Identifying & Treating Cat Cold Symptoms: A Comprehensi

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The Symptoms of a Cat's Cold

1. Sneezing

Sneezing is an involuntary reflex that helps to expel foreign particles and invaders from the nasal passages. It's often the first and most noticeable sign of a cold in cats.

2. Nasal Discharge

As the virus starts to irritate the nasal lining, the body produces mucus to protect these passages. Excess mucus may leak out of the nostrils or be expelled through sneezing.

3. Eye Discharge

Also known as conjunctivitis, this symptom usually appears as the cold virus progresses, leading to the accumulation of mucus in the eyes. If not gently wiped away with a warm, moist cloth, it can cause damage to the eyes or fur.

4. Breathing Through the Mouth

As the nasal passages swell and become blocked with mucus, cats may breathe through their mouths to take in enough air.

5. Mild Lethargy

It's normal for cats to feel a bit tired as their immune system fights off viral invaders. You might notice your cat sleeping more than usual.

6. Slight Fever

Although it may be hard to detect, a cat's normal body temperature ranges from 36 to 38 degrees Celsius.

7. Decreased Appetite

Some cats may not eat as much or as often as they usually do.

More Distinct Symptoms Than a Common Cold

1. Coughing

Coughing often indicates that the infection has spread to the lungs, leading to mucus production. This could suggest that the cat is at risk of pneumonia.

2. Labored Breathing

This goes beyond typical difficulty breathing and nasal blockages. A cat struggling to breathe appears much weaker, and you may notice a more pronounced rise and fall of the chest. This often signifies the need for antibiotics to relieve fluid buildup in the lungs.

Darkening of Mucus Typically, a cat with a cold will expel clear or milky white mucus. However, if the mucus turns yellow, green, or brown, it may be a sign of a secondary bacterial infection due to a weakened immune system. This usually indicates that a common cold has escalated into a dangerous respiratory infection, and immediate veterinary consultation is advised.

3. Thickening of Mucus

This is often a sign of dehydration. Once mucus thickens, it can be difficult for cats to expel it.

Home Care Measures

When your cat shows signs of a cold, your help is needed to make them more comfortable and allow their immune system to focus on fighting the virus. Here are some measures to consider:

1. Humidifier

Increasing humidity in your cat's environment helps keep their respiratory passages moist, aiding in the expulsion of mucus.

2. Avoid Cold Air

While keeping your cat warm and comfortable is important when they're sick, cold drafts can add unnecessary stress to their body, which can hinder the immune system. If necessary, move your cat's bedding to a warmer part of the house or provide a heated blanket.

3. Clearing Discharge

Wipe away secretions (from eyes and nose) with warm, moist tissues.

4. Hydration

Even though your cat may not be interested in drinking water when they're sick, staying hydrated is crucial to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can lead to fever and thicker mucus. Offering canned food, which has a strong flavor to stimulate appetite, can also be helpful.

Do not give your cat human or dog medications.

Unless a veterinarian recommends specific medications and provides appropriate dosage information, you should not give your cat any overthecounter cold medications. Similarly, you should not attempt to give your cat any dog medications. These drugs can cause severe illness or death, so if you believe your cat needs medication to relieve symptoms, consult a veterinarian directly.

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