If you suspect your cat has a cold, you need to know the signs of a cat with a cold. It could be a cat cold, is your cat sneezes, ...
In the grand saga of pet parenting, there comes a time when our cool, composed feline friend exhibits traces of a less-than-warm experience: a cold. It's an enigma wrapped in a mystery, shrouded in the occasional sneeze or sniffle. But fret not, dear cat connoisseurs, as we are dishing up a guide hotter than a pile of freshly laundered blankets to help you discern the subtle signals that your cat might indeed be under the weather. This is not the end of the world, nor does it mean your cat will never be warm and cozy again. Just observe your cat with cold, take necessary precautions, and let nature do its healing.
Can a Cat Actually Catch a Cold?
Yes, mes amis, even the most majestic of our whiskered comrades can succumb to the sniffles.
Picture this: your regal, fur-coated monarch, typically as spry as a Parisian in spring, is now a bundle of sneezes and soft, sorrowful meows. Quelle horreur!
Just as we mere mortals can catch a cold, so too can our feline overlords.
But fear not! This is not le grande catastrophe it may seem.
With a bit of care, some rest, and perhaps an extra treat or deux, your cat will soon be back to their usual, disdainful self, ruling their domain with a soft, but firm, paw.
Do you want to know more about indoor and outdoor cats with cold? Check out the article Can Your Cat Get Cold and What You Need to Know.
The Cat Cold Silent Symptoms
Contrary to the dog's loud, insistent coughs, cats possess the subtleness of a silent movie star when it comes to displaying their ailments.
Keep a watchful eye on any changes in your cat's day-to-day behavior.
Is Tuna becoming a tad TOO tuna-ish, finding solace in solitary confinement?
This could be your first hint that something is afoot, or rather, awry.
The Origins of the Cat Cold
But how does a domestic deity contract a common cold, one might wonder?
The culprits are often viral in nature—think of it as the feline equivalent of your sibling's malicious handover of the viral controller, also known as "The Gift that Keeps on Giving."
Stress and a weakened immune system can pave the way for such unwelcome passengers, finding comfort in the most lustrous of fur coats.
Symptoms of Cat Colds to Spot
"Wait, isn't it just a sneeze?" you ask, tilting your head with perplexity. Not always, my dear reader. Cat cold symptoms can manifest in various guises, such as:
Feline Upper Respiratory Infection
Ah, the dreaded chat éternue , where each sneeze is a call for both sympathy and more tissue.
A petit sneeze?
Adorable.
A sneeze fest?
Time for action.
Beyond the orchestra of sneezes, your chat might exhibit a runny nose or watery eyes.
Picture this: the once majestic prowler of your home now resembles a teary-eyed romantic after watching Les Misérables. Sacré bleu, indeed!
Lethargy and Loss of Appetite
When Monsieur Whiskers trades in his adventurous hunts for the couch's warm embrace, consider it a red flag waving from the Eiffel Tower itself. It seems the zeal of a Parisian night has been swapped for the lethargy of a Sunday morning brunch - sans croissants.
Appetite?
Mon ami, it fades faster than a tourist's French at a Paris bistro.
If your furry gourmet suddenly snubs even the fanciest pâté, it's not a critique of your cooking; it's a cry for help.
Voilà, the silent song of a cat cold. If your cat doesn't eat and drink normally, it's time to play the role of concerned parent and see a vet care.
Not sure if your cat has lost her appetite? Check out the article Paws and Symptoms: Cat Loss of Appetite and Diarrhea Demystified.
Nasal and Eye Discharge or Congestion
Nasal "traffic jams" are no laughing matter in the life of a chat. Imagine, if you will, the bustling Champs-Élysées, but inside your cat's nostrils.
Mon Dieu! A nose so packed, not even a tiny mouse could squeeze through.
And the runny eyes?
Perhaps your chat just watched the sunset over the Seine, or perhaps it's a sign of an upper respiratory infection. If accompanied by sneezing and coughing, it's time to take action.
Your feline's once melodious purrs may now sound like a distant motorbike on a rainy Parisian night.
And when they attempt to inhale? Zut alors, it's the sniffling symphony no one asked for.
Fever (Indicated by a Warm Nose)
Ah, the warm nose – nature's own thermomètre. When Monsieur or Madame's sniffer turns into a hotspot, it's less about finding truffles and more about sounding the alarm.
A fever, you see, is the body's own little French revolution, battling unseen invaders with the heat of a thousand suns (or so it feels).
Allez, off to the vet, lest your kitty becomes too chaud to handle. Ah, the joys of la vie en rose with a side of sniffles.
While these symptoms may not be as blatant as a dog's barking coughs, they should still be monitored closely.
If you notice any of these signs in your cat, it's important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Just like us humans, cats can also get sick and need proper medical attention to recover. So keep an eye out for any changes in behavior or appearance and don't hesitate to bring your furry friend to the vet if you have any concerns.
What to Do When Your Cat Gets Cold
However, despair not, intrepid pet owner! There are steps you can take to help your cat bounce back like a resilient rubber ball. Here's how you can whisk your kitty off the road to recovery:
Create the Perfect Sanctuary
Quiet sanctuaries away from the hustle and bustle can offer solace. Ensure your purr machine has a cozy corner to dwell in peace and recover serenely.
Keep Things Fleeting
A rigorous regimen of flea control can prevent added stress on the immune system—because a stressed immune system is easier to break into than a fresh bag of treats in the hands of a feline opportunist.
The Hydration Equation
Convincing a cat to drink water can be akin to persuading a rock to pole vault. Nevertheless, it's paramount to avoid dehydration, and if you have a particularly thirsty pet, you're all set.
Get in Touch with Your Vet or the Animal Hospital
In some cases, it might be best to take that fateful visit to the veterinary surgeon. They possess the wisdom to guide you toward the pharmaceutical panacea your cat may need. So, make an appointment with your vet if you think your cat is suffering or if your cat has a cold.
Note: Do not give human cold medication to your cat, it can be harmful to their health. Get in touch with your vet today to book an appointment and make this process more appealing for you and your feline friend, because no one likes to be sick.
Get the Perfect Cat Bedding
I mean, honestly, who wouldn't want that? A soft padded bed with absolutely no corners is an excellent place to recover. Your cat will love it during the cold and beyond.
Ready to find the best cat bed? Check out the article Finding the Perfect Cat Bed for Large Cats: Comfort Meets Style.
Last Notes on Cat with Colds
Voilà, cher ami, armed with these nuggets of wisdom, your cat's cold should be au revoir quicker than you can say "croissant".
Remember, a little joie de vivre, a dash of care, and your feline friend will be purring comme d'habitude (as usual).
Keep the spirits high, the cuddles frequent, and may your cat's sneezes be few and far between.
Bon courage!
P.S. Do you want to help your cat feel great all the time? Cozy Paws by Shichic is the perfect cat bed for large cats, providing both comfort and style.
