Cats aren’t immune from colds and flu. In fact, if your kitty has an underlying illness, the flu or a cold could be fatal. Feline Upper Respiratory Infection is quite similar to a human cold and most cases are minor, but it’s worth knowing the symptoms to get your cat checked out by a vet if you’re concerned. Express.co.uk chatted to the experts at All About Cats to find out the 11 top symptoms of flu and cold in fats.
Cat colds or ‘Feline Upper Respiratory Infection’ is just as awful as the human cold.
It is caused by one or more viruses including feline herpes, feline calicivirus bordetella bronchiseptica and chlamydophila felis.
Once infected by the virus, your cat will shed virus particles in their nasal and eye discharge and saliva.
Don’t worry, you can’t catch a cold from a cat and vice versa, but it can be spread between cats.
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How to treat cat flu
Just like flu in humans, cats can normally heal themselves without treatment.
However, there are a few things you can do to help your furball recover quickly and safely.
Doron Wolffberg, Founder at All About Cats said: “Imagine how you feel when you are unwell with a cold and feeling sorry for yourself.
“You want someone to look after you, feed you, keep you warm and help make you feel better again. Well, cats want and need the same thing.
“Thankfully, most cat colds are self-limiting and will resolve on their own, but as an owner, it is your responsibility to make sure they don’t take a turn for the worse, especially if they are older or vulnerable.”
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Besides visiting the vet or ringing up and asking about cold medicine, it’s really beneficial to do everything you can to help your cat breathe.
The experts said: “Steam can help to loosen the mucus and ease the cold symptoms. Leave the door open when you are in the shower and let them hang out whilst you are washing.
“It will help them breathe easier. A humidifier can also help soothe irritated airways.”
You should also regularly wipe your cat’s nose and eyes to get rid of any gunk, help them breathe easier and feel better.
Doing so will also help your cat to smell and encourage them to eat.
The experts instructed: “Wipe away any discharge regularly with a cotton wool pad soaked in warm water.”
Another priority should be keeping your cat fed and hydrated while they’re poorly.
The All About Cats team said: “Dehydration is the main issue when cats have a cold as they lose their sense of smell and taste, and can lead to them eating and drinking less.
“Mixing strong-smelling foods that are easy to eat into their usual meal routine (Think sardines, tuna or roast chicken – the smellier the better) would help.
“Make sure that there’s plenty of fresh water for them and refresh it regularly. Warming food can increase the odours!”
Of course, try to keep your cat comfy and set up a warm and cosy spot where they can rest undisturbed to speed up healing time.
Reducing the stress on your cat is a good idea too, especially if they’re particularly sensitive and anxious.
Stress can impact a cat’s immune system and general health, making their cold worse.
