Getting sick isn’t fun for anyone, especially when you have to isolate yourself from others so that you don’t get them sick. Many people find comfort petting or snuggling with their cats. As a result, people have started to wonder can cats get colds from humans? To answer this question, it is important to know how colds are spread. Similar to humans, the cold virus sticks to cells in the cat’s respiratory system. These viral cells are released through coughing, sneezing, or rubbing of the nose. The cold particles can spread to another person or pet in two ways. The viral cells can attach to objects that become contaminated with the virus. Alternatively, the cold cells can be transmitted from one organism to the other through air particles (usually a sneeze).
Cat Cats Get Colds From Humans?
The simple answer is yes, but it is not common. Since we are different species, the cold virus rarely passes on to cats. It is not possible for humans to catch a cold from cats.
Cats usually catch colds when they come into direct contact with an infected cat. It spreads through the discharge of the cold virus from the infected cat’s eyes, nose, or mouth. Accordingly, it is important to keep your cat away from cats that are experiencing cold like symptoms. Young kittens and older cats are more vulnerable to a cold because they have weaker immune systems. If you or your cat has a cold, we recommend washing your hands before and after you touch it. Unlike cats, humans cannot get colds from dogs, and dogs cannot get colds from humans.
What to do if your cat has a cold:
- Keep your cat’s face clean of discharge (watery eyes, saliva, snot) by wiping it regularly with a soft cloth that is washed with warm water. You can purchase nose relief medication to help with this.
- Feed your cat a heavy meat diet
- Make sure your has clean drinking water
- Only give medication that is prescribed by your vet
- Keep your cat away from other cats
- As a precaution, keep your cat away from humans with sensitive immune systems, such as an infant or the elderly.
It is important to know that cat’s cold symptoms (Nasal/eye discharge, fever, coughing and sneezing, loss of appetite) are also symptoms of much more serious diseases and infections, including influenza, bordatella, and respiratory infection. These diseases can lead to bacterial infections such as pneumonia and rhinitis. Therefore, if your cat’s symptoms are not improving, we strongly recommend consulting a veterinarian. We also recommend that your cat gets the proper vaccinations to help prevent illness.
We also get asked Can Humans get ringworms from cats?
The answer is yes. Ringworm is not a worm, but a fungus that can be shared by humans, cats, and dogs. Ringworm is passed through contaminated objects or direct contact. Therefore, if you or your cat develops ringworm, it is very important that you get it treated immediately. You can purchase cat dewormer for less than $5.
