How can indoor cats get colds

Is your cat feeling a little under the weather? Cats can catch colds much like people do, and with very similar symptoms. Here, our Southeast Memphis vets share the signs that your cat may have a cold, and when you should bring your cat in to see the vet.

Feline Upper Respiratory Infection or 'cat colds' are very similar to human colds. Cat colds are typically not considered life-threatening, however, in some cases, symptoms may become severe and lead to a more dangerous secondary infection. It is especially important to closely monitor very young, or senior cats if they show signs of a cat cold. Cat colds can be viral or bacterial and are commonly passed between cats through the droplets spread by sneezing. Outdoor cats are much more susceptible to catching a cold due to their frequent contact with other cats.

If your cat isn't feeling their best they could be suffering from a cold. Cat colds generally start with sneezing, with other symptoms appearing over the course of 24 hours.

Below is a list of the most common symptoms of cat colds:. If your cat has a primary or secondary bacterial infection, your vet will prescribe antibiotics to help clear it up. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms so the immune system can work to get rid of the infection.

Your vet may also prescribe the following to give your cat some relief:. Cats who are not eating or drinking because of their symptoms may need to be hospitalized for nutritional support such as a feeding tube or intravenous fluids. In addition to medical treatment, there are some things you can do at home to help your cat recover. Warm, humid air. Keep a humidifier near your cat, or take them into the bathroom with you as you shower to allow the steam to open their nasal passages.

Soft, strong-smelling foods. Give your cat soft foods that have been warmed slightly to encourage them to eat. Gentle face washing. Cat flu recovery time is around 5 to 10 days for mild cases, and up to 6 weeks in more severe cases. Cats who have picked up feline herpesvirus will carry it for life. They are often faced with ongoing health problems and are more inclined to catch other bacterial infections.

Recurrence of cat flu symptoms in cats who are carriers of FHV can occur in times of stress or if the immune system is compromised. Feline calicivirus respiratory infections are often milder than FHV. These infections usually clear up within a few weeks, although cats can remain carriers for a few months or even longer after symptoms go away. Fomites are inanimate objects that spread disease when they become contaminated and covered with infectious agents.

Examples of fomites are bedding material, towels or food bowls. It turns out that your mother was right when she reminded you to cover your nose when you sneeze and told you to wash your hands with soap! Signs and symptoms of cat colds Most cats will only develop mild symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny nose , and watery eyes , which often resolve without any treatment. Vulnerable cats, such as the very young, very old or already sick, can develop more severe infections. Cats with severe upper respiratory infections may develop:.

Treatment of cat colds Treatment of upper respiratory infections depends on the severity. Winter is here, and this means we should vary of the cold and flu season.

Just like humans, pets can get sick when the weather turns bad. Still, one question worries many: How do indoor cats get colds? Is it even possible for your furry felines that stay inside to get sick? We have all the answers. In fact, you probably think colds are a consequence of cold weather. In humans, colds are typically a result of a virus or bacterial infection. Felines have their own viruses and bacteria that can harm their quality of life. If your cat shares toys, food bowls, or litter boxes with a sick cat , she can also get sick.

Unvaccinated cats, young kittens, and cats confined in catteries are the ones with the most significant risk of infection. In cats, most colds, or rather upper respiratory infections, are caused by herpesviruses or caliciviruses. Luckily, feline herpesvirus is very susceptible to drying. Also, most disinfecants will destroy it. However, it can survive up to a day outside the host. This means that you can spread it with your clothes or shoes, but only for a short while.

On the other hand, feline calicivirus is very resistant. It can survive outside of a cat for much longer. This also makes it easier to spread around. Now you know what the common symptoms of cold in cats are, but one question still remains. How do indoor cats get cold if they stay inside all the time?

Cat colds are contagious, just like humans. Logically, this means that cats that spend time outdoors are more prone to getting colds.