How to Separate Cats With Colds

Colds and other respiratory infections are among the most contagious feline diseases. If you are the proud owner of several cats, separating a sick kitty from the rest may prevent the spread of the virus. Quarantine doesn't always work, though, so be prepared to make a visit to the vet.

  1. Early Diagnosis

    • You can't watch your kitty 24 hours a day, but you should give him a look over whenever you cross paths. Upper respiratory infections are the kitty version of the common cold. Common symptoms include discharge from the eyes or nose, coughing, sneezing and heavy breathing. If you catch your pet sneezing, check up on him throughout the day to make sure it was an isolated incident. If the sneezes persist or other symptoms emerge, call your vet and schedule a visit. Move the potentially sick kitty to a separate room until you can take him in for his appointment.

    Ask the Vet

    • If the vet confirms your suspicions that the cat is sick, ask his advice for preventing your other cats from falling ill. Ask about lysine amino acid and vitamin supplements to mix with your pets' meals. The supplements can help healthy cats avoid sickness, and they also boost recovery rates for infected felines. He may also prescribe antibiotics to fight secondary infections for the sick kitty. If your other cats get sick, make sure you get separate medicine for them. Don't stop giving any of your cats their medication until the treatment is done, even if the symptoms disappear, and don't give your healthy cats antibiotics unless your vet tells you to.

    Home Quarantine

    • Keep the sick kitty in a separate room if your other cats appear to be healthy. If possible, put two closed doors between him and the rest of the house. You can also wedge a towel under the door for a little extra protection. Put food and water dishes as well as a litter box in the room. You can take advantage of separating the sick kitty by upping the temperature in the room. Even though 70 to 75 degrees is a little too warm for many people, it's a good temperature for a sick cat, according to Northeast Animal Shelter. You can also set up a heated blanket and vaporizer to keep him comfortable. Keep the kitty in quarantine for at least two or three days after the symptoms are completely gone.

    Disinfecting

    • Your kitty's germs will readily cling to your body and clothes, eventually making their way into the rest of the house. Effective home quarantine means washing your hands, face and other exposed skin as well as changing clothes after contact with the sick cat. Scrub out the litter box and bowls with a sterilizing solution before allowing healthy cats to use them. A diluted bleach solution, ethanol at 70 percent concentration, chlorine dioxide and other solutions are able to sterilize most surfaces contaminated with feline viruses, according to Koret Shelter Medicine Program. Make sure to ask your vet if the cleaner you're using is effective and cat-safe before trying it on your pet's dishes.