If your cat is sneezing, has watery eyes, or refuses food, you might wonder: “Do cats get colds?” The answer is yes. Cats can suffer from upper respiratory infections (URIs), often called “cat flu” or “cat colds.”
While most cases are mild and resolve in 7–14 days, colds in cats can sometimes lead to complications like pneumonia, eye ulcers, or chronic respiratory issues. Knowing the symptoms, remedies, and red flags is vital for every cat parent.
This comprehensive guide provides:
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✅ Science-backed causes & symptoms
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✅ Safe home remedies 🏡
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✅ Vet treatments compared to DIY fixes
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✅ Structured recovery routine
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✅ Expert veterinary quotes
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✅ Infographic-style summary tables
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✅ FAQs (10) for clarity
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✅ SEO-ready content
🔬 What Is a “Cat Cold”?
In veterinary terms, a “cat cold” = feline upper respiratory infection (URI).
👾 Causes of Cat Colds
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Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) → Causes feline viral rhinotracheitis.
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Feline calicivirus (FCV) → Causes sneezing, oral ulcers, joint pain.
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Chlamydia felis → Triggers conjunctivitis (eye inflammation).
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Bordetella bronchiseptica → Similar to kennel cough in dogs, causes sneezing and coughing.
📖 According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, up to 90% of cat colds are caused by herpesvirus or calicivirus.
🧬 Transmission
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Sneezing and coughing (aerosolized droplets).
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Shared food bowls and litter trays.
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Grooming each other.
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Humans’ clothing or hands can carry viruses.
🤧 Symptoms of Cat Colds
Cat cold symptoms vary from mild to severe. Recognizing early signs helps you act fast.
| Symptom | Why It Happens | Severity 🚦 |
|---|---|---|
| Sneezing 🤧 | Nasal irritation from viral infection | Mild–Moderate |
| Runny nose 💧 | Viral inflammation, secondary bacterial infection possible | Mild–Severe |
| Watery eyes 👀 | Conjunctivitis, herpesvirus flare-up | Mild–Severe |
| Red/swollen eyes 🔴 | Chlamydia felis or herpesvirus | Severe |
| Coughing 😿 | Airway irritation, rare in mild colds | Moderate |
| Drooling 👅 | Oral ulcers from calicivirus | Severe |
| Lethargy 💤 | Immune system fighting infection | Mild–Moderate |
| Appetite loss 🍲 | Smell blocked → no interest in food | Moderate |
| Fever 🌡️ | Immune response | Moderate–Severe |
| Mouth ulcers 👅 | FCV hallmark symptom | Severe |
📖 VCA Animal Hospitals confirm loss of appetite is one of the most dangerous symptoms because cats who don’t eat for 24+ hours risk liver disease (hepatic lipidosis).
🏥 How Vets Diagnose Cat Colds
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Physical exam → Checks eyes, nose, mouth, lungs.
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PCR tests/swabs → Detect herpesvirus, calicivirus, chlamydia.
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Bloodwork → Screens for systemic infection or dehydration.
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Imaging → Chest X-rays/ultrasound if pneumonia suspected.
📖 MSD Veterinary Manual notes herpesvirus and calicivirus cause the majority of feline URIs worldwide.
🏡 Safe Home Remedies for Cat Colds
⚠️ These remedies support recovery but don’t cure the virus. Most colds run their course in 7–14 days. Never give human cold medicines (toxic to cats).
1. 🌬️ Steam Therapy (Humidified Air)
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Why it works: Moisture loosens mucus, clears nasal congestion.
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How to do it: Run a hot shower, sit in the bathroom with your cat (not in the shower). 10–15 minutes, 1–2 times/day.
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Reference: iCatCare.
2. 💧 Saline Nose Drops
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Clears nasal congestion.
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Only use vet-approved sterile saline.
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Never use human decongestants.
3. 🧴 Cleaning Eye & Nose Discharge
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Gently wipe with warm, damp cotton pads.
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Prevents crusts blocking breathing and eye irritation.
4. 🥣 Appetite & Hydration Boost
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Warm up wet food → stronger smell.
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Add tuna water or chicken broth (unsalted).
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Syringe-feed water (if vet-approved) if dehydration risk.
📖 PetMD emphasizes hydration is the most important home treatment.
5. 🌱 Immune & Gut Support
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Veterinary probiotics (e.g., FortiFlora).
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Omega-3 & antioxidant supplements.
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⚠️ L-Lysine is no longer recommended: BMC Vet Research 2015 showed no benefit.
6. 🛌 Stress-Free Environment
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Keep cat in a quiet, warm room.
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Use pheromone diffusers (e.g., Feliway).
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Stress can reactivate herpesvirus.
💊 Home Remedies vs Veterinary Treatment
| Approach | Best For | Examples | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home remedies 🏡 | Mild, early colds | Steam, saline, food tricks | Support only |
| Veterinary care 🏥 | Severe, kittens, seniors | Antivirals (famciclovir), antibiotics for secondary infections, eye ointments | Requires prescription |
📖 ABCD Guidelines → Famciclovir is proven effective against feline herpesvirus.
🗓️ Structured Recovery Routine
Day 1–2: Isolate cat, steam therapy, wipe discharges, warm meals.
Day 3–5: Monitor eating/drinking. If no eating >24 hrs → vet.
Day 6–7: Improvement expected in mild cases. Continue hydration & comfort.
Day 10–14: If no improvement → see vet. Chronic cases may need antivirals.
🧑⚕️ Expert Quotes
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Dr. Richard Goldstein, DVM (Cornell Feline Health Center):
“Most feline upper respiratory infections are viral and self-limiting, but supportive care is critical. Cats that stop eating must see a veterinarian quickly.” (Cornell Vet) -
ABCD Feline Experts:
“Famciclovir is safe, well-tolerated, and effective for herpesvirus infections, especially when ocular disease is present.” (ABCD Guidelines)
📊 Symptom–Remedy–Vet Alert Table
| Symptom | Home Remedy | Vet Alert 🚨 |
|---|---|---|
| Sneezing 🤧 | Steam, saline drops | If >7 days |
| Runny nose 💧 | Wipe with warm cloth | If thick/green/bloody |
| Watery eyes 👀 | Saline wipes | If ulcers/redness |
| Appetite loss 🍲 | Warm food, tuna water | If >24 hrs no eating |
| Lethargy 💤 | Quiet rest | If unable to rise/play |
| Fever 🌡️ | Fluids, comfort | If >104°F |
❓ FAQs
Q1. Can cats catch colds from humans?
No. Cat colds are species-specific viruses.
Q2. How long does a cat cold last?
Usually 7–14 days.
Q3. Are cat colds contagious to other cats?
Yes. Very contagious—keep sick cats isolated.
Q4. Do cat colds need antibiotics?
Only if bacterial infection is diagnosed.
Q5. What’s the fastest home remedy?
Steam therapy + hydration can help in 2–3 days.
Q6. Can kittens get colds?
Yes. Kittens are highly vulnerable and need vet care sooner.
Q7. Does vaccination prevent cat colds?
The FVRCP vaccine reduces severity but doesn’t eliminate risk【AAHA/AAFP 2020†source】.
Q8. Is L-Lysine effective?
❌ No. Proven ineffective in studies【BMC Vet Res 2015†source】.
Q9. Can stress trigger cat colds?
Yes. Stress reactivates herpesvirus in carriers.
Q10. When to rush to the vet?
If cat won’t eat for >24 hrs, has breathing issues, or eye ulcers.
📌 Key Takeaways
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Cat colds = feline URIs caused mainly by herpesvirus or calicivirus.
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Symptoms: Sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, lethargy, appetite loss.
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Home remedies (steam, saline, food tricks) help in mild cases.
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Vet care is needed for severe, prolonged, or high-risk cats.
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Never give human cold medicines.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed veterinarian if your cat shows persistent, severe, or worsening symptoms.
