Cats can suffer from what we would identify in humans as the flu. Although, as in us, this pathology usually progresses without complications, in some cases, especially if we are talking about kittens or weakened animals, the cold in cats can reach to be deadly It is therefore important that we learn to recognize its symptoms and that, if we suspect that our cat suffers from this disease, we go to the vet soon to prevent the picture from getting worse
In this article on our site we give all the keys to recognizing the cold in cats, showing you the most common symptoms that cats experience. We will also review the causes that cause it and, finally, we will talk about the treatment that the veterinarian may suggest.
My cat has runny nose and is breathing badly
If we detect a runny nose and breathing difficulties, it is more than likely that we will find a constipated cat or what we can call cat flu or rhinotracheitis.
The main symptoms to be observed are the following:
- Runny nose
- Eye discharge
- Ulcers
- Sneezing
- Cough.
- Respiratory difficulties
- Swallowing problems
- Neck Extension
- Anorexy
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Pain
- Wounds in the mouth
It is important to note that the nasal secretion can be more or less thick, as well as abundant. On the other hand, ocular secretion is usually considerable and can even cause serious damage to the cornea, such as ulcers which, if perforated, can causeloss of affected eye
Normally this cold picture in cats is of viral origin, caused by herpesvirus, calicivirus or both. Although, in principle, it is a disease that can be cured, in more delicate cats or in those in which complications occur, can become fatal, for That's why it's important to go to the vet on time. You have to know that the virus will remain dormant in the body of cats that recover. This means that they could get sick again in the future, especially when there is a decrease in defenses.
My cat sneezes without mucus
Sneezing in cats does not always mean a cold. First of all, occasional sneezes are not a cause for concern. Sneezing spells, which are triggered by irritation of the nasal mucosa, may be due to the presence of foreign bodies inside the nose. If they are very violent, bleeding could even appear.
In addition to foreign bodies, irritating substances such as dust or smoke can also be behind sneezing attacks. The rhinitis in cats, which is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa, or the polyps, which are non-cancerous neoplasms, are other causes of sneezing but are accompanied by nasal discharge, more or less watery, in addition to other symptoms. It is important that we rule out these disorders when diagnosing a cold in cats and, for this, we will go to our trusted veterinarian.
Chronic cold in cats
Colds in cats consequence of herpes or calicivirus can become a chronic problem. These viruses are able to remain in the cat's body latently, that is, without causing any symptoms, until the immune system weakens. In those moments in which there is a lowering of defenses is when the virus can trigger the symptoms again. In most cases the presentation is mild, with a slight runny nose, eyes and cough
Other times these same viruses cause damage to the nasal mucosa that favors the establishment of bacterial infections. In the most serious cases, these can even affect the bones. There are also other causes that can make a runny nose chronic, although they are less frequent, such as fungal infections, inflammation, tumors or trauma. Chronic cases are difficult to treat and sometimes symptoms can only be controlled using long-term medication
Treatment of cold in cats
If the cold is caused by a virus, treatment will be based on alleviating the symptoms and preventing the development of secondary illnesses, which are usually bacterial. It is in this context that antibiotics are prescribed for cats with colds since, if only viruses are present, antibiotics are unnecessary.
You must bear in mind that there is a vaccine against herpes and calicivirus, therefore it is recommended to always strictly follow the vaccination schedule for cats, taking into account the vaccination of kittens and puppies and annual revaccination in adult cats. Although vaccination will not prevent contagion, it does allow an infected animal not to develop the disease or to do so very slightly.
In cats with ocular involvement it is necessary to apply medication to the eyes, which can be eye drops or ointment. Although it will depend on the extent of the damage caused, in the mildest cases the drugs will eliminate the secretion in just a couple of days, but we have to continue medicating for as long as the vet has prescribed. This is essential to avoid relapses or bacterial resistance. Therefore, it is not as important to know how long a cold lasts in cats, since it can be resolved in just a few days, as it is to finish the treatment that, in In the case of eye conditions, it can last up to a couple of weeks.
In addition to the drugs prescribed by the vet, it is important that we keep the cat clean of secretions, which we can do with a cotton or gauze soaked in serum or warm water. Before applying the eye treatment we will always clean.
It is also essential that, in cases of anorexia, we encourage the cat to eat. When the cat has a blocked nose, he loses his sense of smell and, consequently, his interest in food. That is why for its cure it is important that we know how to decongest a cat's nose. A good trick is to put it in the bathroom, tightly closed, while we take a hot shower, so that the steam helps to clear the nostrils. Serving the food warm helps whet your appetite.
Anorexia can take its toll, especially in cases of colds in baby cats. These little ones can dehydrate in a short time if they are unable to eat and drink, so it is vital that they receive early veterinary care. Some will require veterinary hospitalization to stabilize and hydrate them intravenously.
Finally, it should be noted that herpes and caliciviruses that cause colds in cats are contagious between them, so the ideal would be to keep affected cats in isolation and change our clothes and wash our hands well after handling them.
Does distemper exist in cats?
Distemper is a specifically canine viral disease, which means that cats cannot get it. Its name is due to the runny nose that is among its symptoms. Therefore, we can find a cold in cats with a runny nose, as we have explained, but this disease has nothing to do with canine distemper. What we know as distemper in cats is actually the feline panelucopenia
Does human flu spread to cats?
The flu, like distemper, is a viral disease and, as in many of these pathologies caused by viruses, it is exclusive to each species, which means that they can only trigger the disease in that particular species. Thus, the flu that humans suffer from, although it shares characteristics with the cold in cats, cannot infect cats or vice versa
Therefore, although we are dealing with a disease that we qualify as highly contagious, and both human and feline flu are, measures may be required to prevent transmission between conspecifics, but no guidelines between different species.
