Winter Cat Cold: What to Do?

Winter is often the time when humans are most susceptible to colds. As a cat owner, are you aware that your feline friend can also catch a cold? So, what should you do when your cat catches a cold in winter? Unlike humans, cats can’t verbally express their discomfort, and sometimes they may not even show obvious symptoms. However, timely detection and appropriate action are crucial.

Recognizing the Signs: Cat Cold Symptoms

Knowing the signs of a cold in your cat is the first step towards providing the necessary care. Be vigilant and observe your cat for the following symptoms:

Dry, Hot Nose: A healthy cat’s nose is usually cool and moist. If your cat’s nose feels dry and warm, it’s a good idea to take its temperature. A rectal thermometer is the most accurate way to check a cat’s temperature. Normal temperature for cats is between 100.5 and 102.5 Fahrenheit (38 to 39.2 Celsius).

Respiratory Issues: Increased sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing are all indicators of a potential cold. Listen for wheezing or labored breathing. The sound can be subtle, so observe carefully.

Loss of Appetite and Watery Eyes: A cat with a cold may exhibit a general lack of energy, reduced appetite, or even refuse to eat altogether. They may also have excessive tearing or discharge from their eyes. Watch for crustiness around the eyes as well.

Coughing and Nasal Discharge: Early-stage nasal discharge is often clear and watery (serous), gradually becoming thick and yellow (mucopurulent). This symptom, accompanied by coughing, rapid breathing, elevated body temperature, and shivering, may indicate more serious conditions like tracheitis or bronchitis if left untreated.

Changes in Behavior: A cat who normally is playful, social, and energetic will often become withdrawn, reclusive, and lethargic.

Addressing Common Concerns: Transmission and Prevention

A frequently asked question among cat owners is: “Can human colds be transmitted to cats, or vice versa?” The answer is generally no. The respiratory structures and the viruses and bacteria that cause colds in humans and cats are different. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about giving your cold to your cat or catching a cold from your cat.

However, there’s a caveat. When you have a cold and interact closely with your cat, the cat can become a carrier of the virus. If someone else then interacts closely with the cat, they could potentially contract the cold. The reverse is also true: a cat with a cold can spread the illness to other cats through you. This is why hygiene is so important. Always wash your hands thoroughly after interacting with a sick cat and before interacting with a healthy one. You can use a small towel and warm water to wipe your cat’s paws after they have walked around the house, which helps to keep them clean and prevent the spread of illness.

Providing Comfort and Care: Treatment Strategies

Never underestimate the seriousness of a cold, whether in humans or cats. If your cat exhibits symptoms, take prompt action. While some cases may resolve on their own, others require veterinary intervention.

Home Care Essentials

1. Warmth is paramount. Ensure your cat has a warm and comfortable place to rest. Provide extra blankets or a heated cat bed, especially during winter. Maintain a room temperature between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (24-27 degrees Celsius), which is generally comfortable for cats.

2. Adequate Nutrition: A cat’s body requires ample energy and nutrients to combat illness. Offer highly palatable food options such as wet food, canned tuna (in water, not oil), or cooked chicken. If your cat’s appetite is poor, try warming the food slightly to enhance its aroma. You can also offer nutritious options like rice porridge, pumpkin porridge, or goat milk powder. Be sure that your cat is hydrated. If your cat is not drinking enough water, you can offer a small amount of unflavored Pedialyte or low-sodium chicken broth to encourage fluid intake.

3. Humidify the Air: Dry air can exacerbate respiratory symptoms. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can help loosen congestion and ease breathing. Aim for a humidity level of 30-50%. If you don’t have a humidifier, taking your cat into a steamy bathroom after a shower can also help.

4. Gentle Cleaning: Gently wipe away any discharge from your cat’s eyes and nose with a warm, damp cloth. Use a separate cloth for each eye to prevent the spread of infection.

Medications and Veterinary Consultation

1. Over-the-Counter Medications (with Caution): Never administer human medication to your cat without consulting a veterinarian. Many human medications are toxic to cats. Some vets may recommend small doses of certain medications like children’s cough syrup, or lysine supplements, but always confirm with your vet first.

2. Veterinary Visit: If your cat’s symptoms worsen, persist for more than a few days, or include difficulty breathing, high fever, or severe lethargy, seek immediate veterinary care. The vet can perform a thorough examination, diagnose the underlying cause of the cold, and prescribe appropriate medications, such as antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections or antiviral medications for feline herpesvirus (a common cause of upper respiratory infections in cats).

3. Cat-Specific Medications: If the cold is not very serious, you can give them some pediatric cold medicine or amoxicillin, but it is best to feed them cat-specific cold medicine. These are specifically formulated for felines and are the safest option. One common medication is called Pet-DA Gan Ke Ling, which is effective in treating cat colds. Administer the medicine according to the dosage and frequency instructions. Do not overuse medication, as this can affect the health of the cat.

Prevention: A Proactive Approach

Preventing colds in cats involves strengthening their immune system and minimizing exposure to pathogens:

Vaccination: Ensure your cat is up-to-date on all vaccinations, including those that protect against common respiratory viruses like feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus.

Boost Immunity: A strong immune system is a cat’s best defense against illness. Feed your cat a high-quality diet rich in essential nutrients. Consider supplementing with immune-boosting supplements like lysine or probiotics.

Stress Reduction: Minimize stress in your cat’s environment. Stress can weaken the immune system, making cats more susceptible to illness. Provide a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment for your cat.

Hygiene Practices: Maintain good hygiene practices in your home, including regular cleaning of litter boxes, food and water bowls, and bedding.

Quarantine: If you have multiple cats and one develops a cold, isolate the sick cat from the others to prevent the spread of infection.

Final Thoughts

Caring for a cat with a cold requires diligence, patience, and a proactive approach. By recognizing the symptoms, providing appropriate care, and prioritizing prevention, you can help your feline companion recover quickly and stay healthy throughout the winter months. Remember to always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice and treatment options for your cat.