With the onset of cold weather, not only people get sick. Fluffy pets - cats - are prone to colds. They have a fever, cough and runny nose. Young frail kittens, elderly individuals and especially short-haired breeds of cats are most prone to diseases.

Causes of colds in cats

Fluffy pets usually easily cope with viral infections. But the weakening of the immune system, as in humans, occurs:

  • in weakened cats that have an unbalanced diet;
  • under poor storage conditions (dampness and drafts), constant stress;
  • at low ambient temperatures;
  • with constant contact with virus carriers.

Feeding pets with food that lacks vitamins, a deficiency of proteins and minerals, leads to a decrease in the resistance of the cat's body and the occurrence of infectious diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to support the animal's body with useful supplements. Modern vitamins for cats contain the necessary components in optimal quantities. 

Often the symptoms of a cold are associated with a viral disease, but there are also bacterial ones:

  • Feline herpes (rhinotracheitis). Viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, the most common cold in cats. Infection occurs through direct contact with the secretions of a sick cat. In a weakened individual, the acute phase occurs after 4-12 days. Also, the virus can be stored for years in a latent form.
  • Calicivirus. Manifested by inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. It is registered in 10-50% of all cases of diseases. Infection occurs by airborne droplets from cats that are sick. The course of the disease is acute.
  • Mycoplasmosis. An acute bacterial infection that causes inflammation of internal organs. The main clinical manifestations of the disease are lacrimation.

Chlamydia can also be included in this group. The disease is transmitted through contact with infected cats. It occurs in an acute form, manifested by conjunctivitis and purulent discharge from the nose.

How a cold manifests itself in cats

All symptoms of a cat suffering from a cold are similar to those of humans. In young kittens, cold infections occur much more often than in adults, due to an incompletely formed immunity. The main symptoms are:

  • high temperature is manifested by dryness of the nose, it becomes hot to the touch;
  • the cat is lethargic and apathetic, eats and drinks little;
  • a runny nose appears, there may be shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and cough;
  • lacrimation is possible.

Such symptoms are characteristic of pneumonia, tuberculosis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, mycoplasmosis and infectious peritonitis. Therefore, if possible, it is necessary to place the sick pet in a dry and warm, draft-free place, and provide it with a warm drink. It is important to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible for laboratory tests and diagnosis. It is especially important to do this in case of vomiting and diarrhea, thick green discharge from the nose and rapid deterioration of the pet's condition.

How to treat a cat with a cold

When symptoms appear, the first thing to do is visit a veterinarian. Do not self-medicate your pet. Improperly used drugs for an animal can be no less dangerous than any disease. Timely vaccination will increase the body's protective functions.

If the diagnosis is confirmed, it is recommended to place the cat in a warm, well-ventilated room without drafts and high humidity. When airing the room, the pet should be taken to another room. The cat must have constant access to clean water at room temperature. Vitamin complexes will not be superfluous. 

  • In the case of a calicivirus infection, the owners must regularly treat wounds in the oral cavity. Sometimes it is necessary to drip medication, as well as the installation of an esophagostomy in case of refusal to eat. Painkillers are also prescribed.
  • Herpesviral rhinotracheitis is eliminated by taking acyclovir drugs according to the scheme prescribed by the doctor. It is not recommended to lower the temperature if it does not exceed 39.5°C. 
  • Mycoplasmosis with respiratory symptoms is treated with antibiotics. In addition, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic drugs are prescribed. 

In all cases, during the period of abundant eye and nasal secretions, the mucous membranes should be washed regularly. Deterioration of the animal's condition necessarily requires a visit to the veterinarian.