Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Cats are mysterious creatures. Many cat habits baffle human owners, such as the ritual of shaking their feet when they go out in the cold. Cats, however, don't always perform this ritual. When they do, they usually have good reasons.
Frostbite is a medical condition that occurs when exposure to the extreme cold has occurred for an extended period of time. Small or young animals, such as kittens, can be particularly prone to developing frostbite. Frostbite can cause damage to appendages (toes), ear flaps, the nose and the tail, which may require surgical amputation.
Upper respiratory infections (URIs) in cats are frequently diagnosed and highly contagious. They're similar to the common cold in humans, and while there's no drug that cures them, there are several ways to support your cat and promote recovery. For example, your cat may need medications and supplements to help it stay comfortable and ensure it's getting the nutrients it needs. The more severe the infection is, the more intensive your cat's treatment.
Cats are able to catch colds just like humans. These colds usually are not life-threatening. They may be caused by bacterial or viral infections. Colds can be treated using vitamins, mineral or herbal remedies. Take your cat to a veterinarian if she develops serious or recurring conditions, as this may indicate more dangerous respiratory problems.
Just as common allergens can cause you to have watery eyes and the sniffles, your cat is also susceptible to allergic reactions. The severity of the symptoms depends on whether your kitten was exposed to the allergen from skin contact, or if the allergen has made its way into the kitten's system through inhalation. Medication in the form of oral or injected steroids are available at the veterinarian, who may also run blood tests to determine what causes the allergic reactions.
Like humans, cats can occasionally get a stuffy nose, either from a cold or an allergy. This can be unpleasant for the cat, making it reluctant to eat, since cats are attracted to food largely by smell. Fortunately, treating your cat's stuffy nose is not too difficult. Keep in mind that a cold can sometimes turn into something worse, which means that if your cat starts wheezing or develops a fever you should immediately take it to a veterinarian.
Frostbite occurs when the blood vessels near the surface of a cat's body part--typically the ears, tail or feet--constrict to conserve heat. With less blood finding its way to the body part, the skin tissue itself can freeze and die. To determine if a cat suffers from frostbite, check the temperature and color of its ears. If the ear is cold, gray, pale and hard, the cat probably has frostbite. The ear may also redden if it is beginning to thaw. In this case, the ears may appear swollen and hot.
The feeling of helplessness you experience when you watch your beloved family cat fall victim to the unexpected symptoms of hypoglycemia is frightening. Recognizing these symptoms early can mean the difference between treating your cat while the hypoglycemia is easy to overcome, and seeing the condition reach a more dangerous and costly stage.
Puppies catch colds much the way people do--from contact with bacteria or airborne viruses that enter the nasal passage. A puppy with a cold will sneeze. His eyes will water and nose will run, which causes him to paw or lick his face for relief. When a cold goes untreated for a long period of time, it weakens the puppy’s immune system, making him susceptible to a more serious respiratory infection, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. For this reason, consult a veterinarian if your puppy’s cold symptoms persist for a week or longer or when his breathing becomes so restricted…
Cat URIs, also known as feline upper respiratory infections, are more common when cats are stressed and crowded together, but a URI can strike any cat. Kittens, due to their immature immune systems, are more vulnerable than adult cats. Knowing the symptoms of a feline URI will help you get your cat to the vet for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Don't try try to treat your cat with home remedies, and never give your cat human medications unless your vet advises it. The Cat Site warns that acetaminophen and aspirin can be fatal to cats.
Cold sores are painful and annoying, even for cats. They are caused by the feline herpes virus and can affect any cat during any point in its life. Feline herpes is a recurring disease that once contracted has no cure. Cold sores are unpleasant and chronic, but not lethal.
The herpes virus in cats is responsible for respiratory illnesses and infections and other eye conditions. Cat or feline herpes is known by many other names, such as feline viral rhinopneumonia (FVR) and feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1). FHV-1 can infect only cats, meaning any other creatures that live with an infected cat, such as humans or dogs, are safe from the contagion.
Cats can catch respiratory infections and viruses, but few are at risk because they have to catch them from an infected animal or their toys and dishes. Some cats contract a virus that causes a cold, while other colds are caused by bacterial infections. If colds are untreated, cats can develop pneumonia. Cat owners should keep their pets warm, dry, and hydrated and take them to the veterinarian if symptoms don't go away.
Cats get colds, just like people do. You know how you feel when you're all stuffed up and miserable, so you can imagine how your furry friend feels. The cold usually clears up on its own within a week or so, but there are a few steps you can take to help your feline friend get well.
Cats get colds just as humans do, and it is just as uncomfortable for them as it is for us. Under most circumstances, colds are not dangerous to otherwise healthy cats, but there are several ways you can help your kitty recover quickly and completely.
Frostbite is as much a concern for cats as it is for humans when they venture into subzero temperatures. It is even more harmful for cats because they do not have the ability to bundle themselves up when they go out into freezing weather. However, if your cat does get frostbite, there are treatments.
Though a cat's nose does indicate its general well being, a dry nose does not necessarily point to any kind of serious illness. Knowing what is normal for any individual pet is key.
Upper respiratory infections are quite common in cats. Just like people, cats can come in contact with highly contagious viruses that result in cold and flu like symptoms. A congested cat's symptoms can include coughing, sneezing, runny eyes and, in some cases, labored breathing. Congestion usually is not serious, but kittens and elderly cats are at higher risk and should be taken to a veterinarian right away. The following information will walk you through how to treat a congested cat.
Congestion in cats is nothing to sneeze at. While the illness causing the congestion may be relatively minor, cats need to be able to smell their food to be willing to eat. If the cat’s nose is so stuffy it can’t smell its food and refuses to eat, it can quickly develop hepatic lipidosis, a life-threatening liver condition. Congestion in cats is most often caused by an upper respiratory infection, which is similar to a cold in humans. However, a sinus infection or tumor in the nose or mouth can also cause congestion.
While cats cannot catch the same virus that causes human colds, they can catch different types of respiratory illnesses that seem like a cold. Symptoms of these illnesses present themselves anywhere between two days and two weeks after the cat is exposed to the virus. The "cold" usually begins with sneezing and progresses to conjunctivitis, eye and nasal discharge, and in severe cases even mouth breathing. According to writers at the website www.cat-health-guide.org, the illness can last up to four weeks, depending on the virus that caused it.
Cats, like humans, are susceptible to the common cold. Feline cold symptoms are similar to those in their human owners, and treatment consists of antibiotics. Generally, cat colds will run their course without incident.
Cat colds, also known as URIs (upper respiratory infections), are common in both indoor and outdoor cats. Healthy cats can get over a cold in a few days but some cats, including kittens and seniors, may need assistance.
A running, mucus-secreting eye is, well, unsightly on your cat. Although commonly referred to as a "cold in the eye," the condition is almost always conjunctivitis, according to vets at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include fever, sneezing, general lethargy and discharge from both the eye (or eyes) and nose. Conjunctivitis can be caused by several diseases, but the most common are chlamydiosis and herpesvirus. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat the cat, but there are natural strategies that can help.
A cat with cold symptoms is likely suffering from an upper respiratory infection. Most of these infections are caused by the feline herpesvirus or the feline calicivirus. Your cat with cold symptoms should see a veterinarian to make sure that he has a viral upper respiratory infection, as opposed to a different problem, such as pneumonia or a vaccine reaction. If you absolutely cannot see a vet promptly, home care may be sufficient to help your cat recover.
Most often when a cat has a stuffy nose, the animal has an upper respiratory infection or allergy. In most instances, it is safe to treat the condition at home. If your cat doesn't respond to home care, however, or the symptoms of the illness worsen, take your pet to a veterinarian. In addition to some extra TLC, there are quite a few ways to safely alleviate your cat's stuffy nose at home.
When a cat has a stuffy nose, it is most often due to an upper-respiratory infection. In most instances, an upper-respiratory infection in a cat is equivalent to a common cold in people. This kind of infection can be treated safely at home, unless the cat doesn't respond to the treatment or unless the animal's symptoms become worse. Keeping a cat's nose clean is a primary concern if your cat has an infection.
If your cat is sneezing or has a runny nose, your cat may be suffering from nasal congestion and an accompanying upper respiratory infection. Both are common in cats and are generally similar to a cold in humans. Unless your cat doesn't respond to home treatment for her nasal congestion, or unless her nasal congestion is accompanied by more severe symptoms, you can effectively and safely treat the condition at home.
An upper respiratory infection in cats is equivalent, in most instances, to a human cold. Your cat may even have many of the same symptoms you have when you have a cold, including runny eyes and nose, sneezing and loss of appetite. Even with treatment, you cat's cold symptoms will usually last a week or more. You can treat your cat's upper respiratory infection at home as long as the infection responds to home treatment within seven days, and as long as symptoms do not become worse.
Runny eyes and nose in cats may indicate serious health problems. Keep your cat healthy by seeing a veterinarian as soon as you notice discharge around your cat's eyes or nose.
A cat's ears are one of the most sensitive parts of its body. Changes in ear temperature can be completely harmless or can be cause for concern.
If your cat has a runny nose, eye discharge, a mild fever and sneezing you're likely to refer to the symptoms as a cold. Your veterinarian will call it an upper respiratory infection. In most instances, you can treat your cat's cold at home. If your cat's condition doesn't improve within a week of beginning treatment or if the symptoms worsen, you should take your pet to a veterinarian.
Your cat has begun to sneeze and become congested and you're afraid he has a cold. You do want to help your cat feel better. Take him to the vet and get a definite diagnosis of an upper respiratory infection (URI). Your vet will advise you to make your cat as comfortable as you can. You also have some simple remedies at your disposal that might help him fight the cold off more effectively.
Cats, just like their owners, may sneeze from time to time, and the sneezing may have several causes. Most cat sneezing is due to nothing more than an allergen in the air. For instance, your cat may sneeze when you smoke, or it may sneeze because of fine particles of dust that waft into the air from scoopable cat litter. Cat breeds with flat faces are more likely to get allergens and irritants into their noses and sneeze than other cats. There are also other, more serious causes for a cat's sneezing.
Vets commonly get phone calls from cat owners saying that their cat has a cold. Cat colds are caused by bacteria infection in the nose. A cat will show symptoms two to 17 days after being exposed to an infected cat.
You're worried your feline has contracted a kitty cold. You aren't sure if you should take her to the vet, though, because the cold does not seem to be very serious. But if it's clear she's in discomfort, there are things you can do from home to make her more comfortable while she rides out the cold.
When cats are sick, they often try to hide it. As an astute owner, you'll still be able to tell when your cat might be having a problem by watching for telltale symptoms. Colds are a common illness among cats, and they have some very obvious symptoms if you know what to look for. While colds are not usually dangerous, they may need treatment if they don't resolve on their own. This prevents them from turning into something more serious.
Cats may appear to be "crying" when clear, green or yellow discharge leaks from the corners of their eyes. This is usually accompanied by sneezing and a nasal discharge. These are symptoms of a feline upper respiratory infection or "kitty cold." These infections are viral and usually last seven to 10 days. Cats with upper respiratory symptoms should visit a veterinarian and take antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections that could become severe or even fatal.
Sneezing and nasal discharge in cats is not uncommon. Sometimes it's just a seasonal allergy or "cold," such as humans experience. A general rule of thumb is that if the discharge is clear, you can safely treat your pet at home--as long as the illness responds to your treatment.
A cat's stuffy nose could be caused by allergies, dust or a cold virus. Vacuum carpets thoroughly, up to twice a day, if allergies are the culprit. Humidity and saline irrigation of the nose will help ease stuffy nose symptoms, but cannot cure an upper respiratory infection (URI), also called rhinotracheitis. Cats can develop secondary infections on top of the URI, and these must be treated by a veterinarian with antibiotics.
Cats don't tend to sneeze all that often. While sneezing could be caused by dust or other debris that tickled their noses, sneezing could be caused by a cat cold or upper respiratory infection (URI). Because URIs are caused by a virus, like human colds, it should generally be allowed to run its course. However, to relieve symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose, there are a several herbal remedies you can provide to your cat.
Just like humans, cats can get colds. The differences between human colds and cat colds are the viruses that cause them. Cats contract feline viruses that cause colds, yet the symptoms are generally the same as human colds and include sneezing, coughing, eye discharge, runny nose, and a mild fever. Most cat colds can easily be treated in the home. However, a cat that is exhibiting moderate to severe cold symptoms should be taken to a vet so antibiotics can be prescribed.
Feline cold and flu viruses, or upper respiratory infections (URIs), cause symptoms similar to those in humans suffering from those ailments. Your ailing cat might exhibit lethargy, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, runny eyes, coughing or fever. Cats with a stuffed-up nose will probably also have little appetite. Although all URIs should be checked out by a veterinarian, there are some treatments you can do at home. Read on to learn how to treat cat cold or flu.
The best way to treat a cat with a cold is by going to the veterinarian to get an antibiotic. Treat a cat with a cold with tips from a cat behaviorist in this free video on cat care.
According to the Second Chance veterinary site, respiratory infections are one of the most common triggers for sneezing in cats. These infections are the equivalent of a cold in a human and are caused by airborne bacteria and viruses to which the cat may be exposed. They can also get an infection from cats that are already sick. Kittens and older cats are particularly susceptible to these infections. Sometimes sneezing is the only symptom, although infected cats may also have a fever and conjunctivitis.
No matter how cautious you are, your cats are going to get sick, even if it's only every once in a while. If your cat gets a cold, perhaps the easiest thing to do is take it to a vet; she'll have the most effective, safe ways to treat the cold. There are some things you can do at home though, which I'll talk about here.
The death of a pet can be particularly traumatic as pets are most often viewed as being part of the family. If you sense that your cat is ailing, take it to an animal hospital immediately. If you, however, find your cat seemingly deceased, then check for the following physical symptoms for a definitive answer.
If your cat just sneezes once and a while, it probably is not a reason for your concern. A cat can sneeze just as a person sometimes sneezes due to dust or a piece of lint tickling its nose. However, if your cat sneezes all the time you should consider taking it for a check-up to a licensed veterinarian, especially if the sneezing is accompanied by other symptoms. What else causes a cat to sneeze?
Cats cannot catch colds from humans, nor can humans catch colds from cats. However, cats can share their viruses with each other. When your cat has cold symptoms, you may want to take it to a veterinarian for a checkup. Cold symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, coughing, runny nose or drooling can be symptoms of an upper respiratory infection that requires antibiotic treatment. A coughing cat may be suffering from cat influenza, heart disease or internal parasites, so err on the side of caution and take your cat to a veterinarian. While your cat's cold may not be serious, it…
Because cats have protective fur, we don't normally think of cold weather as being a threat to them. But cold weather can actually be quite dangerous for your cat. Exposure to the cold for long periods of time can cause a cat to experience hypothermia, a condition which could lead to death. Use the tips below to make sure you know how to care for your cat in cold weather.
Although cats don't usually have as many eye problems as do dogs, when they do contract an infection, the results can be lasting. Conjunctivitis occurs when the pink part of the eye, which lines the white sclera, becomes red and inflamed. If you suspect your cat might have conjunctivitis, read the following.
