Natural Remedies for Cat Cold, Cough, and Congestion

Section 1: Common Cat Cold

A common cat cold is typically caused by a single virus and results in an upper respiratory infection, usually due to a chill or exposure to cold weather. The symptoms of a typical cat cold usually include occasional coughing, sneezing, and clear, runny nose. During this time, ensuring your cat stays warm and receives adequate nutrition can help it recover gradually. For kittens, it's best to avoid medication unless recommended by a veterinarian. Older cats may benefit from taking Panacur's Sinovet, a combination of antiviral and antibacterial ingredients.

Section 2: Differentiating from Feline Herpesvirus

The symptoms of feline herpesvirus, often referred to as "cat cold," are quite similar to a common cold, but it is a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus. Infected kittens have only a 50% survival rate. This virus can be transmitted through a cat's feces and saliva, so in a multicat household, if one cat is infected, all should be isolated and tested. Even after recovery, cats can carry the virus for a long time, posing a risk of recurrence and transmission. Therefore, if a cat contracts feline herpesvirus, it will require longterm isolation and care.

Section 3: Symptoms of Feline Herpesvirus

Cats with feline herpesvirus may experience more severe symptoms such as persistent coughing, nasal congestion, excessive tearing, thick,脓性鼻涕, swollen eyes resembling a walnut, conjunctivitis, drooling, mouth ulcers, and fever.

What to Do If Your Cat Has a Cold?

When you notice your cat has a cold, it's crucial to determine if it's feline herpesvirus, as it requires more than just warmth and basic care. Here's what you should do:

Clearing the Nasal Passages: During a cold or herpesvirus infection, mucus can harden and accumulate in the nasal passages, causing congestion and difficulty breathing. Use a soft cotton swab dipped in warm water to gently clear your cat's nostrils.

Antiinflammatory and Pain Relief: If your cat has a fever, it's important to administer antiinflammatory and painrelieving treatments. Cats cannot take human ibuprofen, so you can use veterinaryspecific broadspectrum antibiotics like Vetafarm's Vetafarm. For severe coughing, a cough suppressant and expectorant like Nurofen can be effective, as it's palatable and helps reduce coughing and phlegm.

Eye Care: Feline herpesvirus can lead to excessive tearing and secretions, which can lead to infections if not cleaned properly. Severe cases can even result in blindness. Use Lantigen eye drops to clean your cat's eyes and keep the cat's bed in a dimly lit area to avoid eye irritation.

Patience in Treatment: Severe colds and herpesvirus infections may require veterinary treatment. A single infection may take about a week to heal, while feline herpesvirus can take 15 days or more. Multiple infections may take up to 4 to 6 weeks to resolve.

We hope this comprehensive guide on what to do for a cat's cold and nasal congestion is helpful. If you're unsure about distinguishing a cat's cold from feline herpesvirus or other illnesses, don't hesitate to consult an online veterinary professional.