While cats don’t catch the same colds we do, they can come down with upper respiratory infections often referred to as "cat colds." This term simply describes a range of symptoms in cats that resemble a human cold, think sneezing, runny noses, and watery eyes. In most cases, these cold-like symptoms in cats are caused by a virus that spreads between felines, especially in multi-cat households or shelters.

If your cat has been sneezing more than usual, you might want to check out our article Why Is My Cat Sneezing? for more insights!

When cats catch a cat cold, they may show a variety of symptoms, including:

For most cats, a cat cold will resolve on its own within 7 to 10 days. But in some cases, cats may suffer complications, such as a secondary bacterial infection or even cat flu.

A secondary infection can cause thick green or yellow discharge from the nose or eyes, leading to severe congestion. This can impact your cat’s sense of smell, making it hard for them to eat or drink. If your cat loses interest in food, it’s important to take action to help your cat regain their appetite.

In more serious cases, cats can develop pneumonia, a respiratory disease that causes difficulty breathing. If you notice your cat struggling to breathe or coughing persistently, it’s time to contact your vet. A case of cat pneumonia can require hospitalization to manage symptoms.

If you’ve ever snuggled up with your cat while battling a cold, you might wonder if they can catch it from you. The good news is, cats can’t catch colds from humans! The viruses that make us sneeze and sniffle are specific to humans and don’t spread to our feline friends.

However, cats have their own version of a cold, often called a cat cold, caused by upper respiratory infections that spread between cats. If your kitty is sneezing, has nasal congestion, or watery eyes and nose, they’ve likely picked it up from another sick cat, not from you.

While they recover, you can help your cat feel more comfortable by gently wiping their face with a damp cloth and using a humidifier to help ease their stuffy nose.

So, rest easy knowing you won’t pass your cold to your cat, but keep an eye on their pet health to make sure their cold symptoms improve!

The majority of cat colds are caused by viral infections, with experts estimating that around 90% of cases are linked to feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus.

Feline herpesvirus, also known as feline rhinotracheitis virus, is highly contagious and spreads quickly in places where multiple cats live together, such as rescues or shelters. Once a cat is infected, they carry the virus for life. However, the virus often goes into a dormant phase, during which the cat shows no symptoms and appears perfectly healthy.

That said, certain stressful events, like being boarded, Groomed, or moved to a new environment, can weaken the immune system and trigger the virus to become active again. When this happens, cats may show mild symptoms such as Sneezing or watery eyes for a few days before returning to normal.

Cats infected with feline calicivirus often show symptoms that are very similar to those caused by feline herpesvirus, including sneezing and nasal congestion. Like herpesvirus, calicivirus is highly contagious and spreads quickly between cats. However, calicivirus is more likely to cause oral symptoms, such as ulcers or sores in the mouth, which can make eating uncomfortable for your cat.

The good news is that both viruses are specific to cats and cannot be passed to humans. Thankfully, there are vaccines available for both feline herpesvirus and calicivirus. These are considered core vaccines for kittens and adult cats, meaning they’re an important part of keeping your cat healthy.

While the vaccine may not completely prevent infection, it can help to reduce symptoms and lower the risk of serious illness, making it an essential step in protecting your cat's pet health.

In most cases, mild cat colds don’t require a trip to the vet, but there are several things you can do at home to help your cat feel more comfortable while she recovers.

Here are some simple ways to provide relief:

• If your home feels dry, especially in winter, consider using a humidifier to reduce airway irritation and keep her comfortable.
• Bring your cat into the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The humidity can ease nasal congestion, making it easier for her to breathe.
• Keep Stress levels low by setting up a cosy, quiet space for your cat to rest. A small room with her litter box, food, water, and a warm bed nearby can make recovery more relaxing. You can also use pheromone diffusers to create a calming environment.

In severe cases where cats get colds, or when a secondary bacterial infection develops, Antibiotic Treatment is often required. This usually involves oral or topical medication that can be given at home. For cats suspected of having feline herpesvirus, especially those with severe symptoms or compromised immune systems from conditions like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), antiviral medications may be prescribed to help manage the infection.

If your cat is struggling to breathe or refusing to eat, it's important to seek veterinary care right away. In some cases, your cat may need to be hospitalized for one to two days to stabilize before continuing care at home. Although it’s concerning to see cats get colds, timely treatment and supportive care can make a big difference in helping them recover quickly.

Most healthy cats typically recover from a cat cold on their own within seven to 10 days without the need for medical treatment. However, if your cat shows more severe symptoms and requires veterinary care, the recovery process may take longer and could be more challenging for your feline friend.

While it's true that cats get colds, you should never give your cat over the counter cold medicine for cats without consulting a vet. Human medications like decongestants, pain relievers, or cold remedies can be toxic to cats and cause serious harm. Instead, focus on supportive care at home, such as using a humidifier to help with nasal congestion and gently wiping their nose and eyes with a damp cloth.

Yes, kittens can catch a cat cold, and they are often more vulnerable to upper respiratory infections than adult cats. Their immune systems are still developing, making it easier for them to pick up viruses like feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus from other cats. Symptoms in kittens can include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and lethargy. Since kittens are more at risk of developing serious complications, it's important to monitor them closely. If your kitten shows signs of a cat cold and stops eating or drinking, contact a vet right away for treatment to prevent the illness from worsening.