A cold is a minor viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, which includes the nose and throat. It’s also called an upper respiratory infection or URI. In cats, the most common cause of a cold is feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1), which is also responsible for causing feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR).
FHV-1 is highly contagious and can be spread through close contact with an infected cat, sharing food or water bowls, or even from contact with an infected person. The good news is that most cats recover from a cold within 2-3 weeks with proper care. However, some cats may develop complications such as pneumonia, so it’s important to monitor your cat closely and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
If your cat has a cold, it’s important to keep an eye on them and make sure they’re comfortable. But how long do cat colds last?
Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to this question.
Just like in humans, the duration of a cold can vary from individual to individual. In general, however, most cat colds will resolve within 2-3 weeks.
During this time, it’s important to make sure your kitty is getting plenty of rest and fluid.
You can help them stay hydrated by offering fresh water or even chicken broth (without salt). And if they’re not interested in eating much, don’t worry – as long as they’re drinking enough fluids, they should be fine.
If your cat’s cold seems to be lasting longer than a few weeks or if they seem to be struggling, it’s always best to check in with your vet just to be safe.
Do Cats Colds Go Away on Their Own?
While it is possible for a cat’s cold to go away on its own, it is not always the best course of action. If your cat is showing signs of a cold, such as sneezing, runny nose, or lethargy, it is important to take them to the vet. A vet can determine if your cat has a cold or another condition and prescribe the best course of treatment.
How Do You Help a Cat That Has a Cold?
There’s nothing worse than feeling under the weather yourself, and then having to care for a sick pet. If your cat has a cold, there are fortunately some things you can do to help them feel better.
First of all, make sure they have plenty of fresh water to drink.
A sick cat may not have much of an appetite, so don’t worry if they’re not eating as much as usual. Just offer them small amounts of wet food frequently throughout the day, and they’ll eventually eat when they’re ready.
If your cat is sneezing a lot or has runny eyes, you can gently clean their face with a warm washcloth.
This will help them feel more comfortable and hopefully reduce the amount of time they’re sick.
It’s also important to keep their litter box clean, since a cold can sometimes cause diarrhea. Scoop it out regularly and change the litter completely every few days.
If your cat is too sick to use the litter box properly, you may need to put them in a smaller space with just enough litter for them to use until they’re feeling better.
How Do You Tell If a Cat Has a Cold?
If your cat has a cold, they may have a runny nose and watery eyes. They may also sneeze more than usual. If your cat has a severe cold, they may have a fever.
How Do Indoor Cats Get Colds?
There are a few ways that cats can catch colds, just like people. One way is by going outside and being exposed to viruses in the environment. Another way is if they’re around other sick animals who are sneezing and coughing, which can transfer germs to them.
And lastly, sometimes cats can get colds from their owners if the owner is sick and doesn’t realize it! The best way to prevent your cat from getting a cold is to keep them indoors where they’re safe from exposure to these things. If you think your cat may be coming down with a cold, watch for symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and fever.
If they seem lethargic or aren’t eating as much as usual, those could also be signs that something’s wrong. If you’re worried, take them to the vet to get checked out and make sure it’s nothing serious.
Do Cat Colds Go Away on Their Own
Yes, cat colds go away on their own. However, it is important to keep an eye on your kitty during this time and make sure they are comfortable. Provide them with plenty of fluids and a warm place to sleep.
If you notice any discharge from their nose or eyes, or if they are having difficulty breathing, then it is best to take them to the vet for a checkup.
How to Treat a Cat Cold at Home
If your cat has a cold, there are a few things you can do at home to help them feel better. First, make sure they have plenty of fresh water to drink. You can also try adding some chicken broth or tuna juice to their water to help entice them to drink more.
Next, provide them with a warm, comfortable place to rest. A heated pet bed or blanket can help soothe achy muscles and joints. You may also want to consider using a humidifier in the room where your cat is staying to help ease congestion and respiratory discomfort.
Finally, offer them easy-to-digest foods like canned kitten food or boiled chicken and rice. Avoid giving them cow’s milk as it can actually make their symptoms worse. If your cat is having trouble eating or drinking, contact your veterinarian right away as they may need additional treatment.
Cat Colds Contagious to Humans
We all know that the common cold is contagious. But did you know that cat colds are also contagious to humans? That’s right, if your kitty is sneezing and has a runny nose, there’s a good chance you could catch it too.
The good news is that cat colds are usually not as severe as human colds. However, they can still be quite unpleasant. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and sometimes a fever.
If you do happen to catch a cat cold, the best thing to do is rest and drink plenty of fluids.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent yourself from catching a cat cold in the first place. First, wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face after handling your kitty.
It’s also a good idea to keep her away from other people as much as possible until she’s feeling better. Lastly, make sure she gets plenty of rest and drinks lots of fluids herself so she can recover quickly.
Cat Cold Symptoms
A cat cold is a viral infection that can cause a number of respiratory symptoms in your feline friend. The most common symptom of a cat cold is a runny nose, but your kitty may also have watery eyes, sneezing, and a cough. While these symptoms may seem minor, they can actually be quite serious for your cat.
If your kitty has a cold, it’s important to take them to the vet so they can get the proper treatment.
There are a few different types of viruses that can cause a cat cold, but the most common is the feline herpesvirus. This virus is highly contagious and is often spread through contact with other cats.
It’s important to keep your kitty away from other cats if they have a cold so they don’t spread the virus. There is no cure for feline herpesvirus, but there are treatments available that can help lessen the symptoms and make your kitty more comfortable.
If you think your kitty has a cold, it’s important to take them to see the vet right away so they can get started on treatment.
In some cases, antibiotics may be necessary to clear up any secondary bacterial infections. Your vet will also likely recommend giving your kitty plenty of rest and fluids to help them recover from their illness.
Conclusion
A cold in cats, also called upper respiratory infection, is a viral infection that affects the cat’s nose, throat, and sinuses. It is similar to the common cold in humans. The most common symptom of a cold in cats is sneezing.
Other symptoms may include runny nose, watery eyes, and fever. Colds are usually not serious and will go away on their own within a few days to weeks. However, if your cat is showing signs of illness or if the symptoms last for more than two weeks, it is best to take them to the vet for an evaluation.
