Cat Cold – how to help your feline friend

Just like humans, cats also suffer from bad weather during the cold season. Low temperatures outside, overheated indoor spaces, as well as drafts and cold winds are the ideal combination for cold viruses and bacteria, and the risk of infection is high.

Many cat owners wonder how much the cold affects their cat and how a cat cold can be prevented. The focus is also on what cold symptoms occur and how the feline can get well again as quickly as possible. This article provides the answers to these urgent questions!

Cat Cold – Cough, Runny Nose, Hoarseness

Cats can also catch a cold. Especially in the gloomy winter weather, some animals suffer from cat flu, coughing, and hoarseness. If the cat is not feeling well, cat owners should keep a close eye on their beloved pet. A cat with a fever must definitely be examined by a veterinarian.

The Symptoms – Recognizing a Cold in Cats

If a cat has caught a cold, it is accompanied by various symptoms. The animal is tired and lethargic. It refuses to eat and the cat is not gaining weight. In addition, its eyes water, its nose runs, and the cat sneezes. If fever is added to the mentioned symptoms, owners' attention should increase.

Possible Causes of a Cold in Cats

A cat's cold begins with a viral and/or bacterial infection. Animals with a weakened immune system are particularly susceptible. This includes very young animals whose immune systems are not yet fully developed. Older cats, who also have to contend with other illnesses, also quickly catch a cold. A third group of at-risk animals are outdoor cats. These often roam around for hours in cold and wet weather, where they can get hypothermia and catch a cold.

In addition, there is a risk of infection when cats are in direct contact with each other. The viruses are particularly likely to spread when several cats use the same bowl. It is therefore advisable, at least during the cold season, to assign each cat its own feeding station.

Consequences of an Infection

The consequences of a cold in cats are similar to those that occur in humans:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Increased need for sleep
• Fever

Not every cold has the same origin. A common flu-like infection subsides on its own in a healthy animal within a few days, without the need for major measures. However, there are colds that have a more complicated course and in which case cat owners are advised to seek veterinary treatment.

So-called cat flu is a highly infectious and contagious inflammation of the respiratory tract and mucous membranes. The disease with the harmless name is caused by herpes or caliciviruses. A symptom complex is typical. This means that usually various pathogens and factors, which favor each other, are decisive for cat flu.

Cat flu can lead to ulcers on the eyes. Untreated, a fatal outcome is to be expected.

Another component of the cat flu complex responsible for colds is Bordetella Bronchiseptica. These bacteria are transmitted by droplet infection. In younger cats, there is a risk of dangerous lung infection.

How to care for a sick cat

Owners can easily support the healing process by devoting more attention to their pet. A warm, cozy place and rest combined with lots of petting is the best medicine for most house cats to overcome an annoying cold.

Caution with Food and Drink

Cats with a cold have a reduced sense of taste and smell. Therefore, they tend to drink and eat less than healthy animals. Cat owners should try out what food their house cat will still consume.

Even more important is drinking. The animals must always take in enough fluids so that the mucus in the back of the throat and nose loosens and they do not dehydrate. Without sufficient water intake, kidney dysfunction in cats incapacitates them within a short time and leads to death.

Felines generally drink very little, but rather take in the necessary fluid through their food. To ensure fluid intake during a cold phase, it is advisable to always mix some water into the food. In addition, for indoor cats, it helps to set up a water station in every room. Some cats prefer a small fountain that simulates running water.

Correctly treating the symptoms of cat flu

A crusted nose is best cleaned with a damp, soft and clean cloth without soap. This allows the animal to breathe better again. Gentle cleaning also benefits the eyes. In addition, a humidifier ensures that the respiratory tract does not dry out.

Visiting a veterinarian

In most cases, cats recover within a few days with loving care, high-quality food, and sufficient water. If this is not the case and the symptoms persist, the veterinarian must intervene supportively. A cold that is not properly treated can quickly develop into pneumonia.

How to prevent a cold?

A cold in cats can be prevented in various ways. Sufficient hygiene is fundamental. Both the litter box and the feeding areas should be cleaned regularly so that no viruses or bacteria can settle. The resting places of indoor cats should be free of drafts. For example, a windowsill in front of a poorly sealed or inadequately closing window is unsuitable for keeping a cold away from your four-legged friend.

Nevertheless, it should be ensured that the preferred place of residence is well and sufficiently ventilated. Stale breathing air and cigarette smoke not only burden human respiratory tracts but also restrict the function of cats' bronchi.

Outdoor cats should be encouraged to stay indoors in cold and wet weather. A soaked coat is the ideal starting point for a cold, especially if the wind is blowing strongly. Furthermore, there is an increased risk outdoors that the cat will get infected by other cats.

Anyone who wants to be on the safe side can have their cat vaccinated against cat flu at the vet. However, effective vaccinations are not available for all components of the cat flu complex. Thus, the available sera cannot always prevent an infection. Nevertheless, in most cases, it is possible to prevent the outbreak of a cold.

FAQ: Cat Cold

During the cold season, cat colds increase, and we receive many questions. We try to answer the most common ones here.

What to do if the cat has a cold?

Not all cold symptoms permanently threaten the cat's health. If the eye and nasal discharge turns yellowish and/or fever occurs, a visit to the vet is unavoidable. With the administration of antibiotic-containing medication, the disease is halted, and the animal is completely healthy again within a few days.

How long does a cold last in a cat?

The incubation period, i.e., the time between infection and the onset of a cold, is about 3 to 5 days. The illness itself is limited to about seven days. In severe bacterial forms of cat flu, it is possible for recovery to take over a month.

Can indoor cats catch a cold?

Outdoor cats usually have a stronger immune system than purely indoor cats. Therefore, the body of indoor cats is less well-equipped against infections. It is also possible for the animal to get infected by other cats.

Conclusion – Tips and Tricks against Cat Cold

The most important thing with a cold is that the cat receives enough food and water. In addition, a quiet and warm place is helpful to properly recover from the illness. Outdoor cats should, if possible, be kept indoors for a few days. If the symptoms do not disappear, a veterinarian should be consulted.

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