Did you know that kitties can get colds or flus, just like people can? In many cases, cats just feel  stuffy and tired for a few days, and then recover on their own. Fluffy may sleep a bit more than usual. Given that cats spend so much time sleeping, you may not even notice! However, cats’ colds can develop into upper respiratory infections, or URIs. These are extremely dangerous! Senior cats and kittens are especially at risk, because they have weaker immune systems. A vet discusses cat colds below.

Warning Signs

Keep a close eye out for warning signs. Lethargy is a common one. If Fluffy is under the weather, she may sleep even more than usual. Other red flags to look for include coughing, sneezing, fever, runny nose, watery eyes, reduced food and/or water intake, wheezing, and/or difficulty breathing. Contact your vet if you notice any of these symptoms.

Medicine

Once your feline pal has been properly diagnosed, your vet will be able to give you specific treatment options. These may include antibiotics and/or other medications. Never give Fluffy any human medications, unless your vet specifically recommends it. This applies to home remedies too. Grandma may swear by things like garlic, whiskey, and turmeric. However, these are extremely dangerous for our furry buddies!

Home Care

Believe it or not, Fluffy may enjoy a bit of chicken soup if she’s sick, just like people would. Don’t include garlic, onions, rice, or pasta. Warm, sodium-free chicken broth with some plain, boneless chicken, peas, and carrots is purrfectly fine. Some kitties may like having their canned food warmed up a bit. You can also put a humidifier on and/or bring Fluffy into the bathroom while you shower, so she can breathe the hot steam. If you really want to spoil your pet, get her a new bed or a comfy throw blanket to curl up in. You’ll also need to make sure that your kitty is drinking lots of water. This probably goes without saying, but your furry pal will also appreciate some extra cuddles and ear scritches.

Preventing Colds

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say. That’s very true for pets! Keep up with Fluffy’s vaccinations and parasite control. Keep in mind that pets can still spread the virus after they have recovered. Keeping your pet indoors will reduce the odds of her coming into contact with infected felines. Ask your vet for more information. 

Do you have questions about cat colds? Is your pet due for an appointment? Contact us, your local vet clinic, today!