Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Take care of your cat at home
• Method 2 of 3: Get help from the vet
• Method 3 of 3: Avoid recurrence

A cold in cats is often a simple respiratory infection, but that is why the cat still needs to be treated. This article will help you recognize the symptoms and take care of your sick cat.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Take care of your cat at home

1. Recognize the symptoms. Cold symptoms in a cat can be caused by a bacterial infection or a virus. Watch for symptoms such as sniffing, sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, pus around the eyes, labored breathing, and lethargic behavior, all of which may indicate a cold.
2. Keep the humidity in the house up to standard. Higher humidity will help your cat breathe better when sick. If possible, use a humidifier or steam your cat in the bathroom a few times a day for 10-15 minutes at a time.
   • Some cats don't like to be locked up. They may then howl and / or scratch the door. If your cat can maintain this for longer than 3-5 minutes, you should no longer force it. This can cause stress that aggravates illness and slow recovery.
3. Thoroughly clean your cat's face. When your cat is sick you may notice discharge in the eyes, nose and ears. Take a damp washcloth a few times a day and wash your cat's face while whispering soothing words.Cats respond to the pitch of your voice and it keeps them calm while you perform this unpleasant task.
   • Use warm water. Make sure the water is neither too hot nor too cold as this can have a shocking effect on your cat.
4. Encourage your cat to eat. When cats are sick, they may not feel the need to eat. However, it is important for them to get enough nutrients to stay strong during their illness. Cats often lose their appetite when they are not feeling well and then leave their food which they would have greedily gulped the day before. If your cat isn't interested in its food, try heating it up a bit in the microwave. This makes the food smell more strongly what your cat might eat anyway. You can also try to give your cat special, tasty food that is more likely to eat it.
5. Keep pets separate. If you also have other pets, you could keep them separate. Such infections are contagious during the incubation period which can last 2-10 days.
   • Your pet may be lethargic and will eat more slowly than usual. Keeping other animals at a distance while eating reduces the likelihood of them eating the sick cat's food before he finishes it.
6. Provide plenty of water. Have fresh, clean water available at all times. A sick cat should stay hydrated. Pay attention to the water container and change or refill it in time if necessary.

Method 2 of 3: Get help from the vet

1. Determine if your cat needs to see a vet. In general, infections last between 7-21 days. A minor infection often clears up on its own. Under certain circumstances, however, you should see a vet.
   • If your cat's cold doesn't go away in 5-7 days, you will need to see the vet.
   • Also see the vet if your cat is not eating or has a lot of trouble breathing.
2. Make sure you've taken the tests to determine the underlying cause. Various illnesses can cause cold symptoms to appear in a cat. Depending on your cat's other symptoms and risk factors, your vet will test for other illnesses. Don't hesitate to ask your vet about ways to diagnose and treat your cat.
   • A complete blood test should be performed to rule out blood-related diseases.
   • Chemical tests are used to determine liver and kidney function.
   • Electrolysis tests can be done to check for dehydration and balance disorders.
   • Urine tests are there to check for urinary tract infections and kidney problems.
   • And if your vet suspects something more serious, he can test for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) or Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV).
3. Make sure your cat gets the necessary medication. Depending on the cause of your cat's symptoms, the vet may prescribe medication. When this happens, make sure to administer them exactly as directed. Ask your vet any questions you may have about the medications before you go home. Make sure your cat gets the full course of treatment as directed, even if the symptoms have disappeared.

Method 3 of 3: Avoid recurrence

1. Vitamin C. Unlike humans, "cats and dogs are able to obtain the necessary amount of Vitamin C by converting glucose from their diet or what is produced by the liver". Research shows that a vitamin C supplement can help with a number of medical conditions.
   • Discuss the possibility of giving this nutritional supplement with your veterinarian. Make sure the cat is not suffering from or has not suffered from urinary oxalate (urinary) stone formation. While this is a great therapeutic additive, it will not be suitable for all pets.
   • Do not give vitamin C without talking to your vet first, especially if your cat has health problems or is on medication.
   • Get your cat vaccinated. Make sure you are up to date with your cat's vaccinations. Vaccinations help prevent the most common illnesses and infections that can lead to colds and cold problems. Check with your vet every year to see if your cat needs new vaccinations.
2. Keep your cat indoors. The common cold is usually transmitted through contact with other cats. The best way to avoid this is to keep contact with outside animals to a minimum. So keep your cat indoors and away from strange, possibly unvaccinated cats. If they do come out now and then keep an eye on them.