How Long Does a Cat's Cold and Cough Last? A Quick Guid
How Long Does a Cat's Cold and Cough Typically Last?
Generally, if a cat is in good health with no underlying conditions and experiences mild symptoms of a cold and cough, they can recover within 3 to 7 days. However, kittens and older cats may have a lower chance of recovering naturally from these symptoms.
Moreover, if the cat is infected with the herpes virus and treatment is delayed, the recovery period might be extended to 15 days or more. Even after the cold has passed, the virus can remain in the cat's body, increasing the risk of recurrence.
In cases where multiple viruses, such as herpes, chlamydia, and calicivirus, are present simultaneously, the treatment duration can be significantly longer, possibly requiring about a month. If a cat's cold is left untreated, it may lead to complications like pneumonia.
Cat Cold Symptoms and Treatment
When a cat has a cold, common symptoms include excessive coughing, sneezing, and runny nose, with the mucus initially clear and gradually becoming thicker, yellow, or even green. The cat's conjunctiva may become red, with the eyes and surrounding areas swelling and producing more discharge. The cat may also have a fever, with temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius, and may even become dehydrated.
In cases of ulcers, veterinarians often take cultures from the cat's mouth, throat, or nose to confirm the diagnosis.
While antibiotics do not combat viruses, they are commonly prescribed for most upper respiratory infections in cats to prevent potential complications caused by weakened immune systems. Oral medications, eye drops, immunostimulants, and drugs that interfere with the replication of the herpes virus can also be used to help combat the infection.
When you notice your cat has a cold and cough, it's crucial to take them to a vet promptly. It's essential not to delay and never administer human cold medications. Certain human cold remedies, such as acetaminophen, can be toxic to cats, posing a serious risk to their health.
By the Way: Can Cats Catch a Cold from Blowing Air Conditioning?
While cats are more prone to catching a cold from air conditioning in the summer, the risk from fans is relatively low. However, if a cat is dried off with a powerful fan immediately after a bath, or if they are dried off after vigorous play or exercise, they may be susceptible to catching a cold due to the sudden change in temperature.
Research suggests that gentle petting can enhance a cat's happiness and reduce the likelihood of upper respiratory infections and other diseases. So, if your cat frequently suffers from colds and coughs, in addition to providing them with the best treatment and nutrition, don't forget to give them some affection and comfort.
We hope this comprehensive guide on how long a cat's cold and cough typically last will be helpful to all cat owners. If you have any further questions about your cat's cold and cough, feel free to consult an online vet or click on the "Cat Has a Cold" section for more information.
