With the cold and flu season among us in California it is valid to wonder, can cats catch a cold from us?
The answer is yes.
Unlike what our grandmothers used to say, viruses are not contracted from being out in the cold with wet hair. Despite this popular misconception, cold viruses are contracted from someone else who is sick. Although there is no concern for human to dog or dog to human transmission of virus, cats can in fact catch cold and flu from us. Although this may not commonly occur, cats can catch your cold depending on what kind of virus it is. Similar to humans, cold and flu viruses attach to cells in a cat’s respiratory tract and make them sick. It is always best to wash your hands often, especially when handling your pet while having a cold.
Of course, the common cold that we contract is a virus and most viruses are species-specific, so again, it is not very likely that your cat will catch your cold unless you are dealing with a viral infection.
Indoor cat parents are surprised that their cats are even able to contract upper respiratory infections without being in contact with other cats. Most viruses that cause these infections are airborne and since it’s impossible to filter all outside air entering a home, indoor kitties are still at risk.
What should you do if you suspect your cat has an upper respiratory infection? The first thing is to assess your cat’s ability to breathe adequately, eat and drink. Most of the time if your cat is drinking relatively normally and has the same appetite, wiping the eyes and nose may be all that’s needed. If your fur buddy seems depressed or has difficulty breathing, you should probably have him examined by your trusted veterinarian. Here are some things you may want to know about feline upper respiratory infections:
Symptoms
Sneezing, sniffling, coughing and clear discharge from the eyes and/or nose are some of the common symptoms of an upper respiratory infection in cats. Upon examination, your vet may also check for oral ulcers. A fever and poor appetite is generally more specific symptoms of a URI.
General duration
The infection usually lasts for 7 to 20 days. The time period from the point of infection to when signs become apparent is between 2 to 10 days, it is known that this incubation period is the time of highest contagion.
Diagnosis
The clinical signs and symptoms are usually enough to make a diagnosis, but there are certain tests that may be required to determine the cause of the infection, so your vet may recommend the following tests:
- Urine test to screen and evaluate the ability of kidneys to concentrate urine, as well as checking for possible urinary tract infection and other diseases.
- A complete blood count to rule out any possible blood-related conditions.
- Electrolyte test to ensure your furry friend isn’t dehydrated.
- Feline leukemia virus test, unless your cat has already been vaccinated.
Treatment
Your vet will determine the best treatment for your cat, which may include prescription medication depending on the severity of the infection, for milder infections however you can try:
- Increasing humidity within your home.
- Clearing the eyes and nose of any discharge by wiping with a clean, moistened washcloth.
- Slightly changing the diet to foods that are more appetizing to your pet, to encourage eating.
Always remember to be patient and not have any unrealistic expectations of how long you think it should take for your cat to completely recover from an infection. Think about the last time you had a cold, even though you may have felt better after a couple of days, you were probably blowing your nose for quite a while and the same can be true for cats. Try to keep your cat as comfortable as possible, nurse your little buddy and help him feel better by cleaning his area of food and water regularly and humidifying air that can help him breathe easier. Allow your cat to rest, make sure he drinks plenty of water and seek your veterinary advice if any signs progress.
Oliver The Kitty 