Cold and Your Cat
2008-08-12

Cold and Your Cat 

Winter is the season for fun, family, the holidays, and cold weather. However, when you enjoy your time, some concern to your cat can’t be decreased. If you live in an area that has snow and ice, cats with colds are fairly common. Cats can get upper respiratory infections or what we call the common cold or flu. However you can not pass a human cold on to your cat and vice versa. The cat 'cold' is a completely different cup of tea. Here are a few tips for caring for your pet during the cold winter months. Reasons and symptoms of your cat’s cold Cats can get cold for a variety of reasons just as people do. These reasons can range from: • A bacteria or virus (Chlamydia, Feline Herpes virus also known as Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus) a majority of cold are caused by a virus • A parasitic worm infection • An allergic reaction

 Although dog’s cold is difficult to discover, there are still some symptoms to look for: • Sneezing • Runny nose • Coughing • Wheezing • Discharge from the nose or mouth • Respiratory problems • Oral ulcers • Conjunctivitis (discharge from the eye) 

Measures to help your cat get over a cold In case your cat catches a cold, the following necessary measures you can take: 1) If you suspect any sort of "cold" take your cat to the vet immediately for an examination. A cold could develop into a more serious condition such as pneumonia that requires medical treatment. 2) Offer your cat canned food .When a cat has a cold he probably doesn't have much of an appetite. When his nose is stuffy he can't smell his food. It is important for your feline friend to eat in order to keep up his strength. Offer your cat canned food rather than dry since it has a stronger odor. You can also try feeding him a little bit of tuna. 3) Make sure your cat has a constant supply of fresh water. He needs to drink water to prevent dehydration. 4) Clean its nose. If your cat's runny nose is leaving a crusty buildup around his nose that impedes his sense of smell, clean it several times a day or as often as needed. You can clean the area with warm water and a clean soft cloth or cotton balls. 5) Clean its eyes. If your cat's eyes are runny, wipe the discharge away as often as needed with warm water and a clean, soft cloth or cotton balls to prevent it from developing a crust around the eye and nose area. 6) If you have more than one cat, keep them in separate areas of the home until the sick cat is well again. 7) Use a humidifier in the room with your stuffed-up pet. Adding moisture to the air can help relieve congestion, making it easier for your cat to breathe. Precautionary measures: Of course, the best choice is to prevent your pet from cold. In order to carry this point, you can take some precautionary measures: • Keep them sheltered from the cold and wind. If you take your cat out for a walk, dress him in a warm jacket (dogs' small size works well). • Keep them well-hydrated. Heated water bowls are available for this purpose, if you have a stray colony in your yard. • Watch out for spilled anti-freeze. It's very attractive to cats and dogs, and its poison. • Ice melts are dangerous. Used to rid sidewalks and driveways from ice and snow, these products contain sodium products, which can irritate tender pads and cause even more problems if ingested. • Keep your cat indoors and away from other sick animals. • Keep your home above 70 degrees and if your cat gets wet either dry him off or make sure he stays warm while he dries off. • Talk to your vet about yearly vaccinations to ward off such infections.