Below we explain how you can tell if your cat has a cold, what you can do to ensure a speedy recovery and when you should see a vet to be on the safe side.
Key facts at a glance
- Cat colds have similar symptoms to humans.
- Colds should not be confused with the serious cat flu.
- Sick cats need a lot of rest and like to withdraw.
- Make sure you have enough water and warm places to hide.
- If the infection lasts for several days and the discharge is no longer clear, the vet should be consulted, as it may be a case of cat cold.
Symptoms of a cat cold
The symptoms of a cat cold are very similar to those experienced by people with a cold. A runny nose, watery eyes and a feeling of exhaustion are also typical consequences of the infection in cats. Often the sick animal’s appetite suffers from the cold and the irritated airways are noticeable through coughing and hoarseness. If your cat has a cold, this is mainly expressed in the following symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Frequent sneezing
- teary eyes
- Cough
- hoarseness
- loss of appetite
- exhaustion
- fatigue
- Fever
Tips for dealing with cats with a cold
There are a few things you can do to help your cat catch a cold. Similar to us humans, the main thing is to allow the four-legged friend some rest and relaxation. The following tips will help you care for your cat with a cold:
- Make sure your home is well heated so your cat stays warm.
- If your cat with a cold is an outdoor cat, you should not let the animal outside for a few days.
- It is important that your cat with a cold drinks enough. So make sure you always have enough fresh water available.
- Use a damp cloth to clean your cat’s eyes and nose with a cold.
- Colds are also contagious in cats. Therefore, if possible, avoid contact with conspecifics for a few days.
When should a cat with a cold go to the vet
In most cases, with sufficient care and attention, you can ensure that your cat soon recovers from the infection. However, it may well be that a visit to the vet is necessary.
This applies, for example, if your cat has a cold and fever. Even if the discharge from your cat’s nose is no longer clear but has turned yellow or it’s still bruised after several days, we recommend that you have your cat examined by a veterinarian.
It is quite possible that your cat’s symptoms are not caused by a harmless cold, but by a serious infectious disease, such as cat flu. If in doubt, it is better to go to the vet once too many than too few.
With regard to the administration of medication, you must always follow the veterinarian’s instructions. Inappropriate medicines, such as paracetamol, can seriously harm your cat and may even be life-threatening.
Preventing Cat Colds
The better your cat’s immune system is functioning, the less likely it is that it will catch a cold. Proper nutrition plays a particularly important role in maintaining a strong immune system. In addition to muscle meat, high-quality cat food also contains offal and supplies your cat’s organism with valuable fats, proteins and micronutrients.
In addition, the animal’s immune system can be supported with suitable food supplements. In addition to special vitamin preparations for cats, natural products such as propolis or cat’s claw are also suitable for this purpose. Regular administration of such preparations can help to strengthen the immune system and help prevent cats from catching a cold. Get advice from your veterinarian.
At the same time, it is important not to unnecessarily burden the animal’s immune system. In addition to inferior food, excessive stress is one of the factors that negatively affect a cat’s immune system and can increase their susceptibility to colds.
pays the vet bills
If your cat has to go to the vet because of a bad cold, this is of course associated with costs for you as the owner. You have to pay for the examination of the four-legged friend as well as for any medication that may be necessary for the treatment.
This applies at least if you have not taken out cat health insurance for your house cat. Like your own health insurance company, such insurance covers a large part of the treatment costs, which can save you quite a bit of money depending on your cat’s state of health.
With , you can take out cat insurance from as little as a month. Calculate your premium directly online and ideally send us the insurance application today. Whether your cat just has a cold, is suffering from a chronic illness or needs an operation – with insurance from you no longer have to worry about high veterinary costs.