It might surprise you to learn that cats can catch colds just like people, displaying similar symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose. Here, our Sacramento vets talk about causes and when to seek veterinary care.
In most cases, cat colds are harmless and will go away on their within 1-2 weeks. However, if you notice your cat's cold isn't getting better or is worsening by the fourth day of their infection, you should bring them to the vet.
In most cases, cats catch colds just like people do — through exposure to a virus. According to one veterinary account, almost 90% of cat colds are caused by viruses. However, some bacteria can also cause URIs. Once a cat is infected, it can pass the virus on to other cats, often through sneezing or coughing.
Although cats can't catch human colds, they can develop symptoms similar to the human cold from other viruses. When a cat catches a cold, he may sneeze, have watery eyes, a runny or congested nose, a mild fever, or less energy than usual. These symptoms can last five to ten days.
If your cat has a cold, you can help them feel less uncomfortable by wiping their runny nose with a clean cloth, and runny eyes with a cloth and saline solution. You can also run a humidifier so the air isn't too dry.
To help your cat feel better while they have a cold, increase the humidity in your house by running a humidifier or vaporizer. If your cat has a stuffy nose you can use a warm, damp cloth to gently wipe their nose. Cleanse and soothe your cat's watery eyes by applying a saline solution with gauze pads.
If your cat is sneezing a lot for several days or if she shows other signs of being sick, you should take her to the veterinarian to be examined. She may have developed a respiratory infection, which is quite common in cats. A round of antibiotics should help her get back to her usual self.
Most healthy cats are able to make a full recovery from a cat cold without medical intervention in about 7-10 days. If your cat experiences more severe symptoms and medical treatment is required, the recovery period may last longer and be harder, depending on how serious it was.
An upper respiratory infection in cats can look a lot like the common cold in people. Sneezing, runny nose, coughing, congestion, discharge from the eyes, fever, ulcers in the mouth or around the nose and eyes—all signs your cats may have a viral upper respiratory infection.
The virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals during close contact. Pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19.
If your cat's cold goes untreated they can develop more serious infections. It's even more important to call your vet if you have a senior cat, young kitten, or immune-compromised cat.
It can cause a runny nose and eyes, and a sore throat. Other symptoms include aches and pains in the muscles and joints, mouth ulcers, dribbling, sneezing, loss of voice and fever. Cat flu is not usually serious in adult cats, however, all cats with symptoms of cat flu should see the vet.
Sneezing is a common symptom of upper respiratory infections (URIs) in cats. Often referred to as the “common cold” or the “cat flu”, upper respiratory infections can be viral, bacterial and even fungal, although that's less common.
If your cat is sneezing more than normal, it's more than likely that your feline friend has an upper respiratory infection or URI. The most widespread respiratory infection is Feline Herpesvirus or FHV. It's estimated that as many as 80-90% of all cats are infected with FHV.
Did you know that kitties can get colds or flus, just like people can? In many cases, cats just feel stuffy and tired for a few days, and then recover on their own. Fluffy may sleep a bit more than usual. Given that cats spend so much time sleeping, you may not even notice!
"Clinical signs from viruses often go away on their own in a week and don't require treatment," she said. "Not every cat needs antibiotics, and we're starting to see cats with antibiotic-resistant infections.
The sneezing generally lasts for only a few days and goes away on its own, requiring no treatment. If your cat sneezes only occasionally, no treatment is generally needed.
Saline nasal spray
A home remedy that'll help you answer what can I give my cat for sneezing? is saline spray. Ask your vet about using saline nasal spray and pediatric nasal sprays to help with sneezing related to dryness and congestion.
Camphor is commonly found in topical pain or arthritis body rubs. Examples of some common trade names containing camphor include Carmex, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub, Campho-Phenique, etc. Camphor is readily absorbed across the skin, and should never be applied to dogs or cats due to risks for poisoning.
Nasal sprays: Saline nasal spray and pediatric nasal sprays (Little Noses) can be given in kittens and cats to alleviate dryness and nasal congestion associated with a cold.