Cat Cold and Flu

by Myra
(New Jersey)

Cat Cold and Flu Reader Question: I have 6 cats and my boy cat went out side then they all got sick! With colds my 2 baby cats are real sick and they keep sneezing can't really afford to take them all to the vet what can i do for them.

Cat Cold and Flu Editor Response:

Dear Myra,

Thank you for your question regarding cat respiratory problems. An Upper respiratory tract problem, mostly termed a cat cold or cat flu can occur in any cat, irrelevant of age, sex, and breed. It can be transferred from one animal/cat to another, but usually is host specific, i.e. cold/flu of cat cannot be transferred to humans and vice versa.

Usually, a cat cold or flu is not a major issue itself; the most frightening part is when any secondary bacterial and viral infections take hold which can cause a severe generalized illness and respiratory blockage. This can then develop into pneumonia or some other similar complicated form of respiratory disease.

In the case of severe symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and respiratory stress, treatment should be administered by a veterinarian. Having a confirmed diagnosis for any bacterial or viral infections should be carried out and the condition identified should be treated specifically.

You can treat a common cold/flu at home with herbal remedies and some preventive measures, but remember that this only applies to mild cases.

First, you should isolate the affected cat from any healthy cats. Be sure to provide a hygienic and clean environment for all of the cats. Also, do not allow the cats to roam outside and keep them limited in the home and keep the place warm. If you keep the temperature of your home above 70 Degrees Fahrenheit most of the time, it can help to keep factors related to flu transmission in control.

You can use some commercially available natural remedies such as FCV Protect, which can help to treat symptoms such as sneezing. Other natural remedies can help to maintain the health of the whole respiratory tract such as Respo-K, which can help to treat any developing problem in upper as well as the lower respiratory tract. Be sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when administering the remedies.

Additionally, offering some soup to all of your cats can help to keep them warm and their upper respiratory tract soothed.

Please keep in touch with the condition of your cats.