A Feline “Common Cold” Is Usually an Upper Respiratory Infection

A cat with sneezing, a stuffy nose and watery eyes may look as though they have a human cold. The usual veterinary term, however, is feline upper respiratory infection (URI). Several feline viruses and bacteria can cause it, most often feline herpesvirus or calicivirus. Signs alone usually cannot identify the exact cause.

Many uncomplicated URIs are self-limiting, but kittens, older cats, unvaccinated cats and cats with chronic illness need a lower threshold for veterinary advice. Breathing effort, appetite, hydration and eye pain matter more than the number of sneezes.

Go now for breathing difficulty

Seek emergency veterinary care if your cat:

• breathes with an open mouth or pants
• uses the abdomen forcefully to breathe
• stretches the neck forward or cannot settle comfortably
• has pale, gray or blue-tinged gums
• collapses or seems severely weak

Do not assume noisy or difficult breathing is simply nasal congestion. Heart disease, asthma, fluid around the lungs and other conditions can resemble a “cold.” Cornell advises immediate veterinary care whenever a cat may not be breathing comfortably because respiratory distress can become fatal without prompt treatment (Cornell Feline Health Center). Minimize handling and call the clinic while leaving so staff can prepare. See how to judge breathing rate versus effort if your cat is resting comfortably and you are unsure what you are seeing.

Call a vet promptly if eating, drinking or the eyes are affected

Arrange veterinary advice the same day if your cat:

• stops eating or drinks markedly less
• is unusually lethargic, weak or appears dehydrated
• repeatedly squints, holds an eye closed or has a cloudy-looking eye
• has thick eye discharge, marked eye redness or swelling
• drools, paws at the mouth or seems unable to eat because of mouth pain
• is worsening rather than gradually improving

URI can cause conjunctivitis and mouth ulcers, while feline herpesvirus can injure the cornea. Cloudiness, discharge, squinting or rubbing can accompany a corneal ulcer, which requires a veterinary eye examination to diagnose (Cornell Feline Health Center). Congestion can also reduce a cat’s ability to smell food, and painful oral lesions can make eating and drinking difficult. Adequate nutrition and hydration are central to recovery; severely affected or dehydrated cats may require hospital care (Cornell, VCA Animal Hospitals).

Use a lower threshold for a young kitten, senior cat, flat-faced cat, unvaccinated cat or one with another health condition. Also book an exam when signs persist, recur or include coughing; not every sneeze-and-discharge illness is an uncomplicated URI. For a closer look at other causes, see why a cat may sneeze repeatedly.

Home care for a mildly affected cat

Home monitoring is reasonable when an adult cat is breathing comfortably, remains alert, eats and drinks, and has only mild sneezing or clear discharge.

• Gently clean the face. Use a soft cloth dampened with warm water to remove discharge from around the nose and eyes. Use a clean area of cloth for each eye.
• Offer aromatic wet food. Slightly warming the cat’s usual wet food can make it easier to smell. Offer small, fresh portions; do not force-feed.
• Add humidity. A plain humidifier nearby or a short stay in a steamy bathroom may loosen congestion. Keep the cat away from hot water, and stop if the setting causes stress.
• Keep notes. Track appetite, drinking, energy, eye appearance, discharge and breathing effort at rest. A short video can help the veterinarian assess a change.
• Reduce stress. Provide a quiet, warm resting area and keep routines predictable.

Do not give human cold remedies, decongestants, pain relievers, leftover antibiotics, medicated eye drops or essential-oil products unless a veterinarian specifically directs their use for this cat. Human cold products may combine ingredients that can cause stomach ulcers, changes in heart rate or blood pressure, kidney or liver injury, or neurologic signs in pets (ASPCA). Antibiotics do not treat viral infection; a veterinarian decides whether bacterial infection or another complication warrants medication.

Protect other cats in the home

Feline URI pathogens spread through saliva and eye or nasal secretions, including contaminated bowls, bedding, litter equipment, toys and hands. Keep the sick cat in a separate comfortable room when practical. Use separate supplies, wash your hands between cats and clean soiled items (Merck Veterinary Manual).

The common feline herpesvirus and calicivirus are species-specific and pose no known human risk. Some bacterial causes have rarely been associated with illness in people, however, so ask your veterinarian about added precautions if anyone in the household is immunocompromised (VCA Animal Hospitals).

Vaccination cannot prevent every URI, but core vaccines reduce the likelihood of severe disease. After recovery, ask your vet whether your cat’s vaccines and household prevention plan are current.