Cat Owners Alert: Signs Your Cat Is Sick with a Cold!
About Cat Cold
In veterinary medicine, the term "cat cold" does not have a clear definition. However, in human medicine, "cat cold" refers to a common acute viral upper respiratory tract infection. This condition is often caused by viruses such as rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and others, including Coxsackie virus, coronavirus, and adenovirus. The clinical symptoms of cat cold include nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and fever.
Therefore, in our daily lives, if we notice our cat showing signs of poor spirits, decreased appetite, fever, sneezing, runny nose, tearing, and redness and swelling of the conjunctiva and mucous membranes, along with increased secretions, and in severe cases, puslike discharge from the eyes, we tend to refer to it as "cat cold." There are many reasons that can lead to a cat's cold, including viral and bacterial causes. If left untreated, these can become extremely serious, leading to blindness, ulcers, and even death.
Treatment and Prevention of Cat Cold
It can be difficult to detect a cat's cold in the early stages. At this point, it's important to consider the cat's immune system and whether it has been vaccinated against the flu. Vaccinations are typically administered to minimize the symptoms of cat cold. A balanced diet can also help boost the cat's immune system, allowing it to recover naturally.
Vaccination is an effective method for preventing and treating the flu, but it should be done when the cat is healthy. It is absolutely not recommended to vaccinate a cat that is already sick with a cold. Puppies need vaccinations to help them fight off diseases, while adult cats require an annual booster shot.
Additionally, it's crucial for a sick cat to continue eating. As long as the cat is willing to eat, it's usually not a major concern. Cats rely on their sense of smell to detect food, and excessive mucus can interfere with this, making it difficult for many cats to smell the food's odor.
If a sick cat refuses to eat, it's important to take action. You can use a syringe to forcefeed the cat, or opt for canned food with a strong odor. It's also essential to ensure the cat's warmth, especially for kittens, by keeping their living environment warm during temperature fluctuations.
We hope this comprehensive guide on cat cold symptoms will be helpful to all cat lovers. Pet owners should be vigilant and seek veterinary care immediately if their cat's cold becomes severe, with a fever of 40 degrees Celsius or higher.
