Cat cold: What to do if your furry friend has a sniffle?
A runny nose, watery eyes, and tired paws – yes, cats can get colds too. Our furry friends are especially susceptible to colds during the cold season or when temperatures fluctuate. But what's really behind your cat's symptoms?
Don't worry! In this article, I'll explain everything you need to know about cat colds : from symptoms and causes to home remedies and tips for a quick recovery.
How do you recognize a cold in your cat?
Cats are masters at hiding illnesses. But there are clear signs of a cold you should know:
Typical symptoms of a cat cold:
- Blocked or runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing and sniffling
- Tiredness and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Fever (over 39 degrees Celsius)
Severe cases:
If a cold is advanced or if bacteria come into play, the following symptoms may occur:
- Difficulty breathing or rattling noises
- Severe cough
- Yellowish or greenish nasal discharge
Important: If your cat behaves strangely or the symptoms worsen, you should consult a veterinarian!
Why do cats catch colds? The most common causes
A cold in cats has many possible causes. Here are the most common:
- Drafts and cold: Sudden changes in temperature or drafts can irritate the mucous membranes and promote a cold.
- Weak immune system: Older or sick cats are more susceptible.
- Infections: Viruses, such as the herpes virus or calicivirus , are common causes of colds.
- Stress: Stress weakens the immune system and makes cats more susceptible to disease.
- Infection: A cat with a cold can infect other cats – especially in multi-cat households.
Cat has a cold? How to help with home remedies
It doesn't always have to be chemical treatments. Here are simple, tried-and-tested home remedies that can help your cat with a cold:
1. Warmth and peace:
- Provide your cat with a warm, quiet place to sleep.
- Cozy blankets or heating pads (on a low setting) help against the chills.
2. Moisture for the respiratory tract:
- Increase humidity: Place a humidifier or place a bowl of water on the heater.
- Steam bath: Place your cat near the bathroom while you run a hot shower. The moist air will help with a stuffy nose.
3. Promote fluid intake:
- Adequate fluid intake is important when you have a cold.
- Offer your cat warm water or diluted broth (without spices or salt).
4. Clean eyes and nose:
- Gently wipe watery eyes or a runny nose with a soft, warm cloth.
- A physiological saline solution can help moisten the nose.
When should you definitely go to the vet?
In many cases, a mild cold clears up on its own. However, there are situations in which a visit to the veterinarian is unavoidable:
- Symptoms worsen or last longer than 2–3 days.
- Your cat has a fever (over 39.5 degrees Celsius).
- She refuses food and water.
- Breathing problems or severe coughing occur.
The veterinarian can determine the cause and initiate appropriate treatment, such as:
- Medicines to support the immune system
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Expectorants
Preventing colds: How to keep your cat healthy
Prevention is better than any treatment. Here are some tips to help prevent colds in your cat:
- Warm sleeping places: Avoid drafts and provide cozy retreats.
- Strengthen the immune system: A balanced diet and regular exercise will help your cat stay fit.
- Minimize stress: Create a calm, relaxed environment for your furry friend.
- Hygiene: Clean food bowls, blankets and litter boxes regularly.
- Regular vaccinations: Have your cat vaccinated against contagious cat flu viruses.
Is a cat cold contagious?
Yes, a cold can be contagious—especially if it's caused by a virus. Transmission occurs through:
- Droplet infection: sneezing or sniffling
- Contact with mucous membranes: Eating from the same bowl or grooming together
Caution: Other cats in your household could become infected. Keep cats with colds separate from healthy ones until they are well again.
Conclusion: Recognize and properly treat cat colds
A cold is unpleasant for cats, but in most cases, it's easily treatable. It's important to recognize the symptoms early and help your cat with warmth, rest, and appropriate home remedies.
The most important points at a glance:
- Typical symptoms include sneezing, blocked noses and watery eyes.
- Home remedies such as warm sleeping places, humidifiers and fluid intake help with mild colds.
- If symptoms are severe or fever is present, you should definitely go to the vet.
- Prevention is the best protection: make sure you have warm places to retreat to, a healthy diet and regular vaccinations.
With your care, your cat will quickly be fit and healthy again – and you can breathe a sigh of relief! 🐾
