Wintertime = cold season: Recognising, treating and preventing colds in cats!

How long does a cold last in cats?

How long a cat's cold lasts depends on several factors. Firstly, it depends on the cause of the cold symptoms. Possible causes are

• Harmless cold
• Cat flu (feline rhinitis / feline pneumonia)
• Bordetella bronchiseptica
• Streptococcus
• Feline asthma or allergies
• Injuries in the nose or mouth area
• Fungal infections
• Neoplasms, i.e. cancers, of the respiratory tract

If it is actually just a harmless cold, the duration depends on the cat's age and general state of health. Young and fit cats usually shake off a cold within a few days. If the cat is already at an advanced age or the animal is generally struggling with a weakened immune system, the cold can last much longer. If in doubt, it is always advisable to seek the opinion of a vet.

What could be the cause of my cat's cold?

A cold manifests itself in cats in a similar way to humans. Sneezing, coughing, runny nose or a cold with swollen lymph nodes. Reduced food intake and a significantly increased need for sleep are also typical. Fever is also common.

Ideally, your cat's symptoms are really just a cold. This normally subsides within a few days. However, it is not always possible for a layperson to determine with certainty whether it is just a harmless cold. Symptoms such as a runny nose can also be caused by a variety of other illnesses - some of which require treatment by a vet.

Cat flu (feline rhinitis / feline pneumonia)

Cat flu - also known in specialist circles as feline rhinitis or feline pneumonia - is an infectious and contagious disease of the mucous membranes and respiratory tract. It can be triggered by various pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses. As this disease can be dangerous for the cat and can even be fatal, early diagnosis and rapid treatment are essential.

Herpes or caliciviruses, such as the feline herpes virus or the feline calicivirus, are often responsible for the disease. If it is a bacterial infection, it is usually caused by Bordetella or Chlamydia. Incidentally, care should also be taken with the latter in the cat's environment - chlamydia can be dangerous to both humans and dogs.

A symptom complex is typical of cat flu, as the pathogens favour each other. It is not uncommon for several pathogens to be at work at the same time. Arthritis or pneumonia indicate caliciviruses, herpes viruses can lead to eye ulcers.

Bordetella bronchiseptica

Probably the most common cause of a cold in cats is Bordetella bronchiseptica. These are bacteria that affect the respiratory tract. It is transmitted by droplets. Bordetella bronchiseptica is often a component of the cat cold complex.

Typical signs are

• sneezing
• coughing
• runny nose in conjunction with clear nasal discharge
• swollen cervical lymph nodes

Important: Especially in young cats, the infection should be treated as soon as possible - otherwise there is a risk of a lung infection.

Streptococci

Bacterial infections also include streptococci. Infection occurs orally - for example, if several cats eat from the same bowl. If it is streptococcus, the following symptoms appear within a few days:

• fatigue
• fever
• runny nose with purulent nasal discharge
• Purulent inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes

Timely treatment by a vet is also necessary in the case of streptococci. Otherwise, there is a risk that the cervical lymph nodes will form abscesses - making treatment more difficult later on.

Caution: Streptococci can be transmitted both from humans to cats and from cats to humans. If your cat is diagnosed with streptococci, you should also undergo an examination and, if necessary, treatment.

Feline asthma or allergies

Feline asthma or allergies are often characterised by coughing. As this also occurs with the typical common cold, there is a risk of confusion here. If your cat's cough lasts a disproportionately long time, this could be an indication of feline asthma or allergies. The expertise of a vet is advisable here.

Injuries in the nose or mouth area

Injuries to the nose or mouth can also cause symptoms that resemble a cold. These include discharge or, in serious cases, fever.

Fungal infections

Fungal infections are usually caused by cryptococcosis, triggered by Cryptococcus neoformans. This fungus thrives in the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Chronic growths develop, which often lead to inflammation.

Neoplasia

Neoplasms are cancers of the respiratory tract. Typical symptoms are nasal discharge or coughing.

What to do if a cat has a cold?

If it is actually a cold, the cat needs a warm and quiet environment above all. As many cats tend to eat and drink less during a cold, there is often a need for action here too: you can maintain their nutrient intake with healthy and tasty food. To boost fluid intake, it is advisable to place several bowls of water around the home. If this does not produce the desired result, a drinking fountain can help. Experience has shown that cats are much more interested in running water than standing water.

If your cat has a cold, it is also important that he gets enough rest. Refrain from playing extensively and, if necessary, separate the animal with the cold from other cats.

Depending on the intensity of the symptoms, a visit to the vet is also recommended. This will allow you to rule out more serious illnesses that are accompanied by similar symptoms and, if necessary, provide any necessary (medicinal) treatment.

How can I tell if my cat has a cold?

Cats with colds usually behave in a similar way to people with colds: they lose their appetite, are tired and need more sleep. They also have typical cold symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, watery or watery eyes and a runny nose. Cats with colds also sometimes have a fever - you can usually feel whether this is the case by feeling their nose or inner ear: If the cat is healthy, the nose is cold and the inner ear is warm to the touch.

Important: If in doubt, it is advisable to have the cat examined by a vet!

Can a cold be transmitted to cats?

No, a normal cold cannot be transmitted to cats. If your illness is caused by streptococci, for example, there is a risk of infection for your cat.

Tip: As soon as your doctor makes a diagnosis, it is advisable as a cat owner to enquire about the risk of infection for your pet. That way you can play it safe.

Not only humans need a healthy diet for a good defence system, but it is also important for cats to strengthen their immune system from the inside. With our BIO Liebesgut menus for cats, your pet will start the cold season in good shape!

Our recommendations for your four-legged friend:

Tasting packs for cats

BIO Sensitive wet food for cats