Can Cats Catch Colds: 7 Facts About Feline Colds

Written by Anne Johnson in Health

As pet owners, we want nothing but the best for our furry friends. This includes keeping them healthy and free from any illnesses or diseases. When it comes to colds, we may wonder if our cats are susceptible to this common human ailment. Can a cat catch a cold?

We’ve dug deep to find out whether a cat can catch a cold. The answer is not as straightforward as you might think.

Type of Cat Cold

Cats, just like humans, can get infected with cold. But the type of respiratory infection that affects humans is not the same as the one that affects cats.

Humans get colds from various types of rhinoviruses, while cats can get infected with feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus. These viruses are highly contagious and can easily spread from one infected cat to another through sneezing, coughing, or even sharing food and water bowls.

7 Facts About Feline Colds

  1. Cats can get respiratory infections, but the type of cold that affects humans is not the same as the one that affects cats.
  2. Feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus are the types of viruses that can cause colds in cats.
  3. These viruses are highly contagious and can easily spread from one infected cat to another.
  4. Cats have a stronger immune system that can fight off these viruses, but certain factors such as stress, a weakened immune system or unsanitary conditions can make them more susceptible to respiratory infections.
  5. Cats cannot give humans colds since the viruses that cause colds in cats are species-specific.
  6. Humans cannot give a cat a cold because the virus is species-specific.
  7. To keep your cat healthy, it’s important to take necessary precautions if you suspect that your cat is infected with a respiratory virus, including taking your cat to the vet and providing a clean and stress-free environment.

Here’s another kitty article you’ll like: Symptoms of a Cat’s Upper Respiratory Infection: 7 Signs

While cats can get colds, it’s not a common occurrence, and they cannot give us colds. It’s still important to keep your cat healthy and to take necessary precautions if you suspect that your cat is infected with a respiratory virus.

This includes taking your cat to the vet, providing a clean and stress-free environment, and avoiding contact with other infected cats.

Anne Johnson

Cats of all ages have called our house home. The oldest cat was 23. We've made it our mission to help and promote cats. We've taken in strays, fed feral cats, adopted shelter cats and worked in animal shelters. This website's mission is to promote the health, safety and happiness of cats.

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