can cats get colds

Cats can indeed get colds, but these are not the same as human colds. Cats experience upper respiratory infections often referred to as "cat colds," which are usually caused by viruses like the feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. These infections cause symptoms similar to human colds, such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, mild fever, and sometimes reduced appetite or coughing. Cat colds are contagious among cats but are not transmissible to humans. Most cat colds resolve within about a week to 10 days, though complications like secondary bacterial infections or pneumonia can sometimes occur. Vaccines exist to help reduce the severity and frequency of these infections in cats. Providing a warm, comfortable environment and proper care can help a cat recover from a cold.