We all know how having a cold feels; the stuffy nose and difficulty in breathing. All we want to do is stay in bed. Cats feel the same when they have colds too. There are a few home remedies for cat colds to help your kitties feel better when they’re under the weather.
Causes of Cat Colds
Although they can also get it from bacterial infections, viruses are the most prevalent cause of a feline upper respiratory infection or cat cold. Two of the most common viruses are feline herpesvirus or rhinotracheitis and feline calicivirus. These little nasties (or pathogens) are usually airborne but can be spread through water too.
Cats can catch a cold through the droplets of other sick cats, which are spread by sneezing or coughing, making those in close quarters, shelters, and boarding kennels more vulnerable. Cats living in indoor family homes are not immune from getting the sniffles. They can catch it when they interact with other cats that hang around your home or when you pat a sick cat and then come home and hold your furbaby.
Signs Your Cat May Have Colds
The symptoms vary with each cat, and generally, they may last from seven to ten days. The 8 most common signs your cat may have a cold include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Discharge from eyes
- Red, watery eyes
- Excessive Coughing
- Open mouth breathing due to congestion
- Mild Fever
- Loss of appetite
5 Home Remedies for Cat Colds
Have proper ventilation.
Open your windows (but ensure your cat can’t go out) to have proper airflow in your home. If you have more than one cat, isolate your sick cat in a well-ventilated room.
Use a vaporizer or steam humidifier.
Clear congestion and help soothe the nasal passages with steam. Take your kitty in the bathroom, turn on the hot shower and close the door. Stay with your cat inside for five to ten minutes. Do this twice a day.
Encourage feeding.
To stimulate a cat’s appetite, they have to be able to smell. Unfortunately, when they have colds, they tend to lose their sense of smell. Encourage regular feeding by giving them extra smelly and wet foods, such as canned tuna and sardines. Always give them plenty of fluids too.
Boost their immune system.
Just like humans, a large portion of your feline’s immune system depends on their gut health. Use probiotics to strengthen their immune system. Vitamin C can also help your cat recover from the cold much quicker. *Before giving any of these to your pet, always consult your veterinarian.
Clear their eyes and nasal discharge.
Your cat’s eyes and nose will continuously produce some discharge as they go through their illness. Make sure you wipe any fluids coming out of their eyes so they can see better. Ease congestion by clearing nasal passages of any discharge.
Home Remedies for Cat Colds: Your Care is the Best
One of the best home remedies for cat colds is the constant care you provide them. It may be an around the clock task, but as a pet parent, your kitty’s recovery should be your top priority. You want them to feel as comfortable as possible, given the circumstance.
Don’t be worried to give them sweet cuddles and lots of petting. Humans cannot contract colds from cats. Showing your pet that you’re there to care for them can help give a sense of relief for you and your pet too.
