can a cat catch a cold from a human

No, cats can’t catch the common cold from humans, but they can contract other respiratory diseases.

How did my cat catch a cold?

Your cat may have a cold if they sneeze or sniffle, but you may be curious as to how it got started in the first place. And, more crucially, how to steer clear of it going forward.

Just like colds in humans, cat colds are contagious. Because they are more likely to interact with other cats than indoor cats, outdoor cats are therefore more likely to contract the cold virus.

Upper respiratory infections (URIs) brought on by bacteria or viruses are known as cat colds. Although it cannot spread to humans, it can quickly spread among cats, particularly in confined spaces. Therefore, if your cat was recently boarded and now has a cold, it’s likely that your pet was in close proximity to another sick cat.

Selecting a trustworthy boarding facility will lessen the possibility of raising your pet’s stress levels and lower the likelihood that your cat will get URI. We treat your pet like it’s our own at South Sacramento Pet Hospital. Visit our FAQ section here if you would like more information or would like to register your pet for boarding with us.

Cat Colds: Signs & Symptoms Below are some common symptoms of colds in cats. If you notice any of the following symptoms in excess,

Runny nose
Sniffles
Sneezing
Watery eyes
Mild fever

What to do if Your Cat Has a Cold

If your cat has a cold, you can help relieve some of their discomfort by using a clean cloth to wipe their runny nose and saline solution to wipe their runny eyes. For less dry air, you could also turn on a humidifier.

It’s critical that your cat keeps eating and drinking in order to speed up their recovery. By warming their food, you might be able to make it more enticing and simpler for them to eat. Your cat needs to stay warm as well, so add an extra blanket to their bed or other cozy spot where they can curl up.

Never give your cat any medication—human or otherwise—without first consulting your veterinarian. Consult your veterinarian frequently to find out what they recommend for your pet.

FAQ

Can indoor cats catch colds from humans?

No, cats cannot get colds from humans. The vast majority of viruses are highly species-specific and will not survive in a different host. Some bacterial infections can be transmitted to and from humans and cats, but this is rare. Cats can get COVID-19 from humans and may show mild symptoms, but this is extremely rare.

Can cats get upper respiratory infections from humans?

However, it’s important to note that you can’t catch a cold from your cat since the viruses that affect felines don’t affect humans. The same holds true in reverse, which means you can’t give your cat a cold either.

Can humans pass illness to cats?

The fact that diseases can pass from humans to animals is, perhaps, not such a surprise. An estimated 61.6 percent of human pathogens are regarded as multiple species pathogens and are able to infect a range of animals.