Have you ever heard your cat coughing or sneezing? Have you looked at them before, and did you get the impression that something was odd about them? You might have even imagined a runny nose. If your cat were a human, you may suspect that it was suffering from a cold. Can cats get colds? If yes, can cats get colds from humans?
Even though it may not be the same kind of cold we get, cats do get some kind of the common cold. A cat’s cold or upper respiratory infection (URI) can be as straightforward and uncomplicated as the common cold in humans. There is also a possibility that it might get very worse, even life-threatening, in really rare instances.
Cats get URIs in much the same way that people do, and they can even make cats act like they are depressed. They also create certain physical symptoms that are quite similar. Let’s have a better look.
What Are Cat Colds?
Cats get colds, which are infections in their respiratory systems, just like people do. Most of the time, these illnesses affect the nose, throat, and sinuses, which are all part of the upper respiratory system. Different viruses can cause them, but Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus are the most common ones.
Can All Cats Get a Cold?
Just like people, not all cats are as likely to get colds as others. How likely a cat is to get sick depends a lot on how strong its immune system is. Colds are more likely to happen to young babies, older cats, and cats with weak immune systems.
Can Cats Get Colds from Humans?
Yes, cats can get colds from people, but the bugs might be different. Most of the viruses that give people colds are only harmful to humans, but some, like the Rhinovirus, can also make cats sick. When you’re sick, keeping your cleanliness up and spending less time with your cat to lower the risk of passing on your illness is important.
Can Cats Catch Colds from Getting Wet and Cold?
Contrary to what most people think, cats don’t get colds just from getting wet or being outside when it’s cold. But being in cold and wet places can weaken a cat’s immune system and make it more likely to get infections like colds. Making sure your cat stays warm and dry can help keep them from getting sick.
Symptoms of Cat Colds
Cats with colds can have many different signs, such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and red eyes. Cats with colds may also lose their hunger, feel tired, and sometimes even get a mild fever. It’s important to keep an eye on these signs to figure out how bad the cold is and give the right care.
Causes of Cat Colds
Viral diseases are the main cause of colds in cats. Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus are two common viruses that cause these lung diseases in cats.
Feline Herpesvirus
This virus, which is also called Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus, is very common and spreads through a cat’s saliva, nose discharge, or eye discharge.
Feline Calicivirus
Cats can also get colds from a virus called feline calicivirus. It is spread like the Feline Herpesvirus, and affected cats can shed the virus for weeks in their saliva.
How Vets Diagnose Cat Colds?
Veterinarians can tell if a cat has a cold by looking at the cat’s symptoms, looking at its medical background, and giving it a physical check. In some cases, they may do more tests, like swabs, to find out which virus is causing the infection.
Treatment for Cat Colds
Most of the time, caring for a cat who has a cold is enough to help it get better. Even though most colds go away on their own, there are things you can do to help your pet get better.
Turn Up the Humidity
The nasal congestion that your cat is experiencing can be alleviated and breathing made easier if you keep the air in your home at a little higher humidity level.
Wipe Away the Excess Goop
If your cat has discharge from its eyes or nose, using a gentle, wet towel to wipe those areas will help remove it and keep it comfortable.
Keep Food Handy and Try to Keep Kitty Eating
It is important that you encourage your cat to eat and drink enough of water so that it can make a speedy recovery from their illness.
Avoid Other Cats
If you have more than one cat, it is important to keep the sick one isolated from the healthy cats in order to prevent the virus from spreading.
Do Not Offer Human Remedies
It is best to steer clear of giving your cat over-the-counter cold medicines that are designed for people, since they can be toxic to cats.
FAQs about Can Cats Get Colds from Humans?
How Can I Treat My Cat’s Cold at Home?
You can’t fix a cat’s cold, but you can help it feel better at home. Make sure they are warm, have enough to drink, and are in a comfy place. If the signs don’t go away or get worse, you should talk to your vet.
How Do Indoor Cats Get Colds?
Indoor cats can get colds if they touch a sick cat or something that has been touched by an infected cat. Changes in the weather or being in cold drafts can also make their immune system weaker.
Can You Catch a Cold From Your Cat?
Even though people and cats can share some viruses, it’s rare for people to get colds from their cat friends. Still, it’s important to have good cleanliness and avoid other people when sick.
Do Cats Get Cold Easily?
Cats can usually handle colder weather, but their ability to do so depends on their breed, age, and health. Having a nice and safe place to stay is very important, especially when the weather is bad.
Does Lysine Help Cats with Colds?
Lysine pills are often given to cats with Feline Herpesvirus because they may help make flare-ups less severe and last less long. But it’s very important to talk to your vet before giving your cat any vitamins.
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