Success Story: Tinkerbell and Fluffy

Sneezing, snot running out from your nose, coughing, fever, sore throat, and the sniffles. Sounds like a typical cold. And that’s exactly what Tinkerbell and Fluffy caught.

Just like humans, cats can get colds. Tinkerbell and Fluffy are so close that they shared this nasty cold. Their mom noticed that they were sneezing more than normal, and just weren’t up to their usual playful selves. She took them to the vet, where they were treated for a sinus infection, but she couldn’t afford the medicine to help it clear up. She later had to take the cats back to the vet, and decided to reach out to Fur Kids Foundation for help. At the second trip, the cats were diagnosed with nasal mites; and on top of the cold symptoms, Tinkerbell was also showing symptoms of a urinary tract infection.

We are happy to report that they now have their medication and are on the mend.
When a cat gets a cold, or an upper respiratory infection, it’s a lot like when you get a cold. And, like in humans, a cold is caused by a viral infection that is followed by a bacterial infection. However, you cannot give a cold to your cat, and your cat cannot give you a cold. Symptoms include:

1. coughing or sneezing
2. dehydration
3. discharge from the nose and eyes -- this may be watery or bloody, or thick and colored clear, yellow or green
4. fever  
5. loss of appetite
6. loss of energy or hiding more than usual
7. swelling of the eyes

Be sure to provide you cat with plenty of fresh food and water--perhaps even encourage them to eat more by putting out wet or canned food. You can also wipe away any discharge from the eyes and nose with a moistened cotton ball to keep them clean. A healthy cat can often fight the symptoms of a cold on their own; however, if your cat’s symptoms get worse, or if they are under 6 months old, be sure to take them to the vet in order to get better.
Check out these other blogs that talk about colds in cats:

1. Banfield Pet Hospital: Can cats catch colds?
2. Pet Health Network: Feline upper respiratory infection

If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help families with animals, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. The money helps families during a time when they may not be able to afford adequate veterinary care. Check out more Success Stories.