How Do I Treat a Cold in My Cat
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Jenkins, DVM, Feline Internal Medicine Specialist
Understanding Cat Colds
When your cat sneezes, sniffles, or has a runny nose, you might wonder if they have a cold. Like humans, cats can catch upper respiratory infections that produce cold-like symptoms. While often mild, cat colds can sometimes develop into more serious conditions, especially in kittens, senior cats, or those with weakened immune systems. Understanding how to recognize and care for a cat with cold symptoms helps ensure your feline friend gets appropriate attention.
What Causes Cat Colds
Cat colds are typically caused by viral or bacterial infections. The most common culprits include Feline Herpesvirus (also called Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis), which is responsible for a significant number of upper respiratory infections, and Feline Calicivirus, which can cause oral ulcers alongside respiratory symptoms. Secondary bacterial infections may develop, making symptoms worse. These viruses spread through direct contact with infected cats, sharing food and water bowls, and respiratory droplets from sneezing or coughing.
Cats in multi-cat households, shelters, or pet stores face higher exposure risk. Even cats who have recovered from respiratory infections can carry and spread the virus.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Common Cold Symptoms
Watch for sneezing, which is often the first noticeable sign. Watery or mucous discharge from the nose or eyes, ranging from clear to colored, is common. Congestion causing noisy breathing or open-mouth breathing may occur. Your cat may have a reduced appetite due to reduced sense of smell. Lethargy and decreased activity levels are typical. Some cats develop fever, which you may notice as warm ears and nose.
More Concerning Symptoms
Certain symptoms suggest a more serious infection or complications. Yellow or green discharge from the eyes or nose indicates possible bacterial infection. Eye inflammation or swelling, especially if the cat can’t open one or both eyes, requires attention. Oral ulcers or drooling may accompany calicivirus infections. Difficulty breathing or wheezing suggests the infection may have reached the lungs.
Home Care for Cats with Colds
Keeping Your Cat Comfortable
Ensure your cat has a warm, quiet place to rest away from drafts. Keep the environment humidified if possible—a humidifier or steam from a hot shower can help ease congestion. Gently wipe discharge from eyes and nose with a warm, damp cloth.
Encouraging Eating and Drinking
Cats with colds often lose their appetite because they can’t smell their food well. Warming food slightly can enhance its aroma and make it more appealing. Offering strong-smelling foods like tuna or canned cat food may entice reluctant eaters. Ensure fresh water is always available. Dehydration is a concern, especially if your cat is eating less.
Supporting Recovery
Reduce stress in your cat’s environment during recovery. Minimize changes, loud noises, and interaction with other pets. Keep your cat indoors and in a comfortable temperature range. Continue any preventive care routines to support overall health.
When to See the Veterinarian
While many cat colds resolve on their own within a week or two, certain situations require veterinary attention. Contact your veterinarian if symptoms last longer than a week without improvement, your cat refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, breathing becomes difficult or labored, eye symptoms worsen significantly, lethargy is severe or prolonged, or you notice any signs of dehydration such as dry gums or skin that doesn’t bounce back when pinched.
Kittens, senior cats, pregnant cats, and cats with chronic health conditions should see a veterinarian sooner rather than later, as they are more vulnerable to complications.
Preventing Cat Colds
Vaccination
Keeping your cat’s vaccinations current helps prevent some causes of upper respiratory infections, particularly herpesvirus and calicivirus. Even if vaccination doesn’t completely prevent infection, it often makes symptoms milder.
Reducing Exposure
Keep newly adopted cats separated from other household cats for at least a week to monitor for respiratory symptoms. Avoid contact with visibly sick cats. If you have multiple cats and one becomes ill, separate them during recovery.
General Health Support
Maintaining your cat’s overall health through proper nutrition, regular veterinary care, and a low-stress environment supports a strong immune system better equipped to fight infections.
About the Common Cold in Cats
It’s important to note that cat colds are not the same as human colds and cannot be transmitted to humans. Similarly, while you can catch some respiratory infections from other humans, you are very unlikely to transmit your cold to your cat. However, practicing good hygiene is always wise, especially when handling sick cats.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional veterinary advice. If your cat shows signs of a cold or respiratory infection, please consult a qualified veterinarian for proper evaluation and appropriate care, especially if symptoms are severe or persist.