It's not just humans that suffer from the common cold and flu – your cat can too. In fact, it can be serious and even fatal in cats and kittens with underlying illnesses.
Obviously we take care of our pets as well as we can, giving them the best wet cat food and cosy cat beds to rest in, so the last thing we want is for them to feel unwell.
We spoke to the experts at All About Cats to find out the symptoms of cat flu so you'll know whether your cat has a cold this winter, and how to help them...
What causes cat flu?
Yes, your cat can catch a cold. Cat colds or ‘Feline Upper Respiratory Infection’ is quite similar to a human cold. In most cases they are very minor for cats, but in some cases symptoms may become severe which leads to more dangerous secondary infections such as pneumonia.
Very young or old cats should be monitored and cared for very closely at the first sign of a cold.
Cat flu is caused by one or more viruses including feline herpes, feline calicivirus bordetella bronchiseptica and chlamydophila felis.
Once infected by the virus, your cat will shed virus particles in their nasal and eye discharge and saliva. You cannot catch a cold from a cat and vice versa, but it can be spread between cats.
Symptoms of a cat cold
• Runny nose
• Excessive coughing
• Excessive sneezing
• Fever
• Red, watery eyes
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Congestion, leading to open mouth breathing
• Loss of voice
• Mouth ulcers
• Dribbling
5 ways to treat your cat if they have a cold
1 Help them breathe
Steam can help to loosen the mucus and ease the cold symptoms. Leave the door open when you are in the shower and let them hang out whilst you are washing. It will help them breathe easier. A humidifier can also help soothe irritated airways
2 Wipe nose and eyes
Don't leave all that gunk on your poor cat. Wiping your cat's nose and eyes will help them feel better, will help them breathe easier and help to smell their food and encourage them to eat. Wipe away any discharge regularly with a cotton wool pad soaked in warm water.
3 Keep them fed and hydrated
Dehydration is a big issue when cats have a cold as they lose their sense of smell and taste and can lead to them eating and drinking less. Mixing in strong smelling foods to their usual meal routine that are easy to eat (Think sardines, tuna or roast chicken - the smellier the better). Make sure that there's plenty of fresh water for them and refresh it regularly. Tip - Warming food can increase the odours!
4 Make them comfy - Make sure your cat has a nice warm and cosy spot where they can rest undisturbed. Rest and sleep is the key for any cat getting better.
5 Reduce stress
Cats are very sensitive and often become anxious and stressed by their environment which can impact their immune system and general health. This can make your cats' cold worse, so it's important to keep them as comfy and relaxed as possible. If you've noticed them scratching furniture more often than usual, this could be a sign of stress.
It is essential to remember not to give your cat any cold medicine without consulting your vet first.