Can You Catch a Cold From Your Cat's Cuddles

Cats are beloved companions, often curling up in our laps or snuggling close on chilly evenings. If you’ve ever wondered, can I catch a cold from my cat? you’re not alone. Many cat owners worry about the possibility of catching illnesses from their furry friends, especially when both humans and cats seem to share sniffles or sneezes. This post explores whether colds can pass between cats and humans, what causes colds in cats, and how to keep both you and your pet healthy.

A cat resting comfortably on a soft blanket

Understanding Colds in Humans and Cats

The common cold in humans is caused by viruses such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and others. These viruses infect the upper respiratory tract, leading to symptoms like sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and sore throat. Humans catch colds primarily through airborne droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces.

Cats, on the other hand, can suffer from respiratory infections that look similar to human colds. These feline colds are usually caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV). Symptoms in cats include sneezing, nasal discharge, eye discharge, and sometimes fever or lethargy.

The key difference is that the viruses causing colds in humans and cats are species-specific. This means the viruses that infect humans do not infect cats, and vice versa.

Can Humans Get Cold From Cats?

The question can humans get cold from cats? is common among pet owners. The answer is no. Humans cannot catch the common cold from cats because the viruses are different and do not cross species barriers. While cats can have symptoms that look like a cold, their illness is caused by feline-specific viruses.

That said, cats can carry other zoonotic diseases (illnesses that can pass from animals to humans), but the common cold is not one of them. So, cuddling with your cat will not give you a cold.

Can Cats Catch a Cold From Humans?

Many cat owners also wonder, can cats get a cold from a human? or can cats catch colds from humans? The answer remains no. Cats cannot catch the human cold virus. Their respiratory infections come from feline viruses, not human ones.

However, cats can catch other infections from humans, such as certain bacterial infections or parasites, but these are unrelated to the common cold.

What Causes Colds in Cats?

Cats catch colds from other cats, not humans. The most common causes of feline colds include:

• Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1): This virus causes sneezing, eye and nasal discharge, and sometimes ulcers in the eyes.

• Feline Calicivirus (FCV): This virus often causes mouth ulcers, sneezing, and nasal discharge.

• Bacterial infections: Secondary bacterial infections can worsen symptoms.

• Stress and poor immunity: Cats under stress or with weakened immune systems are more prone to catching colds.

  
  

Cats often catch these viruses from close contact with other infected cats, such as in shelters or multi-cat households.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Cat

Even though you cannot catch a cold from your cat, it’s important to keep both of you healthy. Here are some tips:

• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands after handling your cat, especially if they show signs of illness.

• Keep your cat indoors: This reduces exposure to other sick cats.

• Vaccinate your cat: Vaccines can protect against some feline viruses.

• Avoid close contact if your cat is sick: While you won’t catch a cold, your cat needs rest and care.

• Maintain a clean environment: Regularly clean your cat’s bedding, litter box, and feeding areas.

  
  

A cat owner petting a relaxed cat on a couch

Signs Your Cat Might Have a Cold

If your cat shows any of the following symptoms, they might have a feline cold:

• Sneezing frequently

• Runny or congested nose

• Watery or red eyes

• Coughing or gagging

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy or unusual tiredness

  
  

If symptoms persist for more than a few days or worsen, consult a veterinarian. Early treatment can prevent complications.

Can I Get a Cold From My Cat’s Cuddles?

To directly answer the question can I get a cold from my cat? the answer is no. Your cat’s cuddles are safe and will not transmit the human cold virus. Cats do not carry the viruses that cause colds in people.

If you feel unwell after cuddling your cat, it is more likely due to exposure to other humans or environmental factors, not your pet.

When to See a Vet or Doctor

If your cat has cold-like symptoms, a vet visit is important to rule out other illnesses and get proper treatment. For humans, if you have cold symptoms, rest and hydration are key. If symptoms worsen or last more than 10 days, see a healthcare provider.

Remember, while colds are common and usually mild, both cats and humans can develop more serious respiratory infections that require professional care.

A cat lying next to tissues and a cup of tea on a table

Summary

Cats and humans can both catch colds, but the viruses involved are different and species-specific. You cannot catch a cold from your cat, and your cat cannot catch a cold from you. Understanding this helps reduce unnecessary worry and strengthens the bond between you and your feline friend.