Cats can absolutely get a cat cold that looks very similar to human cold and flu, with cat cold and sneezing, nasal discharge, cat cough, and even cat sneezing and fever in many cases.
When your cat suddenly starts sneezing, coughing, or acting lethargic, it usually points to an upper respiratory infection (URI) rather than “catching a chill” from the weather.
The Truth Behind Cough And Cold In Cats: Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URIs)
What most pet parents call “cough and cold in cats” is usually a feline upper respiratory tract infection (URI) caused by viruses.
Unvaccinated kittens, incompletely vaccinated kittens, and unvaccinated adult cats are at higher risk of these viral cat colds, and they may develop more serious complications if left untreated.
Most of these infections are highly contagious cat cold viruses that spread quickly in multi-cat homes, shelters, or colonies, and can trigger repeated bouts of sneezing, runny nose, and eye discharge during times of stress.
How Does Cough And Cold in Cats Spread?
Cough and cold in cats spreads mainly through:
- Direct contact with an infected cat (grooming, rubbing, sharing space)
- Airborne particles from cat sneezing or cat cough
- Shared bowls, beds, litter trays, toys, or grooming tools
A cat with a cold can easily pass the cat cold virus to other cats in the same home, especially if they share spaces or objects.
Humans do not catch colds from cats, and cats do not catch human flu, but humans can carry the virus on hands, clothes, or shoes and bring it back to their cats.
Your Cat Has Cough and Cold, What Should You Do?
If your cat suddenly develops cat sneezing, a mild cat cough, or watery eyes, try to separate them from other cats at home to reduce spread.
Observe other cats closely for any early signs of a cat cold such as nasal discharge or reduced appetite so you can act quickly.
Kittens, senior cats, and cats with chronic disease are at higher risk from cat colds and should be shown to a veterinarian sooner rather than later.
How Do Cats Get Cough and Cold?
Most cases of “cat flu” or cat cold are caused by a cat cold virus, usually either feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus.
However, cat flu causes can also include bacteria, allergies, and even severe stress, which may weaken immunity and allow these pathogens to flare up.
Feline Herpesvirus and Upper Respiratory Infections
Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), also called feline viral rhinotracheitis, is one of the most common cat cold viruses.
Once infected, a cat usually carries this virus for life, with episodes of cat sneezing, nasal discharge, eye discharge, and breathing difficulty flaring up during stress, illness, or after surgery.
These herpes-related upper respiratory infections can cause severe congestion and cat sneezing and fever, especially in kittens or immunocompromised cats.
Feline Calicivirus and Cold-Like Symptoms in Cats
Feline calicivirus is another major cause of cat flu and cold-like symptoms in cats.
It often presents with cat sneezing, nasal discharge, mouth ulcers, drooling, and sometimes lameness or joint pain.
Like herpesvirus, calicivirus can stay in the cat’s system and trigger repeat episodes of cat cold and cat cough, especially in stressful situations or crowded environments.
Signs of Cold and Cough in Cats
Common signs that your cat may have a cold or upper respiratory infection include:
- Frequent cat sneezing
- Watery or thick discharge from the nose and eyes
- Congestion, open-mouthed breathing, or noisy breathing
- Cat cough or excessive salivation
- Mild to moderate fever (cat sneezing and fever together are classic URI signs)
- Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
- Lethargy, hiding, or low activity
- Ulcers on the tongue, gums, or lips
If your cat shows several of these signs, especially cat sneezing and fever, or struggling to breathe, they need prompt veterinary attention.
Your Cat Has Cough and Cold, What Should You Do?
If you notice a cat cold starting (sneezing, mild discharge, still eating), you can begin basic home monitoring while arranging a vet visit.
Isolate the sick cat from other cats if possible, keep a close eye on eating, drinking, litter box use, and note any worsening cat cough or breathing difficulty.
Seek urgent veterinary care if your cat has persistent cat sneezing and fever, refuses food for 24 hours, or shows open-mouthed breathing.
What Is the Treatment for Cough and Cold in Cats?
Most cat colds are viral, so treatment focuses on symptom relief, preventing secondary bacterial infections, and supporting the immune system.
Your veterinarian may recommend supportive care at home for mild cases and more intensive therapy (like IV fluids or hospitalization) for severe cat cough, pneumonia, or very sick kittens.
Home Care for Mild Cat Colds
For mild cases where your cat is still eating and breathing comfortably:
- Keep your cat hydrated by offering fresh water and slightly warmed, wet food.
- Use a humidifier (without essential oils) in the room to ease congestion and cat cough.
- Gently wipe nasal and eye discharge with a soft, damp cloth or vet-recommended saline.
- Keep them warm, indoors, and reduce stressors like loud noises, visitors, or other pets.
This kind of home care can make a big difference in cats with cat sneezing and mild fever who are otherwise stable.
Veterinary Care for Severe Cases
If your cat is not eating, has trouble breathing, or has persistent cat sneezing and fever, they need veterinary care:
- Vet-prescribed antibiotics may be used to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections on top of the cat cold virus.
- In severe cases, antivirals, nebulization, oxygen support, or IV fluids may be required.
- Pain relief, anti-nausea medication, and immune-supportive supplements may also be part of the treatment plan.
Never give human cold medicines to cats; always follow your veterinarian’s instructions.
Causes of Cat Colds in Indoor Cats
Even strictly indoor cats can develop cat colds, and pet parents are often surprised by this.
Common indoor cat cold causes include bringing in a new cat or kitten, humans carrying virus particles on clothes or hands, or prior kittenhood exposure to herpes or calicivirus that reactivates later.
Stress, poor ventilation, dust, smoke, strong cleaners, or allergies can also irritate the airways and make indoor cats more vulnerable to URI flare-ups and cat cough.
My Cat Is Fully Vaccinated. Can They Still Get a URI?
Core cat vaccines (CRP) significantly reduce cat flu causes and the severity of symptoms, but they do not give 100% protection against infection.
A fully vaccinated cat may still catch a cat cold virus, but they are more likely to have milder signs and recover faster than an unvaccinated cat.
When to See a Vet for Cat Colds
Contact a veterinarian or visit a Vetic clinic if your cat shows any of the following:
- No appetite for 24 hours or more
- Labored breathing, open-mouthed breathing, or continuous cat cough
- Thick yellow-green nasal or eye discharge
- Cat sneezing and fever that persists beyond a day or two
- Lethargy, hiding, or dehydration (dry gums, sunken eyes, no urination)
- Kittens, seniors, or chronically ill cats developing any URI signs
Prompt veterinary care can prevent complications like pneumonia and help your cat recover more comfortably.
Can My Cat Recover from Cough and Cold?
Cats can recover from mild colds and upper respiratory infections quickly with attentive home care, such as providing warmth, hydration, and keeping their environment comfortable.
While most healthy cats can overcome a cold within 7 to 10 days with proper treatment and care. You should always watch for warning signs, such as prolonged coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, or a loss of appetite, which may require veterinary intervention. Maintaining vaccinations, reducing stress, and practicing good hygiene are essential for prevention and limiting future episodes.
Remember, timely attention to symptoms, supportive care, and consulting your veterinarian when needed will help your cat recover faster and minimize complications. With the right care and preventive measures, your cat can stay healthy and comfortable all year round.
