Can Cats Get a Cold? Symptoms, Meds & When to Act

Yes, cats can get a cold. It is not exactly like your cold. But it feels just as miserable for them. If your cat is sneezing and acting tired, they might have a cold right now. Vets call it an upper respiratory infection (URI). It looks and feels a lot like a human cold. According to PetMD, about 90% of cat colds come from two viruses: feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. Both are highly contagious between cats. At Ecopetessentials, we want to help you spot it fast and act smart.

Cat Cold Symptoms You Should Watch For

These are the most common cat cold symptoms we see reported by cat owners:

• Sneezing a lot
• Runny nose (clear or colored discharge)
• Watery or crusty eyes
• Low energy or hiding more than usual
• Loss of appetite

If you see yellow-green discharge from the eyes or nose, that is a red flag. It may mean a bacterial infection on top of the cold. Your cat might also develop Mouth sores. It is less common but possible.

Types of Cat Colds

We want you to know there are two main types of cat colds:

• Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1): This is the most common one. It is very contagious. Once your cat has it, they carry it for life. Stress can trigger a flare-up. Boarding, moving, or a new pet at home can bring it back.
• Feline Calicivirus (FCV): This one is also very contagious. It can cause mouth sores and limping in some cats. It spreads fast between cats in the same home or shelter.

Both spread through eye, nose, and mouth contact. Sharing food bowls or grooming each other spreads it too.

Top 5 Medicines Vets Recommend (and Pet Owners Swear By)

Always talk to your vet before giving your cat anything. But here are the top picks vets commonly recommend:

1. L-Lysine Supplements: This amino acid helps fight feline herpesvirus. It comes in treat, paste, or powder form. Many cat owners add it to food daily.
2. Saline Nasal Drops: Simple and safe. A few drops help loosen mucus. Your vet may suggest plain saline for congestion relief.
3. Veterinary Antibiotics (like Doxycycline): These do not kill viruses. But if a bacterial infection joins the cold, your vet will prescribe one. Never give human antibiotics to your cat.
4. Famciclovir (Antiviral): This is a prescription antiviral. Vets use it for cats with severe or recurring herpesvirus symptoms. It works well for bad flare-ups.
5. Interferon Alpha: Some vets use low-dose interferon to boost your cat’s immune response. It is often used in cats with long-term herpesvirus issues.

When Should You Take Your Cat to the Vet?

Most mild colds clear up in 7 to 10 days. But some signs mean you must go to the vet now:

• Your cat stops eating for more than 24 hours
• Breathing looks hard or noisy
• Yellow or green discharge from the nose or eyes
• Your cat is very young, old, or already sick
• Symptoms last more than 10 days
• Your cat seems to be getting worse fast

Do not wait, as cats hide pain very well. If something feels off, trust your gut and call your vet. We also recommend reading our post on Can Dogs Get the Flu? to understand how pet respiratory illness compares across species.

How to Prevent Cat Colds

You cannot always stop it. But you can lower the risk. Here is what we suggest:

• Keep your cat’s vaccinations up to date. The FVRCP vaccine protects against both herpesvirus and calicivirus.
• Wash food and water bowls every day.
• Keep new cats separate for at least 2 weeks before introducing them.
• Reduce stress at home. Stress weakens your cat’s immune system.
• Clean litter boxes daily.
• Do not let your indoor cat interact with stray cats through windows or doors.

For more tips on keeping your cat healthy and safe, check out our Care & Products section right here on Ecopetessentials.

Save This Page—Your Cat Will Thank You

Cat colds are common. They are also very treatable when you catch them early. We at Ecopetessentials put this together because we know you love your cat deeply. Bookmark this page right now. Save it to your phone. Share it with every cat owner you know. We update our pet care content regularly so you always have the freshest, most trusted info. Keep reading Ecopetessentials as your go-to spot for pet health, product reviews, and behavior tips that actually work.

Also read: FVRCP Cat Vaccine: Dosage, Timing & Aftercare Tips

FAQs

➥How do you tell if a cat has a cold?
You will notice sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and low energy. These are the most common signs your cat might have a cold.

➥Can the FVRCP vaccine prevent cat colds?
It reduces the severity a lot. It does not always prevent infection fully, but your cat will recover much faster with the vaccine on board.

➥How do you treat a cat with a cold?
Keep your cat warm, hydrated, and comfortable. Your vet may prescribe antivirals or antibiotics if a bacterial infection is involved too.

➥Do cat colds resolve on their own?
Yes, mild colds often clear up in 7 to 10 days. But if symptoms get worse, you should visit your vet right away.

➥How do I check if my cat has a cold?
Look for discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, coughing, or fever. You can also gently feel for warmth on their ears or paws.

Isla Bennett

Isla Bennett loves Misty, her two-year-old British Shorthair. And she wants to help other pet parents make sustainable choices that are good for their pets and the planet. She writes about easy ways to care for animals using green products. Isla believes that happy pets and a healthy earth go hand in hand. Her goal is to make pet care simple, fun, and eco-friendly. She also gives you insights about different pet Breeds and traits!