Cats colds

Emma clarke · 01-05-2013, 06:36 PM

Funny question but can cats catch human colds? I have a low immune system and am often catching colds. Obviously wash my hands and use tissues to limit the spread of germs but I've always wondered if it could spread to my cats? I have had a new cat for five weeks. i was told that he is prone to nasal discharge and had to have courses of antibiotics in the past (was told this by the rspca).But he was in his foster placement for four months and was fine. I have a cold and this week his nasal discharge started. Took him to the vets who put him on antibiotics. Stupidly didn't ask the vet as I was full of other questions. Could I have passed this to him?

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Marcia · 01-05-2013, 07:36 PM

Emma, I found this on a Cornell University website. Scroll down to the part about colds. I purposefully chose a respected educational site for this answer and not questionable internet drivel. Hope this helps. If you think you are getting a cold from your cat, it may be an allergy to his dander. Try taking a mild 24 hour allergy pill and see if that doesn't help. When my son visits I buy a week's worth of Zyrtec and he is happy all week around my 6 cats.

Zoonotic Disease: What Can I Catch From My Cat?

**marie73** · 01-05-2013, 07:39 PM

Ummmmmm, she's asking if she can give her cat her cold.....

Kitty-The-Cat · 01-05-2013, 09:04 PM

Most viruses are species-specific (or at least, genus or family-specific). Cats and humans being very different from one another, the answer is no.

Emma clarke · 01-06-2013, 12:43 PM

Aw that's reassuring to know, thank you!

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Emma clarke · 01-07-2013, 04:37 PM

Ps marcia, thanks for your post. its useful as my mum seems to be allergic to cats and can never stay at my house long as a result

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01-05-2013, 06:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
Emma clarke Kitten Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Norwich Posts: 20	Cats colds Funny question but can cats catch human colds? I have a low immune system and am often catching colds. Obviously wash my hands and use tissues to limit the spread of germs but I've always wondered if it could spread to my cats? I have had a new cat for five weeks. i was told that he is prone to nasal discharge and had to have courses of antibiotics in the past (was told this by the rspca).But he was in his foster placement for four months and was fine. I have a cold and this week his nasal discharge started. Took him to the vets who put him on antibiotics. Stupidly didn't ask the vet as I was full of other questions. Could I have passed this to him? Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

01-05-2013, 07:36 PM	#2 (permalink)
Marcia Cat Addict Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 1,686	Emma, I found this on a Cornell University website. Scroll down to the part about colds. I purposefully chose a respected educational site for this answer and not questionable internet drivel. Hope this helps. If you think you are getting a cold from your cat, it may be an allergy to his dander. Try taking a mild 24 hour allergy pill and see if that doesn't help. When my son visits I buy a week's worth of Zyrtec and he is happy all week around my 6 cats. Zoonotic Disease: What Can I Catch From My Cat? __________________ Cat owners' prayer: "Lord help me be the person my cat thinks I am"

01-05-2013, 07:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
marie73 Super Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 29,016	Ummmmmm, she's asking if she can give her cat her cold..... __________________ Marie, and Always in my heart, my lovely Cinderella, running free at the Bridge. http://www.catforum.com/forum/member...signature2.jpg

01-05-2013, 09:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
Kitty-The-Cat Tom Cat Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 418	Most viruses are species-specific (or at least, genus or family-specific). Cats and humans being very different from one another, the answer is no.

01-06-2013, 12:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
Emma clarke Kitten Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Norwich Posts: 20	Aw that's reassuring to know, thank you! Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

01-07-2013, 04:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
Emma clarke Kitten Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Norwich Posts: 20	Ps marcia, thanks for your post. its useful as my mum seems to be allergic to cats and can never stay at my house long as a result Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

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