What people mean by a cat cold
A “cat cold” is usually a feline upper respiratory infection, often shortened to URI. Cats do not catch human cold viruses. Instead, the most common causes are feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus, which affect the nose, throat and eyes.
Some people also use “cold cat” to mean a cat that feels chilly. This article is about the illness, not about keeping a cat warm in winter weather.
Signs your cat has a cold
Signs can vary from cat to cat and may be mild or more noticeable. Common ones include:
- Sneezing, sometimes in bouts
- Clear, yellow or green discharge from the nose or eyes
- Watery, red or squinty eyes (see pink around cat eyes)
- A stuffy or snuffly sound when breathing
- Eating less, because a blocked nose can dull the sense of smell (see how to get a cat to eat)
- Tiredness or hiding more than usual
- A mild fever, which only a thermometer or vet can confirm
Some cats also get mouth sores or drool, which is more often linked with calicivirus. Open-mouth breathing or labored breathing is not a typical mild cold sign and needs prompt veterinary attention.
What causes a cat cold
Two viruses are behind many cases:
- Feline herpesvirus: often causes sneezing, eye problems and nasal discharge. Cats that have had it may carry the virus for life, and signs can return during stress.
- Feline calicivirus: can cause similar signs, and sometimes mouth ulcers.
Bacteria can also be involved, either alone or as a secondary infection that follows a viral one. Your vet can help work out which is likely.
How cats catch it
These infections spread through close contact with sneezing or drooling cats, shared bowls and bedding, and contaminated hands or clothing. They are more common in places where many cats live together, such as shelters, catteries and multi-cat homes. Kittens, older cats and cats with other illnesses are more likely to be affected more seriously.
How vets diagnose it
Often a vet diagnoses a cold from the signs and a physical exam. If the illness is severe, keeps coming back or does not improve, they may suggest tests such as swabs or bloodwork to look for other causes.
How to treat a cat cold
Supportive care at home
Many mild colds are managed with comfort care. Ask your vet first, especially for kittens, seniors or any cat with other health problems. Common supportive steps include:
- Keeping your cat warm and comfortable in a quiet, draft-free spot
- Gently wiping the eyes and nose with a soft, damp cloth
- Offering strong-smelling, slightly warmed wet food to encourage eating
- Making sure fresh water is always available
- Keeping the environment free of smoke, strong scents and dusty litter
Do not give human cold or flu medicines. Many are unsafe for cats.
What a vet may prescribe
Depending on the cat, a vet may suggest antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected, eye medication, appetite support, fluids, or antiviral treatment in some cases. Antibiotics do not work against viruses on their own, so they are used only when appropriate.
How long does a cat cold last?
Mild colds often improve over roughly one to two weeks, but the timeline varies. Some cats take longer, and cats that carry herpesvirus can have repeat flare-ups. If your cat is not improving, or is getting worse, contact your vet rather than waiting.
When to see a vet
Book a visit soon if your cat:
- Stops eating or drinking, or eats very little for about 24 hours
- Has thick yellow or green discharge, or eye problems such as swelling or squinting
- Seems very tired or has a fever
- Has signs lasting more than several days without improvement
- Is a kitten, a senior, or has another health condition
Seek urgent care if your cat is breathing with an open mouth, gasping, or breathing with visible effort. For more on nasal signs, see our guide to cat nose discharge.
Can humans catch a cat cold?
The viruses that cause most cat colds are specific to cats, so people generally do not catch them. Still, wash your hands after handling a sick cat to avoid spreading the infection to other cats.
Is it a cold, allergies or something else?
Sneezing alone does not always mean a cold. Dust, smoke, scented products and some litters can irritate the airways. A cough, especially a dry hacking one, may point to something other than a cold, such as asthma. Our article on telling a cat asthma attack from a hairball can help you sort out what you are seeing. A change in voice may be linked to throat irritation, covered in cat hoarse voice.
If a young cat is coughing, read about kitten coughing, since kittens can get worse quickly.
Preventing cat colds
- Keep up with vaccines your vet recommends. The core FVRCP vaccine covers herpesvirus and calicivirus, though it may not prevent every infection.
- Keep new or sick cats apart from others until a vet says it is safe.
- Clean bowls, bedding and litter boxes regularly.
- Reduce stress where possible, since stress can trigger flare-ups.
Frequently asked questions
Can cat colds go away on their own? Mild ones often do, with supportive care. But a vet visit is the safest way to be sure it is not something more serious, particularly for young, old or unwell cats.
Is there over-the-counter cold medicine for cats? Human medicines are generally not safe for cats. Ask your vet before giving anything.
How do you tell if a cat has a cold? Look for sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, low appetite and tiredness. A vet can confirm the cause.