Feline Cold Treatment

Cats get colds just as humans do, and it is just as uncomfortable for them as it is for us. Under most circumstances, colds are not dangerous to otherwise healthy cats, but there are several ways you can help your kitty recover quickly and completely.

  1. Causes

    • Cats cannot catch the virus that causes colds in humans, but they can get other types of infections. Most feline colds are caused by either herpesvirus (often indicated if your cat is coughing and sneezing) or calicivirus (characterized by drooling and ulcers in its mouth). Cats also can get bacterial respiratory infections, which indicated if your cat has yellow or green discharges from its eyes, nose or mouth.

    Symptoms

    • Your cat's symptoms depend on what sort of cold it has. If your cat is sneezing, coughing or has a discharge coming from its eyes or a runny nose, it probably has a cold. Other symptoms can include oral ulcers, drooling and itchy eyes.

    Signs of Severity

    • Consult your vet at the first signs of a cold to talk about easy home remedies. However, if the discharge coming from your cat's eyes, nose or mouth turns yellow or green, the infection is probably bacterial, and your vet will prescribe antibiotics. Coughing accompanied by mucus, watery eyes or sneezing could indicate bronchitis or other bronchial problems.

      Wheezing may an indication of heart trouble or other serious illnesses, so if your cat is having trouble breathing, seek medical care right away.

    Treatment

    • Your vet might prescribe nose or eye drops, or antibiotics. Besides medications, there are many ways to help your cat stay comfortable and recover quickly. Treat congestion with a humidifier, or let the cat stay in the bathroom while a hot shower is running. Give it plenty of wet (canned) food to keep it cat hydrated; heat the food to increase its smell so your cat will be attracted to it. Clean its face with a damp cloth, and dab petroleum jelly on its nose to keep the membranes moist. If it's cold outside, keep the cat indoors.

    Prevention

    • Many cat owners give their pets Vitamin C to boost immunity, or elderberry, licorice or herbal tablets to fight colds. Speak with your vet before beginning any natural treatment to check the proper dosages and make sure the herbs aren't contraindicated by your cat's other medications.

      If you have more than one pet, keep the congested kitty away from the other animals, and disinfect its food and water bowls, bedding and toys with anti-bacterial soap or boiling water.