Things to Do If Your Kitten Has a Cold

Just as humans do, kittens can experience the discomfort of a cold. The condition is less common in adult cats. When felines catch a cold, it is because of a bacterial infection within the nose. These "colds" are technically classified as upper respiratory infections. Common signs that a kitten is suffering from a cold include nasal discharge, general malaise, watery eyes, fever and excessive sneezing.

  1. Breathing

    • To reduce your kitten's uncomfortable symptoms, place him in a room with a cool steam vaporizer. The cool vapor in the air will assist him in breathing. If you don't have a vaporizer, you can place the kitten in a bathroom while you run a hot shower and let him breathe the steam. The vapors will help open up his airways.

    Meals

    • When kittens experience colds, they often refrain from eating because their sense of smell plays a major role in their appetites. To help speed your kitten's recovery, make sure that he is regularly drinking water and eating his meals. If your cat generally consumes dry food, temporarily switch to canned or moist foods; it will be much easier for him to smell the canned food with his stuffy nose. Or, add a dab of tuna in the kitten's meal. The scent of the fish will likely encourage him to eat, helping him get his strength and health back.

    Nose

    • When your kitten has a cold, he likely will have a messy nose due to dried mucus accumulation. Make sure to regularly wipe your kitten's nose with a soft cloth or cotton ball. A clean nose can encourage better breathing. If your kitten's nose becomes excessively dry, rub a small amount of baby oil or petroleum jelly on it to help prevent cracking.

    Veterinarian

    • In general, upper respiratory infections are not serious in cats, however they can be more serious in kittens. Consult a veterinarian for information on handling situations such as weight loss and dehydration, both of which can occur during cat colds. The veterinarian might prescribe a decongestant, antiviral drug or antibiotic to treat the infection and lessen the uncomfortable symptoms.