Cat Cold & Cough: Treatment & Can It Be Fatal?

Understanding the Causes of Cat Coughs and Cold:

Firstly, it's important to understand that a cat's cold is actually an upper respiratory infection, which is a symptom rather than a disease in itself. There are numerous reasons why cats may develop a cough and cold, including infectious viruses and bacteria. Here are some common causes:

1. Feline Calicivirus: After 2 to 3 days of infection, cats may exhibit a high fever of 39.5 to 40 degrees Celsius, along with symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, photophobia, difficulty breathing, and drooling. While the incidence of feline calicivirus is high, the mortality rate is relatively low.

2. Chlamydophila felis Infection: Besides coughing, cats with Chlamydophila felis infection may experience sneezing, red conjunctivitis, and thick, sticky eye discharge. After 2 to 5 days, eyelid spasms may occur. Treatment generally leads to good prognosis with a low mortality rate.

3. Feline Rhinotracheitis: Caused by the feline herpesvirus, feline rhinotracheitis presents with symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, fever, and red, swollen eyes. In severe cases, cats may drool and develop oral ulcers. This is a highly contagious virus, and if not treated promptly, it can have a high mortality rate.

What to Do When Your Cat Coughs and Has a Cold:

If your cat has been coughing for some time, consider the following checks:

1. Blood Test: Elevated neutrophils may indicate a respiratory infection.

2. Fecal Examination: Regular deworming is crucial, as parasites can cause coughing and sneezing. Fecal tests can help determine if your cat is infected with parasites.

3. Respiratory Nucleic Acid Test (PCR): This test is used to detect Chlamydophila felis or feline calicivirus infections.

4. Xray: This can help identify foreign objects or tumors in the lungs and respiratory tract.

5. CT Scan: While a CT scan provides a more comprehensive view of your cat's body, it is expensive and not available in most veterinary hospitals.

How to Prevent Cat Coughs and Cold:

1. Prevent Chilling: Keep your cat warm during cold weather. In multicat households, separate healthy cats from those with colds.

2. Vaccination and Deworming: Regularly vaccinate your cat and ensure both internal and external deworming.

3. Avoid Allergens: Indoor cats should not be exposed to catallergenic plants or toxic foods like garlic.

4. Nutritious Diet: Provide a balanced diet to ensure your cat receives adequate nutrition.

Understanding what to do about your cat's cold and whether it can be fatal is crucial for every pet owner. While cat colds are generally not selfhealing, with proper care, they can gradually improve. If you're unsure about the right medication, it's best to consult a veterinarian or an online pet healthcare professional.