian, provide immune-supporting supplements like L-Lysine or probiotics according to the prescribed dosage.

Prevention of Cat Colds

While it’s not always possible to prevent cat colds, especially in multi-cat environments, these measures can help reduce the risk:

• Vaccination: Keep your cat’s vaccinations current. Core vaccines include protection against some of the viruses that cause upper respiratory infections.
• Isolation: If you bring a new cat home, consider keeping them separate from your other cats for 10-14 days to monitor for signs of illness.
• Reduce stress: Stress can trigger outbreaks in cats that are carriers of certain viruses. Maintain a consistent routine and provide environmental enrichment.
• Good hygiene: Wash your hands between handling cats, especially if one is showing symptoms. Regularly clean food bowls, bedding, and litter boxes.
• Regular veterinary care: Annual check-ups can help catch health issues before they become serious.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can humans catch colds from cats?

A: No, the viruses and bacteria that cause upper respiratory infections in cats are species-specific and cannot be transmitted to humans.

Q: How long do cat colds typically last?

A: Most cat colds run their course in 7-10 days with proper care. However, some cats may take up to 3 weeks to fully recover, especially if secondary bacterial infections develop.

Q: Can cats get colds year-round?

A: Yes, unlike human colds which are more common in winter months, cats can develop upper respiratory infections at any time of the year.

Q: Will my cat need antibiotics for a cold?

A: Not necessarily. Since many cat colds are viral, antibiotics won’t be effective against the primary infection. However, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics if they suspect a bacterial component or to prevent secondary bacterial infections.

Q: Can my cat get the same cold multiple times?

A: Yes, especially with herpesvirus infections. Once infected with feline herpesvirus, cats become carriers for life, and the virus can reactivate during times of stress, causing recurrent symptoms.

Q: How can I tell if my cat’s cold is serious?

A: Signs that a cat cold requires immediate veterinary attention include difficulty breathing, not eating for more than 24 hours, severe lethargy, and green or yellow discharge from the eyes or nose.

Conclusion

Cat colds, or upper respiratory infections, are common ailments that can make your feline friend feel miserable temporarily. While most cases resolve with appropriate care, being able to recognize the signs of more severe infection is crucial for your cat’s health. With proper treatment, supportive care, and a little extra TLC, most cats recover fully from these infections.

Remember that prevention through vaccination, good hygiene, and stress reduction is the best approach to keeping your cat healthy. If your cat does develop cold symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian if you’re concerned about their condition. Your attentive care combined with professional medical advice gives your cat the best chance for a quick recovery.

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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