Could Your Cat Have a Cold?

Did you know that our feline friends can get their own version of colds or flus? In many cases, cats just feel a bit stuffy and fatigued for a few days before recovering on their own. However, kitty colds can occasionally develop into upper respiratory infections, or URIs, which can be extremely dangerous. Senior cats and kittens are especially at risk, because of their weaker immune systems. A Newburgh vet discusses cat colds below.

Warning Signs

Keep an eye out for warning signs. Lethargy is a common one. If Fluffy is stuffed up, she may sleep even more than usual. A few other red flags include coughing, sneezing, fever, runny nose, watery eyes, loss of appetite or thirst, wheezing, and/or difficulty breathing. Contact your Newburgh vet right away if you notice any of these symptoms.

Medicine

Once Fluffy has been properly diagnosed, your Newburgh vet will be able to give you specific treatment options. These may include antibiotics and/or other medications. You should never give Fluffy human medications, unless your vet specifically instructs you to. This applies to home remedies as well. Things like garlic, whiskey, and turmeric, which are in many of Grandma’s old home remedies, might work for us but can be extremely dangerous for our furry friends!

Home Care

When she’s feeling under the weather, Fluffy may enjoy a bit of chicken soup. Skip the garlic, onions, rice, and pasta, though: warm, sodium-free chicken broth with some plain, boneless chicken (and perhaps some peas and carrots) is fine. Some kitties like having their canned food warmed up a bit. You can also use a humidifier and/or bring your feline pal into the bathroom while you shower, so she can breathe the steam. You may want to get your cat a new bed or a comfy throw blanket to curl up in. You’ll also need to make sure your furry buddy is drinking lots of water. Of course, extra cuddles and ear scratches are on the agenda as well.

Preventing Colds

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. First and foremost, keep up with Fluffy’s vaccinations, such as the vaccine for feline calicivirus. Keep in mind that cats can still spread the virus even after they have recovered. Keeping your kitty indoors will reduce the odds of her coming into contact with other infected felines.

Do you have questions about cat colds? Contact us, your Newburgh, NY vet clinic, today!