Can Cats Get Colds?

When your cat begins sneezing, starts to sniffle, or shows watery eyes, it’s natural to wonder: can cats get colds? And if so, do they catch colds from us? In this article, we’ll break down what’s known from veterinary research about feline upper respiratory illnesses, dispel common myths, and share practical tips for immune support for cats.

What Do We Mean by “Cold” in Cats?

First, it’s important to clarify the terminology. In humans, “the common cold” is typically caused by a group of viruses (e.g. rhinoviruses, human coronaviruses). In cats, what’s commonly called a “cat cold” more accurately refers to an upper respiratory infection (URI): a group of viral or bacterial infections affecting the nose, throat, and sinuses^1,2,3,4.

Thus, when we ask “can cats get colds?”, the answer is yes. Cats get URIs that cause symptoms similar to human colds, but the causative viruses are different^1,2,3,4.

Can Cats Get Colds from Humans? Can Cats Catch Human “Colds”?

A frequent question is: “can cats catch human colds?” or “can cats get colds from humans?” The short answer is: highly unlikely.

Humans and cats tend to host very different viruses. The viruses that cause the “common cold” in humans generally do not infect cats. Some veterinary sources suggest that, in rare circumstances, cross-species transmission of certain viruses (e.g. Covid-19, H1N1 influenza A) might occur^5,6, but that is the exception, not the rule.

Cats are much more likely to pick up infections from other cats than from humans. About 90% of cases of URIs in cats are believed to be caused by infection by cat flu viruses feline herpesvirus (FHV or FHV-1) or feline calicivirus (FCV)^1,2,3,4.

URIs in cats are highly contagious among felines, particularly in environments where cats are in close proximity (shelters, boarding facilities, multi-cat households).

Jocelyn LambieJunior Nutritionist

Recognizing Symptoms of a Cat “Cold”

If your cat is experiencing a feline URI, you may notice one or more of the following signs^1,2,3:

• Sneezing or frequent sniffing

• Nasal discharge or congestion

• Watery or red eyes

• Coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing

• Fever, lethargy, reduced appetite

• Ulcers in mouth, difficulty eating (in more severe cases)

It’s important that if you notice your cat suffering from one or more of these symptoms that you contact your vet, as secondary bacterial infections or pneumonia may develop, especially in young kittens, seniors, or immunocompromised cats.

Bolstering Immune Health: Proactive Steps

Since URIs arise when pathogens overwhelm a cat’s defenses, helping a cat maintain a robust immune system is an excellent preventive strategy. While no diet or supplement can guarantee complete protection, here are evidence-based and sensible practices to offer immune system support for cats:

• Balanced nutrition: A complete and well-formulated diet gives cats the key nutrients they need to mount a healthy immune response (amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants).

• Maintain healthy body condition: Overweight or underweight cats may have weakened immunity. Maintaining a healthy body condition supports overall health and can help the immune system protect against infection and viruses.

• Maintain healthy hydration: Encourage water intake. If you feed dry food, consider adding wet food into their daily meals or using a tasty wet cat food topper to help add extra moisture to their diet.

• Reduce stressors: Stress and environmental changes often trigger viral reactivation or suppress immunity.

• Vaccination & preventive care: Some feline vaccines (e.g. for FHV-1, FCV) reduce the severity or frequency of clinical signs, though they may not fully prevent infection.

• Environmental hygiene: Keeping litter boxes, feeding areas, and rest spaces clean reduces pathogen exposure.

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Final Thoughts

• Yes, cats can “get colds,” though medically we call them upper respiratory infections (URIs).

• No, they generally do not catch colds from humans, though extremely rare cases of cross-species viral transmission are documented.

• The greatest risk comes from other infected cats, especially in crowded or stressful environments.

• You can help support your cat’s healthy immune system by offering good nutrition, rest, stress reduction, and veterinary support when needed.

By understanding how feline respiratory infections work, and by supporting your cat’s immune defenses, you empower yourself to respond wisely, ensure your cat’s comfort, and reduce the chance of more serious complications.