Nasal Discharge and Sneezing If your cat is displaying typical human cold symptoms such as
watery eyes
, sneezing and a
runny nose
, your feline friend is likely suffering from a cat cold or
feline upper respiratory infection
.
Do cat colds go away on their own?
In most cases, cat colds are harmless and will go away within 1-2 weeks That said, be sure to monitor your kitty’s health, and if there is no sign of improvement by the fourth day, you should make an appointment with your vet. A persisting cold that does not get treated properly could develop into pneumonia.
What can I give my cat for runny eyes and sneezing?
Regularly clean any discharge from your cat’s nose and face with warm, moist cotton. Try to get your cat to eat by warming up some canned food Make sure your cat has plenty of fresh water. Run a humidifier to help keep your cat’s
nasal passages
moist.
What does it mean if my cat’s nose is dripping?
If your kitty has a runny nose, it’s likely due to inflammation, trauma or infection of the tissues in their nasal cavities or sinuses But if your cat is consistently snotty, then they could have an upper respiratory infection.
What are the symptoms of upper respiratory infection in cats?
Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections include clear or colored discharge from the eyes or nose, coughing, sneezing, swelling of the mucous membranes around the eyes (conjunctivitis, see Figure 2), ulcers in the mouth, lethargy, and anorexia. In rare cases, cats may have trouble breathing.
How did my indoor cat catch a cold?
In most cases, cats catch colds just like people do, through exposure to a virus According to one veterinary account, almost 90% of cat colds are caused by viruses. However, some bacteria can also cause URIs. Once a cat is infected, it can pass the virus on to other cats, often through sneezing or coughing.
How can I treat my cats cold without going to the vet?
How can I treat my cat’s cold at home? As long as your cat is still able to perform her essential daily functions (eat, drink, urinate, and defecate normally) then you can help her recover by using steam therapy from a hot shower, adding a humidifier if your air is dry, and reducing stress at home.
How can I help my cat with a runny nose?
How You Can Help Your Cat Feel Better. While your cat is sick, increase humidity in your house by keeping a humidifier or vaporizer running. If your cat has a stuffy nose use a clean damp cloth or some cotton wool soaked in warm water to gently wipe your cat’s nose.
How do you tell if your cat has a cold or allergies?
The symptoms of allergies and a cold are very similar. Both can include symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and wheezing or coughing Typically if your cat has allergies rather than a cold it will be a chronic issue that you might notice consistently popping up over time or occurring during a specific instance.
Will a cat’s respiratory infection go away?
Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) is similar to a common cold in humans. It is especially common in cats who have been exposed to a lot of other cats, such as at an animal shelter. URI is very rarely fatal, and usually resolves within one to three weeks Treatment generally consists of supportive care.
What does a vet give a cat for a cold?
While there is no cure for most colds, your vet can provide medications to relieve symptoms and resolve secondary bacterial infections. Your vet may prescribe eye ointments to soothe your cat’s eyes, antibiotics for suspected bacterial infections, or antiviral medications for severe viral infections.
How do I know if my cat has a cold?
- Runny nose.
- Excessive sneezing.
- Occasional coughing.
- Mild fever.
- Congestion leading to open mouth breathing.
- Loss of appetite.
- Dehydration.
How do you treat an upper respiratory infection in a cat?
“Most cats with an uncomplicated upper respiratory infection can be treated symptomatically at home” Cats with nasal or airway congestion may benefit from increased environmental humidification, such as being taken into a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes several times per day.
Is cat eye discharge normal?
Most
healthy pets
have eyes that are clear, bright, and have minimal discharge. However, some types of eye discharge are completely normal Each time your pet blinks, tears are released from tear ducts and bathe the surface of the eye to provide moisture and deliver oxygen and nutrients.
What is a natural antibiotic for a cat?
Echinacea Echinacea is a popular natural antibiotic for bacterial infections in cats.
Can cats get Covid 19 symptoms?
Pets that do have symptoms usually have mild illness that you can take care of at home. Pets sick with the virus that causes COVID-19 may have: Fever Coughing.
How do I know if my cat has a viral infection?
At first the cat will have symptoms that look like a cold, with sneezing, nasal congestion, fever and sometimes drooling Large amounts of discharge can come from the eyes and nose. In more severe cases, cats can also develop inflammation and ulcers on the tongue, and the lining of the mouth.
How did my indoor cat get an upper respiratory infection?
Cats develop upper respiratory infections from exposure to viruses and bacteria that cause sneezing, eye discharge and a whole host of other symptoms. These upper respiratory infections are very contagious since cats can be infected with both viruses and bacteria at the same time.
When should I take my cat to the vet for sneezing?
As a general rule, if your cat’s sneezing is prolonged or accompanied by other symptoms (greenish nasal discharge, watery eyes, lethargy, or loss of appetite) , it’s best to make an appointment with your vet.
When should I worry about my cat sneezing?
If your cats sneezing becomes more persistent, if your cat sneezes blood, or if they have other symptoms such as excessive nasal discharge, runny eyes, fatigue, coughing or trouble breathing, or if he or she is off their food, then you should make an appointment to see your vet as soon as possible.
Do cats need antibiotics for upper respiratory infection?
Most upper respiratory infections in cats will resolve themselves with a little extra TLC and time. However, more severe infections may require treatment, prescription pet medication or even hospitalization.
References
https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/how-to-treat-common-cat-diseases11.htm
https://www.greensboro.carolinavet.com/site/greensboro-specialty-veterinary-blog/2020/08/26/cat-eye-watering
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chronic-upper-respiratory-tract-disease