Feline colds are similar to human flu because they often require little medical attention to recover.
Is she contagious?
Cats' ability to infect others depends on who she shares space with. If she lives with other cats, then yes, they can catch her upper respiratory tract infection. However, you and the rest of her human family are safe. According to doctors, viruses that attack cats do not affect humans, and human viruses do not affect cats. The medical center notes that although upper respiratory tract infections in cats are highly contagious, most domestic cats have a small chance of getting an infection.
Viral infections
Highly contagious herpesvirus and calicivirus account for almost 90 percent of upper respiratory tract infections in cats. Both viruses have symptoms similar to the common cold, including sneezing, runny nose and nasal discharge. Herpesvirus can also cause significant eye infections. If a cat is vaccinated regularly, it is likely that it has been vaccinated against these two viruses in its main vaccinations. Vaccination may not keep her from contracting the virus, but it will reduce the symptoms she experiences if she does get infected. Herpesvirus can stay for 18 hours on any surface, and calicivirus can exist for up to 10 days, so if you interact with an infected cat, you may unknowingly bring the virus home with you.
Bacterial infections
Few upper respiratory tract infections in cats are caused by bacteria, however, if a cat develops a bacterial infection, it is probably mycoplasma, bordetella or chlamydia. Mycoplasmosis and chlamydia have similar symptoms: runny nose, sneezing and conjunctivitis. Bordetella turns into coughing or vomiting, as if something is stuck in the animal's throat. Of these three, mycoplasma is the most common bacterium that cats become infected with. There are vaccinations against bordetella and chlamydia, but they are usually not used because they have side effects.
Treatment
Bacterial infections are usually successfully treated with antibiotics. More common viral infections often resolve on their own within a week or 10 days. If a cat has a cold, nasal drops will make it easier for her to breathe, and it is useful to periodically clean her nose with a damp cotton swab. If she has a severe infection and is not eating, is breathing heavily or has a fever, she will need medical attention. An infection that goes too far can lead to ulcers in the eyes, nose or mouth, dehydration or other problems. In such cases, the veterinarian often prescribes antibiotics to help prevent the development of one of the bacterial infections.
Prevention
Upper respiratory tract infections tend to occur in large cat populations such as animal shelters or kennels, however, a domestic cat may develop a cold. If the cat catches it, keep it away from its healthy neighbors during recovery. Thoroughly wash the bedding, bowls, or toys she shared with her feline friends with a diluted bleach and water solution. You will also have to follow hygiene rules, wash your hands thoroughly and change your clothes after handling it. If the cat and her housemates are domestic cats, their risk of catching a cold is quite low. sensuelas.com
Is she contagious?
Cats' ability to infect others depends on who she shares space with. If she lives with other cats, then yes, they can catch her upper respiratory tract infection. However, you and the rest of her human family are safe. According to doctors, viruses that attack cats do not affect humans, and human viruses do not affect cats. The medical center notes that although upper respiratory tract infections in cats are highly contagious, most domestic cats have a small chance of getting an infection.
Viral infections
Highly contagious herpesvirus and calicivirus account for almost 90 percent of upper respiratory tract infections in cats. Both viruses have symptoms similar to the common cold, including sneezing, runny nose and nasal discharge. Herpesvirus can also cause significant eye infections. If a cat is vaccinated regularly, it is likely that it has been vaccinated against these two viruses in its main vaccinations. Vaccination may not keep her from contracting the virus, but it will reduce the symptoms she experiences if she does get infected. Herpesvirus can stay for 18 hours on any surface, and calicivirus can exist for up to 10 days, so if you interact with an infected cat, you may unknowingly bring the virus home with you.
Bacterial infections
Few upper respiratory tract infections in cats are caused by bacteria, however, if a cat develops a bacterial infection, it is probably mycoplasma, bordetella or chlamydia. Mycoplasmosis and chlamydia have similar symptoms: runny nose, sneezing and conjunctivitis. Bordetella turns into coughing or vomiting, as if something is stuck in the animal's throat. Of these three, mycoplasma is the most common bacterium that cats become infected with. There are vaccinations against bordetella and chlamydia, but they are usually not used because they have side effects.
Treatment
Bacterial infections are usually successfully treated with antibiotics. More common viral infections often resolve on their own within a week or 10 days. If a cat has a cold, nasal drops will make it easier for her to breathe, and it is useful to periodically clean her nose with a damp cotton swab. If she has a severe infection and is not eating, is breathing heavily or has a fever, she will need medical attention. An infection that goes too far can lead to ulcers in the eyes, nose or mouth, dehydration or other problems. In such cases, the veterinarian often prescribes antibiotics to help prevent the development of one of the bacterial infections.
Prevention
Upper respiratory tract infections tend to occur in large cat populations such as animal shelters or kennels, however, a domestic cat may develop a cold. If the cat catches it, keep it away from its healthy neighbors during recovery. Thoroughly wash the bedding, bowls, or toys she shared with her feline friends with a diluted bleach and water solution. You will also have to follow hygiene rules, wash your hands thoroughly and change your clothes after handling it. If the cat and her housemates are domestic cats, their risk of catching a cold is quite low. sensuelas.com
