Cats Sniffles and Shakes: Causes of Feline Cold Symptom

Understanding Why Cats Suffer from a Cold with Runny Nose and Shaking:

1. Cats, with their delicate constitutions, can struggle to adapt to changes in seasonal temperatures, leading to a cold with symptoms like runny nose and shivering.

2. A fright during a bath can weaken a cat's immune system, and if the cat isn't dried thoroughly after a bath, it can lead to a virus mutation within the body.

3. During the summer, prolonged exposure to air conditioning at excessively low temperatures can irritate a cat's respiratory mucosa, causing a cold with a runny nose. The low environmental temperature can also trigger shivering.

Dr. Oxygen Pet reminds us: A comfortable temperature for cats is around 25 degrees. In the summer, when the air conditioning is set to a few degrees below room temperature, avoid letting your cat stay near the air outlet, as it can be significantly cooler than the normal room temperature, increasing the risk of a cold. In winter, if there's no heating at home, consider using an electric heater or a hot water bottle to keep your cat warm, but always prioritize electrical safety.

What to Do When Your Cat Has a Cold with a Runny Nose?

1. If your cat is shivering or its limbs are cold to the touch, it's important to provide warmth immediately. Cover your cat with a small blanket or even dress it up to retain heat.

2. If your cat's runny nose is severe, it's essential to clean its nose occasionally to prevent blockages and ensure it can breathe through its nose.

3. In cases of severe colds, cats may also experience watery eyes and discharge. To avoid severe eye infections, you can use eye drops and antibiotics for treatment.

4. If your cat's appetite decreases due to the cold, ensure it drinks plenty of water and offer some canned food. Heating the canned food in the microwave can enhance its aroma, making it more appealing to your cat.

5. After a week of recovery from a cold, if your cat shows no other symptoms, consider taking it to the vet to check if it's time for vaccinations. Vaccinations are the most effective way to prevent various infectious diseases in cats.

Important Considerations for Cats with a Cold:

1. Avoid Home Remedies and Children's Cold Medications

Don't rely on folk remedies; it's better to seek professional treatment at a pet hospital. Also, never give your cat children's cold medications, let alone adult medications, especially Western drugs, which can be toxic to cats. Keep your own medications and pain relievers out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.

2. If your cat has ingested human cold medications, induce vomiting with saltwater if the dose was small and no symptoms have appeared. If vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, frothy saliva, or even shock occur, rush to the vet for解毒剂. If poisoning persists for more than 6 hours, the drug has likely reached all organs, and the chances of recovery are slim.

This guide on the reasons behind a cat's cold with a runny nose and shivering aims to assist all cat owners. For information on medications for cat colds, click on "What to Give a Cat for a Cold" or consult an online pet doctor.