Cat Cold: Sneezing and Runny Nose in Kitten Care

Reasons for Puppies Getting a Cold and Sneezing:

Young kittens, particularly those still nursing, may catch a cold due to a few common reasons. One is that the cat's den lacks a soft, insulating floor pad, leading to a chill that can cause a cold. Another factor is significant temperature fluctuations without adequate warmth. Cats are susceptible to colds in such conditions.

When a kitten gets a cold, the most common symptoms are sneezing and a runny nose. These are classic indicators of a cold, making them easy to identify. If you hear a hacking sound, it suggests that the kitten is also coughing, which can be a sign of a more severe cold.

How to Treat a Kitten's Cold and Sneezing:

1. Treatment for Unweaned Kittens:

Young kittens who are not yet weaned should not be given catspecific cold medications, as many are formulated for kittens over a month old. Instead, focus on keeping the kitten warm and wellnourished. If warmth improves the kitten's condition, it may recover quickly. If there is no improvement or the illness worsens, it's essential to take the kitten to a veterinarian for examination and treatment, as young kittens are fragile and can deteriorate rapidly.

2. Treatment for Weaned Kittens:

Once a kitten is a month old, it can be given catspecific cold remedies, but in moderation. Most kitten colds are mild, so conservative treatment with warmth and nutrition is usually sufficient. If the condition worsens, then administering cat cold medicine can be an appropriate next step.

Summary:

Given the delicate nature of young kittens, it's crucial for pet owners to ensure adequate warmth and prevent chills before they get a cold. After a kitten has a cold, the treatment approach should depend on whether the kitten is weaned, the severity of the cold, or the level of illness.

Tip:

For more information on kitten colds, click on "What Symptoms to Look for When Your Kitten Has a Cold" to learn more.