Wondering how your furry friend caught a cold? Cats can get colds primarily through exposure to viruses and bacteria, often spread from other infected cats through direct contact, shared items, or airborne droplets.
A “cold” in cats isn’t exactly the same as a human cold, but the symptoms can be remarkably similar. These feline upper respiratory illnesses are common, especially in kittens and cats in multi-cat households. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what causes these common ailments, how to spot the signs, and what you can do to help your cat feel better.
Deciphering the Causes of Cat Colds
Cats can contract a cold from various sources, with viruses and bacteria being the main culprits. These microscopic invaders thrive in environments where cats are in close proximity, making shelters, catteries, and even busy homes with multiple pets prime locations for transmission.
Viral Infections in Cats
Several viruses are responsible for a significant portion of cat colds. These viral infections can weaken a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections.
- Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1): This is one of the most common causes of upper respiratory infections in cats. It’s highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with an infected cat’s saliva, nasal secretions, or eye discharge. Even shared food bowls or litter boxes can be sources of transmission. Once a cat is infected, FHV-1 can remain dormant in their system, leading to recurring symptoms during times of stress.
- Feline Calicivirus (FCV): Another major player in cat colds, FCV is also spread through direct contact and airborne droplets. It can cause a range of symptoms, from mild oral ulcers and sneezing to more severe pneumonia. Some strains of FCV can be particularly virulent.
- Other Viral Causes: While FHV-1 and FCV are the most frequent offenders, other viruses like the Feline Reovirus can also contribute to upper respiratory symptoms.
Bacterial Infections in Cats
Bacteria often take advantage of a cat whose immune system has been weakened by a viral infection. They can also be primary causes of respiratory illness.
- Chlamydophila felis: This bacterium is a common cause of conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye lining) in cats, often accompanied by sneezing and nasal discharge. It’s highly contagious.
- Bordetella bronchiseptica: This bacterium is also a known cause of respiratory disease in cats, similar to the “kennel cough” seen in dogs. It can lead to sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge.
- Mycoplasma: These tiny bacteria can also infect the respiratory tract of cats, leading to symptoms like sneezing and eye discharge.
Environmental Factors and Stress
While not direct causes, certain environmental factors and stress can make a cat more vulnerable to infection.
- Stress: Moving to a new home, introducing a new pet, or any significant change in routine can stress a cat, lowering their immunity and making them more prone to catching a cold.
- Poor Ventilation: Living in poorly ventilated spaces can increase the concentration of airborne viruses and bacteria, making it easier for them to spread.
- Overcrowding: As mentioned earlier, environments with many cats living in close quarters, like shelters or some boarding facilities, create ideal conditions for rapid transmission of respiratory pathogens.
Spotting the Signs: Feline Cold Symptoms
Recognizing the signs of a cold in your cat is crucial for prompt treatment and preventing complications. Feline cold symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they often mimic those of human colds.
Key Feline Cold Symptoms to Watch For
- Cat sneezing: Frequent sneezing is often one of the first signs that your cat might have a cold. It’s their body’s way of trying to expel irritants from their nasal passages.
- Cat nasal discharge: You might notice clear, watery nasal discharge initially. However, as the infection progresses, this discharge can become thicker, opaque, and even yellowish or greenish, which can indicate a secondary bacterial infection.
- Cat watery eyes: Similar to nasal discharge, the eyes can produce excess tears. This can range from a mild watery appearance to noticeable wetness around the eyes, sometimes leading to crusting.
- Conjunctivitis: This is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the pink tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white part of the eye. It often presents as red, swollen, and irritated eyes, with discharge.
- Lethargy: A cat with a cold may become less active than usual. They might sleep more, show less interest in playing, and generally seem less enthusiastic.
- Loss of Appetite: When cats feel unwell, their sense of smell is often affected by nasal congestion. Since smell is vital for their appetite, they might eat less or refuse food altogether. This is concerning as dehydration and malnutrition can quickly set in.
- Coughing: While sneezing is more common, some cats may develop a cough as part of their respiratory illness.
- Fever: You might notice your cat feeling warmer than usual. A rectal temperature above 103.5°F (39.7°C) is considered a fever in cats.
- Drooling: Some cats may drool excessively, especially if they have oral ulcers caused by certain viruses like Feline Calicivirus.
- Sore Throat: While you can’t see a cat’s throat easily, they might show signs of discomfort when swallowing or refuse food because it hurts.
Differentiating from More Serious Conditions
It’s important to note that some of these symptoms, particularly coughing and difficulty breathing, can also be signs of more serious conditions like cat pneumonia symptoms or severe cat flu symptoms. If your cat exhibits labored breathing, extreme lethargy, or refuses to eat for more than 24 hours, it’s crucial to seek veterinary attention immediately.
The Diagnostic Process: Fathoming Your Cat’s Illness
When you bring your cat to the veterinarian with signs of a cold, they will conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause and severity of the illness.
Veterinary Examination
Your vet will start by asking you about your cat’s symptoms, history, and any potential exposure to other cats. They will then perform a physical exam, checking:
- Temperature: To check for fever.
- Eyes: To look for discharge, redness, or swelling indicative of cat conjunctivitis.
- Nose: To assess the color and consistency of any cat nasal discharge and check for congestion.
- Mouth: To check for ulcers or other abnormalities.
- Lungs: By listening with a stethoscope to detect any abnormal lung sounds, which could suggest cat pneumonia symptoms.
- Lymph nodes: To check for swelling, which can indicate an infection.
Diagnostic Tests
Depending on the initial findings, your veterinarian may recommend further tests to identify the specific pathogen causing the illness.
- Viral Swabs: Swabs from the eyes, nose, or throat can be sent to a laboratory to test for specific viruses like FHV-1 and FCV.
- Bacterial Cultures: If a bacterial infection is suspected, a swab can be cultured to identify the bacteria and determine the most effective antibiotics.
- Blood Tests: Blood work can help assess your cat’s overall health, check for signs of inflammation, and rule out other diseases.
- X-rays: If pneumonia is suspected, chest X-rays can help visualize the lungs and assess the extent of the infection.
Treatment Strategies: Helping Your Cat Recover
The treatment for a cat cold depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. The primary goal is to support your cat’s immune system, relieve their symptoms, and prevent secondary infections.
Supportive Care at Home
Much of the recovery process relies on providing comfort and good supportive care for your cat.
- Nutrition: Since appetite can be low, warming up wet food can enhance its aroma, making it more appealing. If your cat is struggling to eat, hand-feeding or using a syringe to administer liquid food or broth can be helpful. Ensure fresh water is always available.
- Hydration: Dehydration is a serious concern. If your cat isn’t drinking, encourage intake by offering diluted, low-sodium chicken broth or specialized hydration solutions for pets.
- Cleaning: Gently clean away any nasal or eye discharge with a soft, damp cloth. This helps keep your cat more comfortable and prevents matted fur. For eye discharge, saline eye washes specifically designed for pets can be used.
- Warmth and Comfort: Provide a warm, quiet, and comfortable resting place for your cat. A slightly higher room temperature or a heated bed can be beneficial, especially for kittens or elderly cats.
- Steam Therapy: For severe nasal congestion, placing your cat in a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes can help loosen mucus. You can do this by running a hot shower in a closed bathroom with your cat in a carrier or on a leash nearby for a short period.
Veterinary Medications
Your veterinarian may prescribe various medications to help your cat fight the infection and manage symptoms.
- Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is present or suspected, antibiotics will be prescribed. It’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics as directed by your vet, even if your cat seems to be improving.
- Antivirals: In some cases, particularly with FHV-1, antiviral medications might be prescribed to help manage flare-ups, though they are not always a cure.
- Decongestants/Expectorants: In specific situations, a veterinarian might recommend medications to help clear nasal passages or loosen mucus, but these are less common for standard colds.
- Eye Medications: Antibiotic eye ointments or drops may be prescribed for conjunctivitis.
- Appetite Stimulants: For cats with severe appetite loss, your vet might prescribe medication to encourage them to eat.
Preventing Future Illnesses
Prevention is key to keeping your cat healthy and avoiding recurrent colds.
- Vaccinations: Ensure your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations, particularly for Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus. These vaccines significantly reduce the severity of illness and the likelihood of developing chronic issues.
- Minimize Stress: Provide a stable and enriching environment for your cat to reduce stress levels.
- Hygiene: In multi-cat households, practice good hygiene by regularly cleaning food bowls, water dishes, and litter boxes. Isolate new cats for a period to ensure they aren’t carrying any infections before introducing them to resident pets.
- Avoid Exposure: Keep cats indoors to protect them from exposure to sick stray cats or other sources of infection.
Complications of Upper Respiratory Infections
While many cat colds resolve without major issues, some cats can develop more serious complications.
Pneumonia
One of the most significant complications is the development of pneumonia. If the cat respiratory infection spreads deeper into the lungs, it can cause inflammation and fluid buildup, making it difficult for the cat to breathe. Cat pneumonia symptoms include severe lethargy, difficulty breathing, coughing, and fever. This is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate veterinary care.
Chronic Rhinitis
Some cats, particularly those infected with Feline Herpesvirus, can develop chronic rhinitis. This means they may experience recurring sneezing and nasal discharge for their entire lives. While not curable, it can often be managed with supportive care and, in some cases, specific medications.
Eye Problems
Untreated conjunctivitis can lead to corneal ulcers or scarring, potentially affecting your cat’s vision. It’s important to follow your vet’s recommendations for eye treatments.
Secondary Bacterial Infections
As mentioned, a viral infection can weaken the immune system, paving the way for bacterial infections to take hold. These can worsen the initial symptoms and may require a different treatment approach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can my cat’s cold spread to me?
No, the viruses and bacteria that cause common cat colds are specific to felines and cannot infect humans.
How long does a cat cold typically last?
Mild colds usually resolve within 7-10 days with supportive care. However, some cats may show symptoms for longer, especially if they have underlying issues or a more severe infection.
My cat’s nose is completely blocked. What can I do?
A blocked nose makes it hard for your cat to smell, which can lead to appetite loss. Try warming their food to enhance the smell, or use a humidifier or steam therapy in the bathroom to help loosen mucus. If your cat is struggling to breathe, contact your vet immediately.
Is it possible to prevent cat colds entirely?
While you can’t guarantee prevention, vaccinations, good hygiene, minimizing stress, and keeping cats indoors are the best ways to reduce the risk.
My cat has recovered from a cold, but their eyes are still a bit goopy. Should I be worried?
It’s common for mild eye discharge or redness to linger for a few days after other symptoms have cleared. However, if the discharge becomes thicker, purulent (pus-like), or if your cat is squinting or pawing at their eye, it’s best to have your vet check it again.
By being aware of the common causes, recognizing the signs, and knowing how to provide supportive care and when to seek veterinary advice, you can help your cat get through a cold and back to their purring, playful selves.