How do you treat a cat with a cold? Cat cold is anything but a harmless cold. We clarify the symptoms, duration and treatment and reveal how you can prevent infection with cat cold.
If we have a runny nose, it usually subsides quite quickly. But the cat suddenly starts to sneeze and symptoms such as eye and nose discharge appear, a veterinarian should be consulted as soon as possible. Because the course of the disease of cat cold is more like that of a flu in terms of severity . If left untreated, cat cold can not only have long-term consequences, but can even be fatal.
We made ourselves smart for you and with the veterinarian Dr. Christhild Volmert. We explain to you how you can prevent infection with cat cold, recognize typical symptoms and treat it properly.
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Cat cold: what is it actually?
Cat cold is a disease that can be caused by various viruses ( herpes and calici viruses) as well as various bacteria. While the disease in young and fit cats can subside after 7-10 days on average, older cats or animals with a weakened immune system in particular can suffer for 3-4 weeks. The duration of a cat’s cold can be very different.
How common is cat cold?
According to Dr. Volmert has little data on the frequency of cat colds. However, it is believed that around half of the total cat population in Europe carries the virus – with or without visible symptoms. Because of vaccinations, the trend is decreasing, especially in cities.display
Recognize and treat cat colds
A cat sniff can be quite dangerous for your velvet paw. To protect your cats at best, we have summarized the most important information for you. Learn how to prevent a cat cold and what to do if your darling gets sick.
Treat a cat with a cold: how to recognize symptoms
Cat cold resembles the symptoms of a cold as we know it from humans. However, the symptoms of cat runny nose are usually significantly more severe than those of a runny nose in humans. Typical symptoms of cat cold are:
- Sneeze
- nasal discharge
- Conjunctivitis
- Watery eyes
- Corneal ulcers
- apathy
- increased salivation
If the cat cold is not treated in time, purulent crusting of the eyes, mouth ulcers, difficulty swallowing, fever, unwillingness to eat or even pneumonia can occur. In the worst case, the disease can be fatal.
How contagious is the disease?
Cat cold is usually transmitted directly between two cats, for example through nasal secretions or sneezing. Even if a cat does not yet show any noticeable symptoms, it can already carry the pathogens and is contagious to other four-legged friends. The infection can take place, for example, when cleaning each other, sharing the food or water bowls or also via fleas.
The risk of infection is therefore particularly high in animal shelters or animal pensions. But even a house cat living alone can catch a cold from cats, because you can also carry the virus into your home via shoes or clothing.
All cats that are not vaccinated against cat rhinitis are at risk.However, older cats who are under stress or have a weakened immune system are particularly susceptible. Cat fever is particularly dangerous for kittens under three months.
Cat cold is not contagious for people .
What to do?
If you notice the first symptoms of cat sniffing on your pet, you should definitely see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Because he can not only check whether it is really a cat’s cold, but also find the right treatment and suitable medication.
Because cat cold is caused by viruses, it can not be treated with antibiotics . However, antibiotics can be used to combat possible bacterial infections.
Especially as a keeper you are responsible for your cat so much care, attention and loveto give as possible. Because it is just as stressful as flu for us, so stressful is the cold for your four-legged friend. Ensures that your cat gets a lot of rest and there is no hustle and bustle in its environment. Daily, extensive pats ensure that your cat can relax and the immune system can work better.
Cat cold home remedies
You can also do a few tricks and home remedies to treat cat cold. Regularly clean your cat’s face with a damp, lukewarm rag to clear mucus from the nose and eyes. Also eye ointment from the vet or inhalation with saline solutions can help to relieve the symptoms. It is best to use an inhalation aid especially for cats.
If your cat suffers from lack of appetite, this may be due to the fact that she hardly smells anything because of the stuffy nose. Here it can help to warm the wet food slightly so that it smells stronger. If your cat has trouble swallowing, you can do that too. Puree the food so that it can eat it better.
According to Dr. Volmert, many cat owners have a good experience with homeopathic remedies such as Engystol, which can support the immune system.
Can cat cold be cured?
Many cat owners wonder if cat cold can be cured. The good news is: yes. Nevertheless, you should know that herpes viruses persist in the body even after the symptoms have subsided.
Just like with other diseases, the cat cold can break out again at a later time. Your cat can be healthy for years, but especially in stressful phases such as moving, renovation work or moving in a new cat, the cat’s cold can break out again. If the cat’s runny nose is not treated in time, chronic mouth or gum infections can also occur.
Chronic cat cold: what helps?
A chronic course of cat sniffing is also possible if it is not treated properly. In this case, the cats are permanently contagious to their peers. The good news is, however, that even with chronic cat cold, the life expectancy of your four-legged friends is very normal with good care.
Due to the weakened immune system, you should make sure that your apartment always offers a quiet environment for your cat.A chronic course of cat sniffing is also possible if it is not treated properly. In this case, the cats are permanently contagious to their peers.
The good news is, however, that even with chronic cat cold, the life expectancy of your four-legged friends is very normal with good care . Due to the weakened immune system, you should make sure that your apartment always offers a quiet environment for your cat.
Cat cold vaccination: the best prevention
Prevention is the best medicine, because cat cold is an illness that should not be underestimated in its severity. Not only does it mean enormous stress for your cat and your immune system, you can also save your pet from the disease and the associated risk by having it vaccinated regularly. Also pay attention to household hygiene and avoid stress for your cat.
Cat cold: how often vaccinate?
The first vaccination and primary vaccination should take place at the age of 8 to 12 weeks. This vaccination must be repeated after one year to guarantee complete protection. Afterwards, free-runners should be vaccinated annually and cats every two years.
Cats sniffing despite vaccination?
If a cat is vaccinated against colds , it can not become infected with the herpes and calici viruses against which it is immunized. Nevertheless, every cat can catch a “normal” runny nose because it is not 100% protected against all existing bacteria and viruses.
Fortunately, this is not as dangerous as a real cat sniff.infect with the herpes and calici viruses against which she is immunized. Nevertheless, every cat can catch a “normal” runny nose because it is not 100% protected against all existing bacteria and viruses. This is for good luck but not as dangerous as a real cat flu.
