Have you heard your cat sneezing? When you’ve looked at them, did they seem a little off? Watery eyes? A little sorry for themselves? Maybe you even imagined a runny nose? Can cats get colds?
As it happens, yes, they can, and from much the exact cause as humans do. Colds are caused by viruses or bacteria. In particular, a viral infection can be distributed through the air.
In cats, such an infection is commonly referred to as feline upper respiratory infection.
All cats can get a cold, but cats who roam about outdoors are more likely to come into contact with errant virus droplets.
Cats who have had vaccinations and regular shots are also far less likely to contract URIs – though it does occasionally occur, even if symptoms are less severe.
A virus that thrives in a human can’t usually survive in a cat’s system. A viral cold is therefore not easily transferrable between humans and cats.
Catching a cold from getting wet or getting cold is a common misconception. No one gets a cold from simply experiencing those conditions. Colds are caused by viruses and bacteria.
The name for a cat cold sounds serious, but in most cases, it’s not life-threatening. There are some concerns when symptoms are severe, as they can lead to secondary infections that may be more dangerous.
If your cat does indeed have a cold, you’ll be happy to hear that there are some things you can do to make its life just a little bit more comfortable.