Q&A for How to Treat a Cat With a Cold

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  • Question
    It's winter, and my cat has warm ears. He has a heated home, so I'm kinda confused. When he sleeps, he makes little mucus sounds when he breathes, but I don't see nasal discharge yet. Do I wait to see if he's sick, or do I take him right away to the vet?
    Dr. Lauren Baker is a Veterinarian and Assistant Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over 10 years in veterinary medicine, she specializes in the concept of “one health,” which uses insights from veterinary medicine to help human medical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, an MS in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Warm ears is not a sign of illness. If he is breathing normally, eating and drinking normally, and has no diarrhea/vomiting, etc, then I would not worry much.
  • Question
    My cat sneezes a few times per day and it's not as active as it used to be, is it sick or not?
    Dr. Lauren Baker is a Veterinarian and Assistant Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over 10 years in veterinary medicine, she specializes in the concept of “one health,” which uses insights from veterinary medicine to help human medical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, an MS in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    It sounds like it could be sick. Make sure he is eating his food and staying hydrated.
  • Question
    What temperature is a cat usually and what temperature is a cat with a cold?
    Dr. Lauren Baker is a Veterinarian and Assistant Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over 10 years in veterinary medicine, she specializes in the concept of “one health,” which uses insights from veterinary medicine to help human medical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, an MS in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    A normal temperature for a cat is 99.5 - 102.5 F. A cat with a cold may or may not have a fever.
  • Question
    My cat has had a cold for almost a month now, but I can't bring him to vet because I cannot afford it. Are there any local home remedies? I pity and am so worried about my cat. Please help me. I have 13 more cats with me right now, and I'm worried all of them will also catch the cold virus. Help please. What can I do?
    Dr. Lauren Baker is a Veterinarian and Assistant Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over 10 years in veterinary medicine, she specializes in the concept of “one health,” which uses insights from veterinary medicine to help human medical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, an MS in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    This is too long for just a cold. I’m worried your cat may have a secondary bacterial infection or something else. There are low-cost and free veterinary clinics available in many major areas.
  • Question
    Hi. Is it usual for a cat to have grumbles in their eyes like we get?
    Dr. Lauren Baker is a Veterinarian and Assistant Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over 10 years in veterinary medicine, she specializes in the concept of “one health,” which uses insights from veterinary medicine to help human medical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, an MS in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    This depends on the cat. It can be a sign of infection. If this is new for your cat, or excessive, you should have them evaluated by a vet to rule out any issues.
  • Question
    My cat has discharge in the eyes, and her breathing is off but not labored. Is she sick?
    Dr. Lauren Baker is a Veterinarian and Assistant Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over 10 years in veterinary medicine, she specializes in the concept of “one health,” which uses insights from veterinary medicine to help human medical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, an MS in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    It sounds like your cat might be sick. You should have it looked at by a vet.
  • Question
    Usually my cat is indoors. I let him out for 8 hours. He returned and is not feeling well. He's still eating well and his bowl looks normal. It appears he's trying to throw up, has one eye running, and a runny nose. When I pick him up, he's ok until I put him down, then he will cough a couple of times. He sleeps a lot, and one eye closes more than the other. Is he sick?
    Dr. Lauren Baker is a Veterinarian and Assistant Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over 10 years in veterinary medicine, she specializes in the concept of “one health,” which uses insights from veterinary medicine to help human medical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, an MS in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    This sounds like it could be more serious than a cold. You should take your cat to a vet.
  • Question
    My cat is opening her mouth to breath like a human with colds, is this normal in a cat with colds?
    Dr. Lauren Baker is a Veterinarian and Assistant Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over 10 years in veterinary medicine, she specializes in the concept of “one health,” which uses insights from veterinary medicine to help human medical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, an MS in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Open-mouth breathing is never normal in a cat and may be a sign of something serious. You should have them evaluated by a veterinarian.
  • Question
    My cat is sneezing (mostly in the morning) and has a slight discharge in its right eye, but he's eating, drinking, and chasing lizards. Is he sick?
    Dr. Lauren Baker is a Veterinarian and Assistant Scientist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With over 10 years in veterinary medicine, she specializes in the concept of “one health,” which uses insights from veterinary medicine to help human medical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, an MS in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    This can be typical in some cats that have a cold or a feline herpes infection.
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