Cat Cold Symptoms

This guide is for informational purposes and does not replace professional veterinary advice.

What Is a Cat Cold?

A “cat cold” — more accurately called an upper respiratory infection (URI) — is a viral or bacterial infection affecting a cat’s nose, throat, and sinuses. Despite the common name, cats don’t catch human colds (the viruses are different), and humans can’t catch cat colds. However, cat colds are highly contagious between cats, making multi-cat households and shelters high-risk environments.

URI is one of the most common feline health issues, especially in cats from shelters, catteries, or outdoor environments. The stress of rehoming can trigger outbreaks in cats carrying latent herpesvirus.

Recognizing Cat Cold Symptoms

Cat cold symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common signs include:

Source: Cornell Feline Health Center; American Association of Feline Practitioners

Emergency signs — seek immediate veterinary care: open-mouth breathing, extreme lethargy, inability to stand, no eating for 48+ hours, or blue-tinged gums or tongue.

Common Causes of Cat Colds

The vast majority of cat colds are caused by two main viruses:

• Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1 / Rhinotracheitis): Responsible for approximately 50% of URIs. Once infected, cats carry the virus lifelong. Stress can trigger reactivation and symptom flare-ups. Can cause eye ulcers (corneal ulcerations) in severe cases
• Feline Calicivirus (FCV): Responsible for about 40% of URIs. Distinctive because it often causes painful mouth ulcers. Some strains are highly virulent. FCV can survive in the environment for weeks

Other less common causes include:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica (bacterial — can cause more serious infection)
• Chlamydophila felis (bacterial — primarily causes eye infections/conjunctivitis)
• Mycoplasma species (bacterial)

Both FHV-1 and FCV spread through direct contact with infected cats or their secretions, shared food/water bowls, contaminated bedding, and the hands/clothing of people who’ve handled infected cats.

Home Care for a Cat Cold

For mild URIs, the following home care measures support recovery:

• Keep nostrils clear: Gently wipe away nasal discharge with a warm, damp cloth. A congested cat may not smell their food and stop eating
• Steam therapy: Bring your cat into a steamy bathroom (run hot shower) for 10–15 minutes, 2–3x daily to help loosen nasal congestion
• Encourage eating: Warm wet food releases more aroma and can tempt a congested cat. Try different flavors or slightly heat the food. Cats that stop eating for 48+ hours risk hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease)
• Maintain hydration: Ensure fresh water is always available. A water fountain may encourage drinking
• Keep warm and comfortable: Provide a warm, quiet resting spot away from drafts
• Isolate from other cats: URI is highly contagious — separate sick cats from healthy ones, use separate food bowls and litter boxes
• L-lysine supplement: Some studies suggest L-lysine may help reduce severity of herpesvirus outbreaks — discuss with your vet

Do NOT give your cat human cold medications — acetaminophen (Tylenol) is toxic to cats and can be fatal.

Prevention & Vaccination

The best prevention for cat colds is the FVRCP vaccine (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia). This core vaccine covers the two main URI viruses:

• Kittens receive a series starting at 6–8 weeks, boosted every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks
• Adult cats receive boosters every 1–3 years
• The vaccine reduces severity of illness but does not prevent all infections

See our complete cat vaccination schedule guide for full immunization timing. Additional prevention includes keeping cats indoors, minimizing stress, maintaining good nutrition, and prompt isolation of sick cats in multi-cat households.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Cold Symptoms