Just like us, cats can get colds. It is caused by viruses, most commonly feline calicivirus and bordetella bronchiseptica.

Most cats can recover from their colds with at-home care. If they don’t improve within 4-5 days or have worse symptoms, consult with your veterinarian for treatment. Here are some tips to help ease your cat’s symptoms: 1. Warm Water.

1. Warm water

Keeping your cat warm and comfortable while they recover from a cold is important. Make sure they have a cozy place to sleep, and warm their favorite food so they can eat it easily (cats tend to lose their appetite when they are sick). It is also important to provide plenty of fresh water to ensure your cat stays well hydrated while they are recovering from the cold.

Many of the symptoms of a cat’s cold are similar to those of humans, and the underlying cause is usually viruses (feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus) but sometimes bacteria (Chlamydia or Bordetella). If your cat is vomiting, having difficulty breathing, or seems very lethargic, it may be a more serious infection. If your cat has a high fever or does not appear to be getting better after 4 days, contact your veterinarian.

If you have multiple cats in your home, keep them separated during the time they are sick to minimize the spread of infection. Be sure to sterilize their water and food bowls, litter box, and toys to avoid spreading any germs or viruses.

To help your cat feel more comfortable while they are sick, wipe their eyes and nasal discharge regularly to clean it away. This helps relieve irritation and loosens any mucus so your cat can sneeze it out more easily. If you have a humidifier at home, run it in your cat’s room for 10 to 15 minutes each day to help moisten the air and loosen any congestion. It’s also a good idea to increase your cat’s water intake while they are congested to avoid dehydration. Lastly, be careful with giving your cat any over-the-counter medication unless instructed to do so by your vet, as many drugs that are safe for humans can be harmful to cats.

2. Steam

Just like people when they have a cold, steam helps to clear congestion and soothe the nasal passages. Try bringing your cat into your bathroom while you take a hot shower and keep them in the room for about five to ten minutes. Repeat this several times a day to help loosen and break up mucus in their nose.

Low environmental humidity can contribute to the severity of a cat’s symptoms, so consider running a humidifier in your sick cat’s room or near where they sleep. The vapor can also be helpful in soothing the nose and throat by moistening them.

Since cats have a hard time eating when they are congested, it’s important to encourage them to do so. This will help them get the nutrition they need to stay healthy. Cats that don’t eat enough will lose their strength and may need to be hospitalized. Warming their canned food slightly can make it more appealing and stimulate their appetites.

To keep your cat from getting irritated or scratching at their nose or eyes, gently wipe them down with a washcloth soaked in warm water. This can help remove any lingering secretions and reduce itching.

Your veterinarian may recommend a treatment called nebulization, which uses a mist of water to deliver medicine into the lungs and sinuses. This can be done at home by placing your cat in their carrier and leaving them in a steam-filled bathroom with the door and windows closed. Turn on the hot shower, turn off any vent fans, and let the bathroom fill with steam for about 10 to 15 minutes. The treatment can be repeated daily or as recommended by your vet.

3. Warm bed

Whenever your cat feels congested, you can help them breathe easier by adding a warm bed to their usual resting spot. The extra warmth will ease their congestion, which will help them cough less and feel better faster.

Cats have a natural tendency to seek out cozy, warm places to sleep so it’s no surprise that they love heated beds. They are especially comforting for kittens, older cats with arthritis, hairless cats or those who may be feeling a little under the weather. Feral and outdoor cats will also appreciate the added warmth during winter.

If you’re shopping for a heated cat bed, there are many options available depending on your specific needs. Pay attention to the materials and size of the bed so you know it’ll fit your feline friend. Some beds have microwavable pads, which are removable for easy cleaning; others are designed with an internal reservoir that you simply plug in and turn on. Make sure the heat is turned off when you’re not using the bed.

If a heated cat bed is out of your budget, you can make your own with just a few items found at your local home improvement store. Start by spreading out a towel (hand towel for a kitten or full-size for an adult) and place your cat on it with their head facing out. Next, bring one side of the blanket up over your kitty and pull it snugly around their body. Be careful not to get the blanket too tight so that they cannot breath.

Some of the best DIY cat beds use far infrared technology, which provides deeper, more penetrating heat that can help your kitty feel better. The K&H Thermo-Kitty Matt Heated Pet Bed is a premium choice for its versatility and easy use, and it comes in several sizes to ensure that your feline companion will be comfortable. It’s also machine washable and dryer safe for convenience.

4. Fresh food

If your cat isn’t eating as much as usual while they have a cold, it can lead to weakness and a prolonged cold. You can help them by encouraging their appetite with fresh food that has a strong odor, like tuna or canned fish. It’s also important to ensure that they continue drinking enough water so that they do not become dehydrated. If their gums are colorless or red, if their mouth seems dry, or if they cannot hold their tongue up for more than a second when pinched, they may be dehydrated and should see a veterinarian immediately.

Sneezing is one of the first signs that a cat has a cold. Although sneezing is usually due to a cat’s upper respiratory infection, it can also be caused by allergies, an irritant in the environment, dental problems, nasal polyps, or something stuck in the nose. In some cases, a cat’s sneezing can indicate that they have a bacterial infection which requires antibiotic treatment.

As a general rule, cats with a cold will feel better after a few days and their symptoms should begin to clear up. If your cat has been exhibiting symptoms for more than four days or does not show any improvement, it is time to see a veterinarian.

If your cat has a cold, avoid exposing them to other pets who could be contagious. It’s also a good idea to isolate them in their favorite spot until they feel better. If your cat has a cold, a humidifier can help ease their breathing and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help relieve some of the discomfort. However, never give your cat medicine that is intended for humans as they metabolize medications differently than humans and can overdose easily.

5. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for your cat’s immune system. It’s highly concentrated in immune cells and depleted during infection, which is why adding a supplement can help strengthen your pet’s immune response and accelerate their recovery. A natural supplement like Only Natural Pet Immune Strengthener Support Supplement is an excellent option as it contains a blend of mushrooms, herbs, vitamins and compounds that helps strengthen your pet’s immune system when they need it most.

Cats are prone to upper respiratory infections, also known as feline upper respiratory disease or cat colds. These are caused by viruses or bacteria such as feline calicivirus, and symptoms can range from mild (coughing, sneezing) to severe (fever, appetite loss, fatigue). Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection, but many cats still get cat colds. Those that spend a lot of time outside or at boarding facilities are more likely to catch these infections.

In the early stages, your cat will need plenty of fluids to keep hydrated and fight off the virus. Offering them warm water, boiled chicken broth or a homemade electrolyte solution is an excellent way to provide this. You can also give them soft, wet food such as tuna or sardines to encourage their appetite and boost their immune system.

A cat’s cold typically lasts seven to ten days and is not considered serious, but if your pet’s symptoms persist or become more severe it may be time to visit the vet. This is particularly important if your pet is senior, young or immunocompromised. Call our Lafayette vet clinic today to book an appointment. Our vets will diagnose the problem and prescribe any medications needed.