Sneezing fits, watery eyes, a snotty nose — when a cat catches a cold, it usually means an upper respiratory infection (URI). URIs are among the most common illnesses in cats, especially kittens, shelter cats, and newly adopted cats. Most are viral — feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and calicivirus are the leading culprits — with bacteria such as Bordetella bronchiseptica or Chlamydia felis sometimes involved as primary agents or secondary invaders. Like human colds, most mild URIs resolve with supportive care, but some cats — particularly young kittens — can become seriously ill.
Symptoms of Cat URI
- Frequent sneezing and a runny nose, with clear discharge that may turn thick, yellow, or green
- Watery orpus-y eye discharge; squinting or conjunctivitis (especially with chlamydia)
- Nasal congestion — open-mouth or noisy breathing
- Loss of appetite: cats are smell-driven eaters, and a blocked nose kills their appetite
- Fever, lethargy, dehydration
- Oral ulcers and drooling (more typical of calicivirus)
- Hoarse voice or coughing
Signs usually appear 2 to 10 days after exposure. Cats infected with herpesvirus can carry it for life and relapse during stress — so “recurrent colds” are common.
When to See a Vet
Schedule a vet visit if your cat shows any of the following:
- Refusing food for more than 24–48 hours — anorexia in cats quickly becomes dangerous
- Difficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing, or panting
- Kittens with eye or nasal discharge — they dehydrate and decline fast
- Thick green/yellow discharge, high fever, or marked lethargy
- Eye infection that is painful or keeping the eye shut
- Symptoms not improving after about a week of home care
Common Vet-Directed Treatments
Most viral URIs need only supportive care, but your vet may prescribe:
- Antibiotics (such as doxycycline) when bacterial infection is suspected or secondary infection develops
- Antiviral or immune-supporting medication in severe herpesvirus cases (e.g., famciclovir, lysine supplementation — evidence varies)
- Eye ointments or drops for conjunctivitis, often antiviral or antibiotic depending on the cause
- Appetite stimulants, anti-nausea medication, or subcutaneous fluids for cats that are not eating or are dehydrated
- Humidification/nebulization guidance for congested patients
Home Care
- Steam therapy: bring the cat into a steamy bathroom for 10–15 minutes, twice daily, to loosen nasal mucus — never put the cat in the water
- Wipe crusty discharge gently with a soft cloth moistened in warm saline
- Offer warmed, strongly scented wet food (a few seconds in the microwave releases aroma) or a little tuna juice or low-sodium broth to tempt eating and hydration
- Keep the cat quiet, warm, and stress-free; minimize changes in the home
- Isolate the sick cat from other cats — URIs spread readily through droplets, shared bowls, and even human hands and clothing
- Never give human cold or pain medications — many (including paracetamol/acetaminophen) are lethal to cats
Prevention
The core FVRCP vaccine protects against the two main viral causes and dramatically reduces disease severity — keep your cat’s boosters current. New cats should be isolated for about two weeks before joining a household, wash hands after handling shelter or foster cats, and reduce stress during big household changes, since stressed carriers relapse. For multi-cat homes, keep bowls and litter boxes clean and separate for new arrivals during any outbreak.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational content only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment of your pet’s health conditions.