Can Cats Catch Colds From Humans? Vet Approved Facts & Advice
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For most of us, our pets are our pride and joy, and we wouldn’t want to do anything to endanger them, which is why many people worry that when they catch a cold, they might pass it on to their pets.
Fortunately, cats cannot catch most colds from humans, as the cold virus that affects humans is not contagious to cats. Still, keep reading as we discuss whether cats can get colds at all and if there are any diseases that they can indeed catch from us.
What Is the Common Cold?
A virus called rhinovirus is responsible for the common cold in humans. It can cause a stuffy or runny nose, fever, sore throat, coughing, and sneezing, with the symptoms starting within 3 days of catching it. While there is no cure, most people recover in 7–14 days without any need for medical care unless they have other health problems. Recovery can also take longer if the person is unhealthy or smokes.
Can Cats Catch the Common Cold?
Fortunately, the rhinovirus is specific to humans, and there is no danger of it spreading to your cat or dog. While some people believe that getting extremely close to your pet while you are suffering from a cold can cause them to come down with one, no direct scientific studies support this, and even adjacent ones admit that it would be extremely rare. Therefore, there is generally no need to worry about your pet’s health if you come down with a cold.
What Is a Feline Cold?
Certain viruses affect cats in similar ways that rhinoviruses affect humans, including the feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus. Both are extremely contagious to other cats and can cause signs similar to those of a cold, including a runny nose and sneezing. However, the feline herpes virus is more serious, as it will stay with your pet for life, with clinical signs occasionally flaring up. Feline calicivirus usually clears up in 1–6 weeks, though cats may become lifelong carriers.
If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your pet, seek veterinary advice for the best course of action.
Are There Any Human Diseases That My Cat Can Catch?
Unfortunately, there are a few viruses that you might transmit to your cat, including the H1N1 virus, a.k.a. the swine flu. We may also be able to transfer COVID-19, the infection caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, to our pets.
If you come down with a strange illness, it’s best to discuss with your doctor the risks to your cat and any other animals that you might have.
Cold Preventative Measures and Best Practices
Summary
Fortunately, cats are not likely to catch your cold if you come down with one, so there is no worry about that. You will likely be healthy again in about 2 weeks, and your cat will be ready to play. If you notice your cat sneezing or having a runny nose, they may have caught a feline cold, so it can be a good idea to have them looked over by a veterinarian to help them get back to good health as soon as possible. If you have contracted a virus that cats can get, such as H1N1 virus or SARS-CoV-2, it can be a good idea to separate yourself from your pets and hire a sitter until you feel better, just to be safe.
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Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
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Ed Malaker is a veteran writer who has contributed to a wide range of blogs that cover tools, pets, guitars, fitness, and computer programming. When he’s not writing, Ed is usually performing DIY projects around the house or working in the garden. He’s also a musician and spends a lot of time helping people fix their guitars and composing music for independent films.
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