How can I tell if my six-month old cat has a cold? It sneezes quite often, but its nose isn't runny.
It is possible that your pet has a cold. Sneezing typically indicates some kind of nasal irritation. This could be due to a viral or bacterial upper respiratory infection, inhaled foreign material such as dust, or allergies. You should take your cat to a veterinarian to have him evaluated and, if necessary, treated.
Viral upper respiratory infections in the cat frequently cause sneezing. They are also often accompanied by watery discharge from the eyes or nose. Viral infections tend to last about a week, and symptomatic treatment is generally all that is necessary.
If your pet's appetite is off, it is likely because the cat cannot smell its food, and thus will not eat. You can try to help out your stuffy cat by providing it with tuna and other strong-smelling foods. Heating such food in the microwave will make it more aromatic, but always test the food first to make sure that it is not too hot.
Viruses are everywhere. They can be transferred through the air or via shoes, clothing, or hands that have come in contact with them. Most viruses, such as the cold and flu viruses, are host specific; human viruses are not transferable to your pet and vice versa.
If clinical signs such as pawing at the face, fever, lethargy, thick mucus from the eyes or nose, and decreased appetite are present, you need to take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
10/13/03
