How to Treat a Cat With a Cold

You can help a feline friend with a cold feel better.

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.

Things You'll Need

• Humidifier
• Canned food
• Cotton balls

Instructions

1. Encourage eating. Offer your cat canned food rather than dry because it has a stronger odor, and try feeding him a little bit of tuna. When a cat has a cold, he probably doesn't have much of an appetite. When his nose is stuffy, he can't smell his food. It is important for your feline friend to eat to keep up his strength.

2. Use a humidifier in the room with your pet. Adding moisture to the air can relieve congestion and make it easier for your cat to breathe.

3. Make sure your cat has a constant supply of fresh water. She needs to drink water to prevent dehydration.

4. Wipe any discharge from your cat's eyes with warm water and a clean, soft cloth or cotton balls to prevent it from developing a crust around the eye and nose area. Evaluate the discharge from your cat's eyes and nose; if the discharge becomes yellow or green, the cat may have an infection and should be seen by a veterinarian.

5. Prevent other cats from getting sick by keeping them in separate areas of the home until the sick cat is well again.

6. Take your pet to the veterinarian if the condition does not improve or gets worse in seven to 10 days. A cold can develop into a more serious condition, such as pneumonia, which requires medical treatment.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish