Can Cats Catch a Cold? And How?

Can Cats Catch a Cold?

Yes, cats can catch a cold, but here’s an interesting fact that might surprise you: they can’t catch them from you or your dog. That’s because cats get their own feline version of a cold, and it’s caused by completely different viruses than the ones that make humans sick. In rare cases, they can also develop flu or even pneumonia, so it’s important to know what to do if you notice your cat sneezing, sniffling, or acting a bit under the weather. Below, we’ll offer insight into what causes feline upper respiratory infections (or ‘URIs’; basically, these infections affect the nose, throat, and sinuses), how they spread, and how to help your cat feel better and bounce back quickly.

Are Cat Colds Contagious?

Unfortunately, yes. Feline respiratory viruses spread easily between cats through direct contact, grooming each other, sharing food or water bowls, or even fighting. Furthermore, even indoor cats can pick up colds from contaminated items like bedding, toys, or litter boxes. The infection spreads so readily because these pesky viruses can hang around in the environment for several hours to days.

If your indoor cat suddenly starts sneezing, it’s worth checking for any potential sources of contamination and giving your vet a call.

Can My Cat Catch a Cold From Me?

Here’s some good news: your cat cannot catch your cold, and you can’t catch theirs either. The viruses are completely species-specific. When we say a cat has a “cold,” we’re essentially describing symptoms that are similar to human respiratory illness. Nevertheless, the actual viruses causing these symptoms are entirely different:

In cats:

Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) causes about 50% of cat colds
Feline calicivirus (FCV) causes about 40% of cases
These viruses only infect cats; they’ve evolved specifically to target feline cells

In humans:

Rhinoviruses cause most human colds
Other culprits include coronaviruses (not COVID-19) and parainfluenza viruses
These viruses have adapted to infect human cells only

The biological barrier between species means you can safely cuddle your sick cat without worrying about catching their cold!

Can Cats Catch a Cold From Dogs?

Upper respiratory infections in pets typically spread within the same species; cat to cat or dog to dog. Cross-species transmission is extremely rare. You’ll be pleased to know that your cat catching a cold from your dog (or vice versa) is highly unlikely: our pets generally keep their illnesses to themselves and don’t pass them to other species or humans.

Important note: Cold-like symptoms in dogs and cats can sometimes indicate kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis), which is more common in dogs. This highly contagious respiratory disease needs veterinary treatment.

How to Prevent Contact With Sick Animals

When asking “Can cats catch a cold?” the next question is usually “How do I protect mine?” Here’s what helps:

Consider skipping catteries and boarding facilities during outbreaks; cats in these environments can easily expose each other to infections
Keep indoor cats indoors; they face a much lower risk than outdoor cats (who interact with strays)
Isolate sick pets right away (if you have multiple cats, separate the sick one from healthy pets until they fully recover)
Quarantine new cats for at least two weeks before introducing them to other cats
It’s always a good idea to wash your hands and change clothes before handling your own pets

What Are the Symptoms of Cat Colds?

Signs of a cat cold mirror human cold symptoms, and typically last 5-10 days. Watch for:

Common symptoms:

Sneezing (wet or dry)
Nasal congestion or sniffles
Runny or crusty nose
Watery, red, or squinting eyes
Coughing or gagging
Mild to moderate fever (normal cat temp is 100.5-102.5°F)
Less interest in food or water
Sleeping more than usual or seeming tired

Severe symptoms needing immediate vet care:

Ongoing or bloody sneezing
Thick yellow-green nasal discharge
Severely swollen or crusted-shut eyes
Trouble breathing or labored breathing
Wheezing or open-mouth breathing
Complete loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
Dehydration (dry gums, skin doesn’t bounce back when pinched)
Bluish-purple gums (cyanosis; this is an emergency)
Extreme lethargy or inability to stand

*You are doing a great job caring for your sick cat. They will be grateful for your kindness and patience.*
Source: Photo by Sam Lion

How to Help Your Cat Feel Better at Home

Mild cat colds usually respond well to supportive care at home. Here are some tips that work well:

Keep Them Clean and Comfortable

Gently wipe discharge from their nose and eyes several times daily using these pet-safe wipes
Run a humidifier near where they rest to add moisture to the air and ease congestion (this helps reduce coughing and sneezing)
Keep in mind that giving your pet extra warmth with a cozy blanket in their favorite spots helps; sick cats often look for warm spots
Keep their face clean (dried discharge can block airways and irritate their skin)

Encourage Eating and Drinking

Cats rely heavily on smell to work up an appetite. When their nose is stuffed up, they often stop eating. Here’s how to tempt them:

Warm their food slightly (test temperature first); warming releases aromas that can get through congestion
Serve up strongly scented foods like tuna, sardines, or fish-based wet food
Add some flavor boosters like a bit of tuna juice or low-sodium chicken broth (skip onions, garlic, and chives because they’re toxic)
Try different textures; some sick cats prefer pâté while others want chunks in gravy
Give them smaller meals more often rather than large portions all at once

Hydration is really important in this situation. Like us, cats with colds can become dehydrated very quickly. You want to keep multiple fresh water bowls available. Why not consider a cat water fountain? Many cats enjoy drinking more from running water!

Brook Glass Pet Fountain (90oz/2.7L) – Cat Water Fountain

View on Amazon

Keep Things Clean

Cleanliness helps prevent reinfection and quickens recovery:

Change bedding more frequently than usual
Clean food and water bowls daily with hot, soapy water
Scoop and clean litter boxes daily
Clean toys and other items your cat uses regularly
Keep the room well-ventilated but draft-free

Supplements That May Help (Ask Your Vet First)

With veterinary guidance, certain supplements can support recovery:

L-Lysine:

An amino acid (a building block of protein) that may help suppress feline herpesvirus replication
Typical dose is 250-500mg daily
As such, most effective when started early in the infection
Research shows mixed results, but many vets still recommend it

Probiotics:

Support gut health and immune function
Especially helpful if antibiotics are prescribed
Look for feline-specific formulas

Immune support:

Some vets recommend specific immune-supporting supplements
Always consult your vet before adding any supplements

*Cat colds usually go away on their own. But please see a vet if symptoms persist or worsen.*
Source: Photo by Sam Lion

Boost Immunity By Reducing Stress

Stress is known for weakening the immune system; therefore, stressed cats are more likely to get infections and endure a slower recovery. Some tips to make them feel calm and comfortable:

Try Feliway pheromone diffusers to promote a calming atmosphere (pheromones are natural chemicals that help cats to feel safe)
Cut down on household disruptions and loud noises
Show them safe hiding spots
Stick to a routine as much as possible
Spend quiet time with them if you can

When to See a Veterinarian

If you think your cat has a cold, veterinarian Dr. Mark dos Anjos recommends booking an appointment with your vet to examine them. He stresses the importance of seeing your regular vet as soon as possible because sometimes the issue isn’t simply a cold; it could be due to conditions like cancer and avian flu, which may respond to treatment early but not later. So when people ask, “Can cats catch a cold, and will they get better on their own?” here’s the takeaway: although most cat colds naturally go away in one to two weeks, the quicker you address any issues, the faster your pet’s recovery will be.

Please call your vet right away if:

Symptoms last longer than 10-14 days
Things get worse instead of improving after 3-4 days
They stop eating or drinking for more than 24 hours
Breathing becomes labored, or they breathe with an open mouth
Eyes are crusted shut or very swollen
Nasal discharge turns thick and yellow-green
They develop mouth ulcers (painful sores, drooling, pawing at the mouth)
Eye ulcers develop (excessive squinting, cloudiness, visible damage)
Fever continues beyond 3 days
They seem disoriented or extremely lethargic

Emergency situations:

Bluish gums (cyanosis)
Severe difficulty breathing
Collapse or inability to stand
Seizures

Kittens, senior cats, and cats with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of complications like pneumonia (a serious lung infection), which can be life-threatening without treatment.

What Treatment Might Your Vet Recommend?

For mild cases, vets typically recommend supportive home care and can help guide you. For more severe infections, therapies might include:

Medications:

Antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections (not for the virus itself)
Antiviral medications like famciclovir for severe herpesvirus infections
Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the fever and discomfort
Eye medications (drops or ointments) for conjunctivitis (pink eye) or ulcers
Appetite stimulants if your cat refuses to eat

Supportive care:

Subcutaneous fluids (fluids given under the skin) for dehydration
Nutritional support or feeding tubes in severe cases
Nebulization treatments (breathing treatments with medicated mist) to ease breathing
Hospitalization for severe pneumonia or complications

Do Cat Colds Go Away on Their Own?

Most cat colds do resolve naturally within 7-14 days without intervention. However, “wait and see” isn’t always the best approach. Complications can develop quickly, especially in:

Kittens under 6 months
Senior cats over 10 years
Generally speaking, cats with compromised immune systems
Unvaccinated cats
Cats with chronic conditions

Early veterinary care speeds recovery, helps prevent complications, and keeps your cat comfortable. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.

How to Protect Your Cat From Colds (Prevention Is Key)

Cats are less likely to catch a cold if you do all you can to prevent it in the first place. The FVRCP vaccine (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia) protects against the two main viruses causing cat colds. Although vaccination doesn’t guarantee your cat will never get a cold, it can significantly reduce the severity.

Typical vaccination schedule (talk to your vet about the best schedule for your pet):

Kittens: Series starting at 6-8 weeks, boosters every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks
Adults: Booster at 1 year, then every 1-3 years depending on risk factors

Other Prevention Strategies

Keep your pet indoors to reduce exposure to infected animals
Practice good hygiene; wash your hands after handling other cats
Don’t share their food bowls, water bowls, or litter boxes between them
Quarantine new cats before introducing them to resident ones
Feed a high-quality diet for better immune function
Lessen stress with toys, scratching posts, and perches
Schedule regular vet checkups to catch problems early

What Are Chronic Carriers?

Some cats who recover from feline herpesvirus become what’s known as ‘chronic carriers’. The virus stays dormant (inactive) in their system but can wake up during times of stress. This situation can cause periodic flare-ups throughout their life. You can manage this problem by:

Reducing stress as much as possible
Considering long-term L-lysine supplementation (ask a vet)
Watching for early signs of flare-ups
Keeping them separated from other cats during active outbreaks
Following excellent preventive care

Final Thoughts: Can Cats Catch a Cold?

Yes, cats can catch a cold, but with proper care, most recover completely within a couple of weeks. The key is recognizing symptoms early, offering supportive care at home, and knowing when to call your vet.

Remember that a cat can’t catch a cold from a human, but they can definitely pass their respiratory infections to other cats in your household. Isolation, good hygiene, and vaccination are your best tools for preventing any spread.

If you’re ever unsure whether your cat needs veterinary care, please trust your instincts. If in doubt, it’s always better to check with a professional than to wait and risk complications.

Has your cat had a cold? What worked best for helping them recover? Share your experiences below! Remember, this article provides general information and should not replace professional veterinary advice for your specific situation.

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Louise Fiolek