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Home » All Articles » Vet Talks » How Can I Tell if My Cat Has a Cold or Respiratory Infection?

How Can I Tell if My Cat Has a Cold or Respiratory Infection?

Vet Talks 7 min read

The weather changes, and all of a sudden, your cat starts sniffling, sneezing, and getting a runny nose. All of a sudden, a question pops into your head. Can cats get a cold? As a matter of fact, they can! It might surprise you to learn that cats (like people) can catch colds, displaying similar symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose.

However, it’s important to know the difference between a common cat cold and a more serious upper respiratory infection. Let’s start by exploring the reasons why cats get common colds, and what are the most common agents are behind our little tiger’s sniffles.

Can Cats Get Colds?

Sneezing and sniffles are warning signs that your cat might have a little cold. Cat colds and upper respiratory infections (URI or “cat flu”) are very common. They can vary considerably in severity, from mild to something that can even be life-threatening. Sometimes, this disease can result from infections caused by feline calcivirus (FCV) or feline herpesvirus (FHV) plus other secondary bacterial infections, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica (which causes severe coughing) or Chlamydia felis (which mainly produces sore, red, runny eyes), and they can be contagious to other cats.

This means that cats who live outdoors are more likely to catch a cold than indoor cats because they are more likely to interact with other cats who might be infected. The same goes for cats who spend their time in cat care. Once a cat is infected, they can pass the virus on to other cats through sneezing or coughing; sometimes, when cats groom each other and they lick their faces, they can transfer viruses.

How Bad is a URI?

The severity of the URIs can vary. In some cases, they are very mild and just show a typical case of sneezing, a little discharge from the nose, and some discharge from the eye. This is what we commonly refer to as a cat cold or “cat sniffles”. However, in more severe cases, there can be conjunctivitis, throat inflammation that leads to loss of appetite, inflammation of the trachea that leads to incessant coughing, and skin problems on the face. This is what we call a URI or “Cat Flu.”

The recovery time can take up to 5 – 10 days

While most cats recover from a common cold, the recovery time can take up to 5 – 10 days. When the symptoms become severe, recovery time can take up to 6 weeks, becoming life-threatening if not treated. Some cats may also be left with permanent damage to their nose.

Common Cold Symptoms in Cats

Most cats will develop mild symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny nose, and watery eyes, which are often resolved without any treatment. These cat cold symptoms are important to keep an eye on just to make sure things don’t get worse:

Sneezing: The most noticeable symptom of a cold. It’s the body’s natural way to clear out irritants, dust, or mucus from the nasal passages, and it’s usually not a big concern when it’s occasional; however, when it becomes frequent, it might mean your kitty’s cold is getting stronger.
Watery eyes: This happens because a cold can cause mild inflammation in the tear ducts, so your cat’s eyes look a little teary or slightly runny.
Nasal discharge: Clear nasal discharge is common; it’s how your cat’s body flushes out the virus. However, you must keep an eye out for the discharge becoming thick, yellow, or greenish. This could be a signal that a bacterial infection is developing.
Coughing: Mild coughing is usually due to post-nasal drip or throat irritation from all that sneezing. Persistent coughing, though, could point to something more serious, so it’s best to keep a close watch.
Reduced appetite: When cats don’t feel well, they might eat a bit less. Particularly when their nose is stuffy and they can’t smell their food properly. However, you should contact your vet if they stop eating altogether.

Even though these cold symptoms in cats seem small, they’re worth monitoring closely. What starts as a simple cold sometimes develops into a more serious infection, particularly in vulnerable cats.

Signs in More Severe Infections

In a more severe infection, cats may present with:

A fever
Ulcers of the mouth and/or eyes (generally caused by FVR or FCV)
Thick, yellowish nasal or eye discharge
Very visible, large, deep sore (s) on the nose that may be bloody
Redness of the eyes and frequent blinking
Loss of appetite
Dehydration
Lethargic, barely moving, having problems holding their head up, lying flat out, and/or not responsive to their surroundings.

When to See a Veterinarian

Some cats can be a little more sensitive when they catch a cold. This includes senior cats, nursing moms, kittens, or cats who have yet to be vaccinated. If your kitty falls into one of these groups, it’s best to schedule a quick visit to your vet. Sometimes a stubborn cold can turn into something more serious, like pneumonia, if left untreated.

Cats with other underlying conditions can be more likely to present effects of a cold,

Cats with other underlying conditions can be more likely to present effects of a cold, such as a senior cat or a kitten. This is particularly true of cats that are nursing or that have not been vaccinated. If your cat falls into one of these categories, consider making an appointment to seek veterinary care.

For strong and otherwise healthy cats, colds are typically harmless and should clear up in a week or two. You do need to monitor their health, and if there is no sign of improvement by the fourth day, you should make an appointment with your cat’s vet, as a persisting cold that is not treated properly may develop into a full-blown pneumonia.

Pay attention to the following warning signs:

Your cat has not eaten anything for more than 24 hours
Your cat is dehydrated because they are no longer drinking or are not drinking enough water.
There is green or yellow discharge from their nose.
Your cat has difficulty breathing.
They vomited or have diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours.
They are lethargic and no longer responsive.

Your vet will usually make a diagnosis based on the signs your cat shows and after ruling out other causes. While not always needed, confirming which viruses are involved is possible by taking a throat or eye swab from your cat for lab testing.

At-Home Care vs. Veterinary Treatment

The right treatment for a cat’s cold or upper respiratory infection depends on how your kitty is feeling. Mild cases often clear up with some extra rest, hydration, and a cozy spot to recover. You can gently clean their nose and eyes with a soft, warm, damp cloth, and add a humidifier (without essential oils) to relieve nasal congestion and irritation of the airways.

Together with your vet’s recommendations, you can add some natural supplements to help them recover from the inside out. NHV products can help encourage healing holistically while your little one recovers at home. You may want to offer some nutritious soup to support their body and help ease their symptoms, such as a homemade bone broth. You might want to try natural supplements such as NHV Resp-Aid to help clear out their airways and support healthy breathing, or NHV Felimm to help them strengthen their immune system and help them fight off bacteria and viruses. To support eye infections, you can use Ey-Eas to help restore healthy eyes and soothe the uncomfortable itching.

If the Cold Worsens

When symptoms get worse, your vet may recommend extra treatments. For example, cats who are very congested or having trouble breathing might benefit from gentle steam therapy or nebulization to help clear their airways. If your cat isn’t eating or drinking enough water, your vet might suggest subcutaneous fluids, appetite stimulants, or even a short stay at the clinic to keep them hydrated and comfortable. In some cases, antibiotics or other medications are needed, especially if there’s a bacterial infection involved.

Since every cat is different, the best way to know what your furry friend needs is to check in with their vet. They can assess your cat’s condition, decide if they need to be seen right away, and create a treatment plan. Never offer over-the-counter medications, as any kind of medicine is only given by the vet and only when they are necessary.

Preventing Cat Respiratory Infections

The best way you can protect your cat against cat colds and cat flu is to ensure they are vaccinated and control environmental factors such as contact with infected cats, overcrowding, and stress. Although vaccination usually prevents severe disease from developing, it can’t always prevent infection from occurring, so mild cases of a cat cold may still occur.

Preventing infection from an unwell cat is important and includes barrier nursing and disinfection.

If you have more than one cat, it’s important to lower the risk of infection being spread to the other cats. If your cat shows symptoms, they should be kept separate from the other cats (for example, confined to one room where they are comfortable and stress-free). Separate food bowls and litter trays should be used, and ideally, your cat should be kept in a room that has very easy-to-disinfect surfaces.

Proactive care can include natural supplements such as NHV Stimmune and NHV Natures Immuno. These all-natural supplements can help strengthen their immune system and offer gentle, natural support. Adding them can be a simple way to support their overall wellness and keep cat colds at bay.

Conclusion

Most cat colds are mild and can clear up with a little extra love, rest, and care. However, it’s important to keep an eye on your cat’s symptoms. This is especially true if they seem unusually tired, stop eating, or have trouble breathing. A quick call or visit to the vet can make all the difference before things get more serious. Remember, your vet can guide you towards the best treatment plan.

Supporting your cat’s immune system can also make a big difference. With gentle supplements such as NHV Stimmune, NHV Natures Immuno, and NHV Resp Aid, you can help strengthen your cat’s natural defenses and support healthy breathing. With the right care and nutrition, your kitty can stay strong, happy, and ready to enjoy life by your side.

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Dr. Yuvia Hernandez, DVM

Dr. Yuvia Hernandez graduated from the Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez (Mexico) with a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, and later got her Master’s Degree in Educational Strategies from the Universidad Regional del Norte. She has taken several courses throughout her career to train in the veterinary field, such as emergency veterinary care, animal nutrition, and holistic veterinary care. Dr. Hernandez shares her home with two adorable cats as she continues to learn about animal welfare and care.