Seasonal Cat Cold: Effective Remedies & Care Tips

After catching a cold, cats may sneeze and have a runny nose

1. Symptoms of a Cat's Cold

When a kitten catches a cold, it may exhibit several symptoms, including sneezing, a runny nose, coughing, a rise in body temperature, decreased appetite, lack of energy, and a preference for napping.

These symptoms are often noticeable on the cat's body, particularly around the nose area. A runny nose can lead to nasal discharge, which is a common sign of a cold.

Cats may cough, producing a hacking sound, but they might not actually bring up anything. This type of cough is relatively rare in cats with colds and is not typically a symptom.

During a cold, you can feel your cat's body heat up, especially on the nose, ears, and paw pads. In more severe cases, cats may also experience a loss of appetite and a depressive mood.

Cat's nose with white nasal discharge

2. Medications for Treating a Cat's Cold

The treatment for a kitten's cold should be tailored to the symptoms. If the cat is not coughing, you can give it Fenoldopam (also known as Fenoldopam);

However, if coughing is present, it's advisable to combine Fenoldopam with another medication called Furosemide. Together, these can effectively treat both the cold and the cough.

If the cat's body temperature rises significantly, reaching 39.5°C, it's important to administer a feverreducing medication. A common choice for cats is Tempra, which should be given to lower the fever before treating the cold to speed up recovery.

Important Tips:

While treating your kitten's cold, it's crucial to provide warmth and comfort. Place a soft rug in the area where your cat likes to rest, or add some blankets to the cat's cage or shelter to keep it cozy and warm.

Increasing fluid intake can help alleviate symptoms, but for a quicker recovery, it's essential to give your cat the prescribed cold medication.