can cats catch colds off humans ?

Question

I ask this question because I have a bad cold and sore throat and I have just got a 9 week old kitten and I am really concerned.

Answer 1

No. For one thing, cat's just do not get 'colds'. If your cat is ever sneezing or has a runny nose, this is a serious infection like cat flu or something.

There are very, very few viruses that cats and humans share. Even the herpes virus that cats get is not the same as ours.

You didn't catch a cold and sore throat off your cat, and she won't catch it from you. But if she's 9 weeks old she's old enough to be vaccinated, so do this to prevent her from catching cat flu!

Chalice

Answer 2

Yes some can, but not all infections can jump species, so your kitty is probably safe. To be safe don't kiss your kitties nose while you (or they) are under the weather - I'm sure I've given a few colds to my cats by doing this.

The term for infections jumping species is called "Zoonosis" and some notable varieties include SARS, anthrax, and the avian flu. Of course these are the big baddies that make the news but other less destructive "common cold" viruses exist too.

Additionally, cats tend to not show symptoms of being sick, until they are feeling really bad. Often, one system will compensate for another until it fails resulting in a cascade of system failures. Be aware of your cat spending more time alone, or "acting out" such as not using the litter box when they go. These are big clues that they aren't feeling well and should be acted on rather than waiting for the behavior to pass.

Answer 3

No, the cat can't catch a cold from you, only from other cats.

If you got the kitten from a shelter, you might want to keep an eye on it. Check for sneezing or coughing, a discharge from the nose or from the eyes. Since your kitten is so young, you'll have to take it to the vet to get checked out if any of those symptoms start. Colds aren't really fatal, but their young age tends to make them vulnerable to pneumonia and other such diseases, so your vet might put the kitten on antibiotics for a few days, just to be safe. A lot of shelter kittens can catch a Upper Respiratory Infection (ie a cold) really easily from being in contact with so many other cats from all over the place. If you got the kitten from a private home, or a pet store, then it's probably okay.

Answer 4

Cats do not become ill from to the human Influenza Virus (flu), but can become infected with other feline viruses (Calicivirus, Feline Herpesvirus, Rhinotracheitis), causing illnesses which have been referred to as "cat colds" in the past. These cat viruses are distinct from human Rhinovirus, or cold virus to which cats are also not susceptible. A so-called cat cold is not the same illness as a human cold and for this reason the use of the term is now discouraged. Like cats, dogs are not affected by human flu and cold viruses, but have their own set of viruses (Parainfluenza and Adenovirus) which exhibit similar symptoms.

Sneezing, sore throat, and nose and eye discharge may be related to infections of the nasal cavity, sinuses, and eyes caused by all types of infectious agents (bacteria, virus, or fungal), so laboratory tests may be required to identify the culprit.

Note that the streptococcus bacteria group is found in humans and in the canine and feline species. In pets, this germ sometimes causes sore throat and other symptoms including weakness, fading puppies and kittens, tonsillitis and shock. Note that dogs and cats can carry the strep type A bacteria without showing signs, and are thought to be a source of human infections. Humans, however, are not thought to be a source of infection for pets. When conducting a diagnostic evaluation of a sick dog or cat, a veterinarian will consider bacterial infections as another possible source of illness.

Dogs and cats that are "under the weather" should be seen by a veterinarian for a professional assessment. The veterinarian may recommend laboratory tests, and will prescribe supportive therapy for a patient with viral infections causing flu-like or cold-like symptoms.

Answer 5

Yes, cats can get colds but not from you. A cat cold is caused by different viruses and bacteria. You also cannot catch a cold from your cat. It's is called a cat upper respiratory infection, but people generally only call it a "cold" if it's one of the milder kinds.

The symptoms
They're pretty much the same thing you would expect from a person. Sneezing, coughing, a runny nose, discharge from the cat's nose, and trouble breathing.

Answer 6

I had REALLY bad flu in February, I even had to take a couple of days off work. Jet felt so sorry for me that he licked my nose. No signs of him having had the flu.

In fact, no cat I've had has ever shown signs of a cold or a flu and I've had cats for 20 years and cuddle them closely when I'm feeling miserable.

Answer 7

No cats dont catch colds

Answer 8

if its just a normal cold then no but they can catch cat flu which is highly contatious and life threatening.

But as it sounds as though it is a normal cold no need to worry, just make sure that kitty has all the vaccines she/he is needing or is ready for!! :)

Answer 9

I think they can because whenever I seem to get a cold my cat has a sneeze. However, don't worry about your kitten if it's strong and healthy it'll be fine.

Answer 10

No, the human cold viruses cannot be passed to cats... but I've just read that they can be passed to guinea pigs!