A cat can catch a cold from a dog. In fact, there’s a better chance of a cat catching a cold from a dog than a dog catching a cold from a cat. Cats are more prone to getting cold than dogs. So, it’s a good idea to keep your feline separated from a dog with a cold.
Although cold rarely happens with dogs, it’s still a good thing to prevent it from spreading.
Cold is likely to happen more with cats than dogs, but they can affect the cats near them when these canines do.
Let’s get into the symptoms of a cold.
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Can cats catch cold symptoms?
As I said, cats are likely the ones to suffer from cold. For this reason, they can catch it from the symptoms of dogs and other animals release.
Now, if your feline pet already has colds, it may show the following symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Nasal Discharge
- Coughing
- Fever
- Sniffles
- No eating
- Not Drinking
- Deposits around the eye
- Difficulty Breathing
The above symptoms are also the symptoms of cat flu. Both cold and flu are interchangeable in a cat since they both have almost the same effects.
Cat flu or cold is also known as feline upper respiratory infection (URI). By its name, it affects our kitty’s respiratory system.
By the symptoms above, it shows similarity with a human cold. Felines do get colds from different environments aside from dogs.
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Can a cat catch kennel cough from a dog?
Kennel cough, in simple terms, is URI for dogs, and yes, cats can catch it too.
Not only is this illness highly contagious. Moreover, it can be transmitted to different species.
Thus, cats and dogs can give them to one another. At the same time, both pets can spread it to other animals.
It can even get to you and other people, although it happens rarely.
If a dog is suffering from kennel cough, it can affect any feline or pet nearby.
For this reason, it’s best to avoid your kitty from playing with your dog, especially if the latter shows signs of it.
However, if it’s an ordinary cat flu or cold, you don’t need to worry too much, as it will go away on its own.
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Will my cat’s cold go away on its own?
If your kitty has a cold, you don’t need to worry too much. A feline’s cold is harmless, and it will go away on its own within 1-2 weeks.
It may be quite pitiful to watch your pet suffer from cold. A feline with flu suffers most in its breathing.
You may also find it difficult to see her eyes had some deposits and her nose becoming runny. (That’s how I felt when my cat suffered from flu).
Still, there’s no need to worry too much. A feline usually recovers on its own after 4-5 days, though the cold may remain in a week or two.
During these days, you may want to aid your kitty by doing a few things.
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How do you cure a cat’s cold?
There’s no cure for a cat’s cold. However, you can do something to help your feline pet feel less comfortable.
Although the following won’t treat a cold directly, it will aid your cat as it recovers on its own.
Wipe the eyes and nose
Wiping your pet’s eyes and nose will lessen the deposits and control the nasal discharges. Just remember to use a damp towel to avoid irritating your pet.
Offer warm and wet food
Warmed up wet food will help them get enough water to recover. Further, it will maintain a balanced and nutritious meal.
Give plenty of water
Like us, felines need plenty of water in these times. The key to a fast recovery is large amounts of water intake. Thus, encourage your pet by offering lots of water.
Keep your pet warm and dry
Always keep your cat inside, and prevent it from getting wet. If you have any pets, try to isolate your sick one in a room where it can recover.
Consult a vet
Although a cold would go away on its own, there are times when it needs the expert’s treatment.
Below are the following signs when you need to take your kitty to the vet.
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When to take a cat to the vet for a cold?
A cat flu or cold may be typical, especially during particular seasons. However, there are times when a vet’s help comes necessary.
Your cat has no interest in eating any food
If your pet is eating nothing for two or more days, it’s best to consult a vet for it.
The cold isn’t getting any better
A cold usually goes away after 1-2 weeks. Still, your cat should show signs of recovery within 4-5 days. If your pet isn’t showing any improvement, consult a vet.
Your cat has a pre-existing disease
If you know your cat is already suffering or has a history of a pre-existing condition, it’s best to consult the vet. In this case, calling a vet is ideal, even in the early stages of the cold.
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Summary
Cats are prone to catching a cold, and they can get it even from a dog or other animals.
For this reason, it’s essential to always be observant of your pets. If you own both cats and dogs, it would be ideal for separating those who have colds from those who haven’t.
At the same time, you should know when to consult a vet and when to leave your cat alone to recover.
Resources
Feline Upper Respiratory Infection study
Image credits – Photos by Tatiana Rodriguez and Abdullah Arif on Unsplash
