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Cat Colds

Cat covering its face with its paw

© katyamaximenko / stock.adobe.com

Cold, wet weather, mud and constant changes in temperature – the current weather in the United Kingdom really puts human and animal immune systems to a tough test. Many cat owners are familiar with the subject of cat colds in particular from first-hand experience. 

Table of contents

  1. Symptoms of cat colds
  2. Treating cat colds
  3. What to avoid if your cat has a cold

Symptoms of cat colds

Clear signs of your cat being ill are it having a runny nose, refusing food and holing itself up in a corner. 

Further symptoms of cat colds can be the following: 

  • Reddened mucous membranes 
  • Abnormal fatigue 
  • Regular sneezing 
  • Discharge from the nose 
  • Coughing (possibly) 
  • Sometimes fever 

Treating cat colds

  • Give your cat a few days of rest. Don’t invite it to play and instead give it the tranquility it needs to recover. 
  • Warmth is very important for ailing cats. For instance, you can use a red light: 10 minutes per session are more than enough. Stay with your pet during this time, because it should remain at a minimum distance of half a metre from the device. 
  • Provide sufficient fluids. If your cat refuses to drink, add a larger quantity of water to the food. 
  • Take your cat’s temperature. A normal temperature can range between 38 and 39 degrees Celsius. In order to simplify rectal temperature measurement, dampen the thermometer with Vaseline and insert it carefully. For temperatures over 39 degrees Celsius, you should seek out a vet for an exact diagnosis. 
  • If your cat has no fever and is simply run down, homeopathic remedies can aid the recovery process and strengthen the immune system. If the cold has still not disappeared after three days, go to a vet. 
  • With kittens and elderly cats, consult a vet about all types of illness symptoms, since they have weakened defences and often rely on medication. 

What to avoid if your cat has a cold

  • Don’t give your pet any medication developed for humans.
  • Avoid close contact with fellow cats, since the risk of infection is extremely high! 
Cat lying under a blanket © ingusk / stock.adobe.com

We hope your cat gets well soon! Please definitely consult your vet too. 

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