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.
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.
Can Your Cat Catch Your Cold?
No, humans cannot give the common cold to cats, but they can catch other respiratory illnesses from people. You cannot give your cat a cold virus because the majority of viruses that cause colds in humans are unique to humans.
People who “catch” colds actually contract viruses that cause upper respiratory illness symptoms. A sore throat, cough, runny nose, congestion, headache, and body aches are a few examples of these. Human parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, certain human coronaviruses, adenovirus, and human metapneumovirus are among the viruses that commonly cause colds in humans.
Person-to-person contact is how cold viruses spread, and there is no treatment. As the body fights the infection, supportive care is provided, such as getting plenty of rest and drinking plenty of water. Most people recover from colds in about 7-10 days. Patients with weakened immune systems or those with respiratory disorders such as asthma may be more susceptible to the negative effects of colds.
Although your cat won’t get the cold virus from you, they can still contract other illnesses from people or other animals. It is usually a good idea to wash your hands well before and after handling your cat if you are ill.
Certain respiratory viruses can be transmitted to your feline companion. Cats can contract the influenza A virus from people, and contact with infected individuals can expose them to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
It is recommended that you stay away from your cat and have someone who is not ill take care of them until you recover if you have either of these illnesses. The majority of domestic cats who have contracted COVID-19 or the flu have had mild illnesses.
Cat Colds: Signs & Symptoms
- sneezing
- sniffles
- watery eyes
- runny nose
- mild fever
FAQ
Can I pass my cold to my cat?
Is A cold Contagious to a cat?
How do indoor cats catch colds?
What are the symptoms of a cat with a cold?