Are you concerned that your beloved cat may be getting a cold? Colds are common among humans, but can cats get them too? It's perfectly natural to worry about our furry friends when they start showing signs of being under the weather, so we want to make sure they're taken care of! 

In this blog post, we'll explore the answer to whether cats can get, and pass on colds and other upper respiratory illnesses. We'll also discuss how you as a pet owner can detect potential symptoms in your own feline family member and what steps you should take if it turns out that kitty does have the sniffles. 

Read on to find out more information about colds in cats and what actions you should take if kitty becomes sick!

Cold symptoms in cats

Cold symptoms in cats can vary from mild to severe, depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms of a cold include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, coughing, watery eyes and fatigue. If your cat is showing these signs or is displaying other abnormal behaviour, it's important to take her to the veterinarian for an examination and diagnosis.

When a cat has a cold virus (or upper respiratory infection), the most common symptom is sneezing as the virus irritates their nasal passages. The sneezes may also be accompanied by a thick mucus that drains from their nose and eyes. 

Cats will often develop a runny nose when they have a cold due to excess mucus production in their nasal passages. The discharge may be clear or slightly colored depending on the underlying cause; however, if it appears purulent (pus-like) then this could indicate a bacterial infection requiring treatment with antibiotics. 

Cats may also develop watery eyes when they have a cold due to conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye membrane) that is caused by viral infections such as feline herpesvirus.

You should also be aware that cats affected by cold viruses may display general signs of illness such as lethargy, lack of appetite and fever. It's important not to attempt any type of self-treatment since home remedies are typically ineffective for these types of illnesses and some treatments can actually do more harm than good.

A veterinarian will be able to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan for your pet's condition so that she can return back to normal quickly and comfortably.

How to treat a cat with a cold

The best way to treat a cat's cold is to provide supportive care at home while keeping them away from other animals in the household until they have fully recovered. 

This includes providing extra warmth and plenty of rest in a comfortable and draft-free environment, moistening their food with warm water,providing plenty of fresh water, cleaning their eyes regularly, and keeping their nose free from mucus build up by wiping it gently with a warm damp cloth. 

Additionally, it is important to make sure that your cat has access to their litter box at all times so that they can eliminate waste easily during recovery. If your cat's symptoms do not improve after a few days or become worse instead of better then it is essential that you take them back to the vet for further assessment and treatment. 

The vet may prescribe antibiotics if they believe that there is a bacterial infection present or antiviral medications if they think that your cat has contracted one of these viruses responsible for causing colds in cats. 

It may also be beneficial for your pet’s recovery if they receive supplemental fluids either orally or intravenously depending on how severe their case is.

Colds in cats can be uncomfortable but usually resolve on their own within 7-10 days without any medical intervention necessary but being proactive about making sure your cat gets proper care during this time will help speed up their recovery process significantly so be sure to monitor them closely for any changes in behaviour or health!

Can cats get the flu

Yes, cats can get the flu, although it is much less common than in humans. It is known as feline influenza, or feline infectious respiratory disease, and occurs in both domestic cats and wild felines. It is caused by an infection of the upper respiratory tract with certain strains of the virus that affects cats.

Signs of feline influenza include sneezing, a runny nose, coughing, fever, and reduced appetite. In more severe cases it can cause pneumonia or even death if not treated properly with medication or other forms of veterinary care. 

Feline influenza is usually spread through contact with an infected cat's saliva, urine, or faeces; it can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces such as food dishes and litter boxes.

There are several types of vaccines available to help prevent feline influenza, however they are not 100% effective and may need to be administered multiple times for optimal coverage. Additionally, there are some antiviral medications that may be prescribed to help speed up recovery from a bout of feline flu.

As always when dealing with any type of illness in your cat it's best to consult your veterinarian for advice on diagnosis and treatment options best suited for your pet's individual situation.

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We hope this guide has helped you figure out how cats get worms and how to keep them happy and healthy.. Having a cat join your family is such a fun and rewarding experience.