How Long Can a Cat Recover from a Cold Without Medicine

Cats can suffer from two types of colds: common colds and viral colds.

1. Common Cold: This type of cold in cats typically presents with symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, elevated body temperature, and a lack of energy.

2. Viral Cold: Viral colds in cats often come with additional symptoms, including watery eyes and conjunctivitis, which are eyerelated issues.

Causes of Common Cold in Cats:

Generally, a common cold in cats is caused by catching a chill, exposure to extreme temperatures, or changes in seasons, which are common in everyday pet care. This type of cold is usually mild, and cats can recover on their own with proper care from their owners, such as keeping them warm, ensuring they drink plenty of water, and providing adequate nutrition. Most cats will recover within three to five days. However, if the cold is severe and does not resolve on its own, it may be necessary to administer catspecific cold medicine or seek veterinary care.

Causes of Viral Cold in Cats:

Viral colds in cats are usually caused by upper respiratory infections from viruses like the feline calicivirus or feline herpesvirus. These infections are highly contagious, so if you have multiple pets at home, it's advisable to isolate the affected cat to prevent the spread to others. Feline herpesvirus infections, also known as feline rhinotracheitis, can be severe and even fatal in some cases. While cats with mild symptoms can often rely on their immune systems to recover, it typically takes more than seven days for them to heal.

Important Treatment Considerations for Cat Colds:

Whether it's a common cold or a viral cold, if the symptoms are severe, it's crucial to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. The longer you delay treatment, the more severe the illness may become.

For more information on the symptoms of cat colds, you can click on "What Are the Symptoms of a Cat Cold?".