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The common cold in cats describes diseases of the upper respiratory tract, the symptoms of which are usually caused by a virus or bacteria.^1,2 Feline patients show similar signs of illness to humans with a cold, such as sneezing, sniffling, watery eyes, a runny nose and mild fever.³

This primarily happens through infection. Animals that spend a lot of time outdoors and are more likely to meet other cats that are sick are primarily affected as well as house cats that live in close quarters with other cats.

A cat can catch a cold if its immune system is weakened. Immune deficiencies can be inherited or caused by stress, malnutrition, insufficient supply of mother's milk, toxins, or serious illnesses such as cancer.⁴ In these cases, the body is unable to fight cold viruses.

You can help your furry friend recover by providing a cosy and warm environment and encouraging plenty of rest. Gently clean their nose and eyes with a soft, warm and damp cloth. A humidifier (without essential oils!) can relieve nasal congestion and irritation of the airways.

To strengthen the immune system, you can offer your pet food supplements that are enriched with important nutrients and vitamins among other things.⁶ Be sure to consult your vet about this.

Under your loving care, your house cat should recover within a few days.

Depending on the severity of the disease, affected cats tend to eat and drink less because they have problems with their sense of smell and taste.¹ Test what wet food your pet still eats and offer it to them warmed up. You need to make sure that your cat continues to eat. You can also mix some water into the food to ensure that your pet does not become dehydrated.

Cats with a cold can recover in a short time (approx. 5 - 10). Monitor your pet's health and overall condition carefully. If you notice little or no improvement or a worsening of the condition within a few days, make an appointment with your vet. It cannot be ruled out that your cat may develop a more serious condition, like pneumonia, for example.⁷

Pay attention to the following warning signs:

• Your cat has not eaten for more than 24 hours
• It is dehydrated because it is no longer drinking or is not drinking enough
• There is green or yellow discharge from their nose
• It has breathing difficulties
• The animal vomits or has diarrhoea that lasts longer than 24 hours
• Your pet is no longer responsive

Never give your cat medicine for humans! Medicines are only given by the vet and only when they are necessary.