Cats can get colds just like we can, and it’s even easier for them to contract a secondary infection because their system isn’t as strong and robust as ours.
That said, cats suffering from colds don’t appear to be suffering nearly as much as we do when we have one. It may seem that way since they’re not complaining, but it’s always best to assume your cat is suffering until proven otherwise.
Colds in cats are usually accompanied by a fever,the mucus membranes become inflamed; sneezing; watery eyes; and nasal discharge that is clear at first then thickens into a yellowish-green colour over time. All of these symptoms together mean one thing: an upper respiratory tract infection.
The best cure for a cat’s cold is to bring the fever down. If your cat’s fever is over 102 degrees F get him to the vet immediately… more here
Cats are very susceptible to getting upper respiratory infections which means that they will have stuffy noses and produce green-yellow mucus from their eyes or noses. There are some different types of URIs, some more severe than others.
There are many different reasons why cats get colds and the main cause for this is that they do not get enough exercise or stimulation in their lives. Some vets recommend that indoor cats should get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day (this can be in the form of play time or running around an enclosed area).
Some common causes for colds in cats include:
A cold will usually present itself with a cough, nasal discharge and sneezing. Cats with URIs often have watery eyes which look red because of irritation from the discharge. A vet visit is recommended if your cat has a runny nose, show any signs of being in pain or discharges other than clear or white. If your cat has any of these symptoms then you will need to take him to the vet as soon as possible because he could have pneumonia.
If your cat is having some trouble breathing then this is a very serious condition that can kill your cat if not treated immediately by a vet. You should also get in touch with a vet situation like this if your cats nose has turned blue, he starts gagging or throwing up yellow mucus , his eyes are extremely red or sealed shut. All of these are signs of respiratory distress and they are not things you want to wait around on .
Cats can also get asthma which causes them similar types of problems including shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing up blood. Cats which suffer from asthma may benefit from certain treatments that are similar to what is used in humans.
There are many different types of medical treatment available for cats suffering with colds and URIs including antibiotics, decongestants, steroids and cough suppressants. If you think your cat has a cold then it is very important that you get him to the vet as soon as possible so he can be properly diagnosed and treated if necessary.
[…] he’s lying still on his back if possible. Your veterinarian may use a stethoscope, but most cats hiss and/or move when they see the cold metal of a stethoscope approaching which usually makes it difficult to get an accurate reading. The […]