Can cats get colds?

Cats don't catch the same viruses which give us colds, but there are two viruses which cause 'cat flu' and cold-like symptoms.

Overview

The term 'common cold' refers to a group of viruses that cause cold symptoms in humans. While cats can’t catch these particular viruses, they can still get affected by two feline viruses known as feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus, which cause cold-like symptoms and can result in serious illness.

The main symptoms of a cat cold are sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose and eyes. To help prevent colds in cats, you should ensure they're vaccinated against those two viruses. Cats and humans can't give each other colds because different viruses cause them, but cat viruses are highly contagious to other cats and can spread rapidly.

Main takeaways

What is a cat cold?

How do cats catch colds

Cat cold symptoms

Treating a cat cold

What’s the difference between cat colds and cat flu?

Medically reviewed by Lizzie Youens BSc(Hons) BVSc MRCVS

Published on 08/01/2024 • Reviewed on 21/05/2024