Quick answer: Yes. Cats get colds, which vets call upper respiratory infections, and most are caused by feline herpesvirus or calicivirus. Signs include sneezing, runny eyes and nose, and poor appetite. Mild cases often improve in about a week with home care, but see your vet if your cat stops eating, has thick discharge or has any trouble breathing.
Your cat is sneezing, their eyes look a little watery and there is a crust around their nose. It looks a lot like the cold you had last month, so it is natural to wonder: can cats get colds? They can get something very similar. Vets call it an upper respiratory infection, and it is one of the most common illnesses in cats. This guide explains what a “cat cold” really is, the signs to watch for, how to keep your cat comfortable at home, and the symptoms that mean you should call your vet.
What is a cat cold, really?
When people talk about a cat cold, they usually mean a feline upper respiratory infection (URI): an infection of the nose, sinuses, throat and eyes. The Cornell Feline Health Center explains that respiratory infections are common in cats, especially where many cats live close together, such as shelters, breeding catteries and feral colonies. Viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa can all be involved, and vaccines have greatly reduced serious respiratory disease without eliminating it.
The usual culprits
Two viruses cause most cat colds. Cornell notes that feline calicivirus is responsible for about half of all respiratory infections in cats, and feline herpesvirus is the other major cause. Bacteria such as Chlamydia felis and Bordetella can also play a role, either on their own or as secondary infections on top of a virus.
Feline herpesvirus is worth understanding because it can come back. According to Cornell, it causes lifelong infection in up to 80% of exposed cats, and some of those cats shed the virus again from time to time, usually when they are stressed. That is why some cats get a “cold” after a move, a boarding stay or the arrival of a new pet.
Can my cat catch my cold, or can I catch theirs?
The viruses behind most cat colds are cat-specific. Cornell’s overview of feline calicivirus states that the virus poses no threat to humans. Cat colds spread between cats through direct contact, sneezing and shared items such as bowls, bedding and litter boxes, and people can carry the virus on hands and clothing from one cat to another. If you have more than one cat, good hand washing and separate bowls help.
Signs your cat has a cold
Cornell lists the typical signs of an upper respiratory infection as:
- Sneezing and nasal discharge (clear at first, sometimes thicker later)
- Eye discharge and conjunctivitis (red, swollen tissue around the eyes)
- Coughing
- Ulcers in the mouth, which can make eating painful
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
- Rarely, difficulty breathing
Cornell’s calicivirus article notes that signs usually appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. Mild cases tend to last about 5 to 10 days, while more severe cases can last up to six weeks. Kittens and older cats are more likely to become seriously ill.
Cat cold or something else?
Sneezing alone does not always mean infection. Dust, strong scents and a quick sniff of something irritating can make a cat sneeze. The table below gives a rough guide, but only your vet can tell you for sure.
| What you see | More likely | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| An occasional sneeze, otherwise bright and eating | Irritation from dust, litter or scents | Monitor; reduce sprays and dusty litter |
| Sneezing, runny eyes or nose, still eating | Mild upper respiratory infection | Home comfort care; call your vet for advice |
| Not eating, mouth ulcers or drooling | Infection affecting the mouth, often calicivirus | See your vet; pain and poor appetite need treatment |
| Thick yellow or green discharge, fever, lethargy | Possible secondary bacterial infection | See your vet |
| Fast or labored breathing, open-mouth breathing | Possible lower respiratory infection or pneumonia | Urgent vet visit |
How to help a cat with a cold at home
There is no medicine that cures a viral cat cold overnight. Cornell stresses that supportive care, especially keeping a cat eating and drinking, is very important. These steps help your cat feel better while their immune system does the work. Always check with your vet before giving any medicine, and never give human cold remedies, because many are dangerous for cats.
1. Keep food and water going
Cats rely heavily on smell to decide whether to eat, and Cornell points out that congested nasal passages can block the food odors that stimulate appetite. Offering a strongly scented wet food, served at room temperature rather than straight from the fridge, may tempt your cat. Keep fresh water close to where your cat rests. Cornell’s hydration guide notes that wet food contains much more water than dry food, which helps a sick cat stay hydrated.
2. Gently clean eyes and nose
Use a soft, damp cotton pad or cloth to wipe away discharge from the eyes and nose, using a fresh piece for each eye. A clear nose makes breathing and smelling food easier. Cornell mentions saline and regular gentle wiping as part of supportive care for congested cats; ask your vet which saline products are safe.
3. Add a little humidity
Steamy air can loosen mucus. Many owners sit with their cat in the bathroom while a hot shower runs for a few minutes, keeping the cat out of the water. Ask your vet whether this or a humidifier is a good idea for your cat.
4. Give them a warm, quiet place to rest
Sick cats sleep a lot and like to tuck themselves away. A soft bed in a calm, draft-free room helps them rest. A plush pad such as our Teddy Fleece Cat Pad gives a warm spot that is easy to wash, which matters when there is nasal discharge. A covered hideaway like the Pop-Up Cat Play Tent can also make a nervous cat feel secure. Our guide on keeping an indoor cat warm in winter has more ideas.
5. Lower stress and keep cats apart
Because stress can reactivate herpesvirus, keep the house calm and routines predictable while your cat recovers. If you have other cats, keep the sick cat in a separate room with their own bowls and litter box, and wash your hands after handling them. Watch for the signs of stress in cats during and after illness.
When to see the vet
Many mild cat colds clear up on their own, but some need treatment. Call your vet if your cat:
- Stops eating, or eats very little, for more than about a day
- Seems very lethargic or hides and won’t come out
- Has thick yellow or green discharge from the eyes or nose
- Has squinting, cloudy or painful-looking eyes
- Has mouth ulcers or drools
- Is a kitten, a senior, unvaccinated, or has another health condition
- Isn’t improving after several days, or is getting worse
Seek urgent care for any breathing difficulty. Cornell notes that cats with a lower respiratory infection may breathe rapidly, and that a cat at rest should not take more than 35 breaths per minute. Open-mouth breathing is always an emergency in a cat.
Your vet may recommend antibiotics if there is a secondary bacterial infection, eye medication, pain relief for mouth ulcers or fluids for dehydration. They may also run tests to identify the cause if your cat has repeated infections.
How to prevent cat colds
- Vaccinate. Core vaccines cover feline herpesvirus and calicivirus. Cornell notes that vaccines do not prevent every infection but reduce how severe the illness is.
- Keep stress low. Stable routines, hiding places and enough resources for every cat help reduce flare-ups in carrier cats.
- Quarantine newcomers. Keep a new cat separate for a period and ask your vet about health checks. Our first-week guide to bringing a new cat home explains how.
- Keep things clean. Wash bowls and bedding regularly, and wash your hands after handling other people’s cats.
A warm, washable spot to recover
Sick cats sleep a lot. Our plush Teddy Fleece Cat Pad gives them a soft, cozy place to rest, and it is easy to wash.
Frequently asked questions
Can cats get colds?
Yes. A cat cold is an upper respiratory infection, usually caused by feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus. Signs include sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, and lethargy.
How long does a cat cold last?
Cornell notes that signs usually appear 2 to 14 days after exposure. Mild cases often last 5 to 10 days, while severe cases can last up to six weeks.
Can I catch a cold from my cat?
The viruses that cause most cat colds are specific to cats. Cornell states that feline calicivirus poses no threat to humans. People can still carry the virus between cats on their hands.
Will a cat cold go away on its own?
Many mild cat colds clear up with supportive care at home. See your vet if your cat stops eating, has thick yellow or green discharge, eye problems, or any trouble breathing.
Can I give my cat human cold medicine?
No. Many human cold and flu medicines are toxic to cats. Only give medicines your veterinarian prescribes.
Are cat colds contagious to other cats?
Yes. They spread through direct contact, sneezing and shared bowls, bedding and litter boxes. Keep a sick cat separate and wash your hands after handling them.
Keep reading
- How to keep an indoor cat warm in winter
- Signs of stress in cats
- Senior cat care: how to care for an older cat
- Bringing a new cat home: your first-week guide
Sources
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Respiratory Infections
- Cornell University: Information breakdown on feline calicivirus
- Cornell Feline Health Center: Hydration
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are worried about your cat’s health, contact your veterinarian.
