A cat cold, better known as a feline upper respiratory infection or URI, is a common ailment affecting a large number of cats each year. These illnesses typically display many of the same symptoms as human colds, and it is not uncommon to find your pet coughing, sneezing or displaying other signs of infection. While most of these ailments typically resolve themselves within a few days, there are ways that you can help to ease your pet's symptoms and speed up the recovery process. Here are some easy and effective home remedies for cat colds.
Humidify the Air
Felines with URIs often experience congestion and difficulty breathing. An air vaporizer or humidifier can help to increase the moisture levels in a room. This usually assists in clearing up your pet's nasal passageways, allowing him to breathe with greater ease. You can also run a hot shower in a bathroom where your cat is located, but be careful not to allow him to get wet.
Keep Your Pet's Nose and Mouth Clean
A cat with a URI may experience some amount of discharge from his mouth and nose. If you don't clean this discharge from your pet's face, it can cause irritation or further infection. Run a soft towel or sponge under warm water and gently wipe away any discharge from your pet's face. Be careful to avoid rubbing too hard, as this could cause your pet discomfort or additional irritation.
Help Your Pet to Eat as Normal
A sick cat needs to eat a regular and complete diet in order to maintain his immune system and to help his body to fight back against disease. Unfortunately, cats with URIs often lose their appetites or refuse to eat. Be aware of whether your pet is eating his food as he should, and go so far as to separate a sick cat from other pets in order to ensure that the other animals don't eat his meals. If your pet refuses to eat or is reluctant, try warming the food for a few seconds in the microwave. You may wish to experiment with other types of food as well. It's important to make sure that your cat still receives all of the necessary elements for a proper diet.
Recognize when Home Remedies Aren't Sufficient
It is crucial that you respond to your pet's symptoms and disease in appropriate ways. Home remedies should only be used when your cat has very mild symptoms. If your pet's condition worsens or persists for more than a few days, or for even a couple of days after you have attempted any of the home remedies listed above, take him to a veterinarian right away. Antibiotics are useful in treating most feline URIs. However, there are some more serious health conditions that have symptoms that resemble a URI, and only a veterinarian can help to identify your pet's disease with certainty.