Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Will a Humidifier Help a Cat with Congestion? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

By Patricia Dickson · Reviewed & fact-checked by Dr. Paola CuevasVet Approved
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Reviewed & Fact-Checked byDr. Paola CuevasMVZ (Veterinarian)
Dr. Paola Cuevas is the Senior In-House Veterinarian at Pangolia, the parent company of Catster. She has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian and animal behaviorist. Paola's focus is on preventive medicine and animal welfare. Paola has a large range of skills in from diagnostic imaging to nutrition and clinical pathology. Paola enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge of animal training with our Catster readers and is always happy to answer reader questions as our in-house veterinarian.View authorThe information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Read about our vets
Share
cat sitting near humidifier

We all have childhood memories of having a cold, being congested, and our moms dragging out and plugging in the humidifier to loosen up the congestion and help us breathe. In fact, most of us have done it for our kids. However, as pet parents, is using a humidifier for a cat safe? Will a humidifier help a congested cat?

The answer is yes, it is safe to use a humidifier, and it will help with your cat’s congestion. We’ll give you the signs of a cat cold and tell you more about how to take care of it below.

divider 3 paws

Is a Humidifier Safe For My Cat?

Yes, humidifiers are safe to use around your cat. The ultrasonic cool humidifiers are safer since they do not have heating elements. Just plug in the humidifier in an area where your cat can’t knock it over, and let the healing begin.

What Is a Cat Cold?

Much like a human cold, a cat cold produces similar signs. It’s caused by a virus that affects felines, and your kitty will be miserable, but a humidifier can help.

Eye discharge in old brown cat
Image Credit: RJ22, Shutterstock

What Are the Signs of a Cat Cold?

Here are a few signs you should watch out for if you think your cat has a cold.

  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Discharge from the nose
  • Fever
  • Congestion
  • Extreme tiredness

These effects usually go away within 7 to 10 days. If they continue after the 7 to 10 days, contact your vet to figure out what’s going on with your feline pal.

How to Treat Your Cat’s Cold & Congestion

You already know that a humidifier can help relieve your cat's congestion. However, what if you don’t have a humidifier? You don't need to buy a humidifier to help your cat, and here are a few ways you can relieve their congestion.

  • When you take a shower, let your cat into the bathroom with you. The humidity from the hot water should help the congestion.
  • Ensure your cat has a warm, dry place to sleep and play.
  • Keep your cat inside until the cold has run its duration.
  • Contact your vet if the signs persist longer than they should.
Image Credit: Mariia Boiko, Shutterstock
divider 2 cats

Final Thoughts

Humidifiers help congested humans, and they do the same for felines with colds, congestion, and other respiratory conditions. If your cat’s condition worsens over time, it’s best to make an appointment with your vet to determine if there’s another underlying cause for your cat’s congestion.

Cats get colds just as humans do. The best thing you can do for your cat is to relieve the congestion, keep them indoors until the cold has run its course, and keep them in a safe, cozy, comfortable, dry space until they feel better. Don’t forget the love and pampering; soon, your cat will be as good as new.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Marina Demeshko, Shutterstock

Expert cat care, straight to your inbox

Vet-reviewed advice, behavior tips, and the best of Catster. Free, and you can unsubscribe anytime.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

Patricia Dickson
Authored by

Patricia Dickson

Join the conversation

Ask a question, share your story, or send private feedback.

Rate this post
Required to post. Only our editors see your rating.
Who should see this?

A human reviews every comment before it appears. Your email is never published.

Can Cats Get Colds? Vet-Approved Signs & Treatments

Can Cats Get Colds? Vet-Approved Signs & Treatments

Cat colds exist, but they are most often referred to as upper respiratory infections. Cats can get some of the signs of a cold similarly to what humans get, th…

Jordin Horn
By Jordin Horn ·
Is a Humidifier Safe for My Cat? (Potential Risks & Crucial Safety Tips)

Is a Humidifier Safe for My Cat? (Potential Risks & Crucial Safety Tips)

For certain households, using a humidifier is a necessity during the winter months. But maybe you have a new cat or are thinking about purchasing your first hu…

Kathryn Copeland
By Kathryn Copeland ·
How Long Do Cat Colds Last? Causes, Signs, & Treatments

How Long Do Cat Colds Last? Causes, Signs, & Treatments

Just like us, our cats can get the sniffles here and there. Respiratory illnesses are among the most common things that can go wrong with cats, and severe case…

Ashley Bates
By Ashley Bates ·
Feline Upper Respiratory Infection: Vet Reviewed Causes, Signs & Care

Feline Upper Respiratory Infection: Vet Reviewed Causes, Signs & Care

Respiratory infections are unfortunately pretty common in cats, but are they something your cat will get over, or do you need to take them in to see the vet? A…

Kerry-Ann Kerr
By Kerry-Ann Kerr ·

Why Does My Cat Have a Stuffy Nose? 9 Vet Reviewed Reasons

If your cat has suddenly started sneezing and has trouble breathing through their nose, you might be a bit worried. Cats end up with sniffles and stuffy noses,…

Lorre Luther
By Lorre Luther ·
Why Does My Cat Have a Stuffy Nose? 9 Vet Reviewed Reasons

Congestive Heart Failure in Cats: Vet-Reviewed Facts & When to Euthanize

Being a cat parent comes with many ups and a few unfortunate downs. We do our best to take care of our cats so they can live long and healthy lives, but health…

Kathryn Copeland
By Kathryn Copeland ·
Congestive Heart Failure in Cats: Vet-Reviewed Facts & When to Euthanize

Are Diffusers Safe for Cats to be Around? Vet-Approved Science & Safety Guide

It may surprise you to learn that cats primarily interpret the world from their nose. This is because, like many other animals, their sense of smell is stellar…

Christian Adams
By Christian Adams ·
Are Diffusers Safe for Cats to be Around? Vet-Approved Science & Safety Guide

Can Cats Catch Colds From Humans? Vet Approved Facts & Advice

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 col…

Ed Malaker
By Ed Malaker ·
Can Cats Catch Colds From Humans? Vet Approved Facts & Advice

Cat Flu: Causes, Signs & Treatments (Vet Answer)

Your cat has what you can only describe as the sniffles. They have a runny nose and watery eyes, and you're sure you just heard a sneeze. Do cats get the flu?…

Dr. Samantha Devine
By Dr. Samantha Devine ·
Cat Flu: Causes, Signs & Treatments (Vet Answer)

How to Clean a Cat’s Nose: Vet Approved Step-By-Step Guide

As a pet parent, you do everything for your cat, from feeding them to grooming and taking them to the vet. When your cat has a stuffy nose, whether from being…

Patricia Dickson
By Patricia Dickson ·
How to Clean a Cat’s Nose: Vet Approved Step-By-Step Guide

What to Do When Your Cat Has an Asthma Attack: Vet Approved Tips

It may be a surprise to learn that just like people, cats can have asthma, and it can be a frightening experience when your cat suddenly suffers from an asthma…

Kathryn Copeland
By Kathryn Copeland ·
What to Do When Your Cat Has an Asthma Attack: Vet Approved Tips

Why Are Cats' Noses Wet? Vet-Approved Feline Anatomy Facts & When to Worry

A cat’s nose can occasionally be used as a reasonable indication of their health, but this can be quite variable and should not be fully relied upon. It depend…

Christian Adams
By Christian Adams ·
Why Are Cats' Noses Wet? Vet-Approved Feline Anatomy Facts & When to Worry

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert cat care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on feline behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.

You may opt-out at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

The Catster site on a phone