Can Cats Get Colds From Humans?

Last Updated on July 31, 2025 by James Kim

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Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet for your cat’s specific needs.

As a loving cat parent, it’s only natural to worry about your feline friend’s health—especially when you’re feeling under the weather yourself. You might find yourself curled up on the couch with tissues in hand, wondering: Can my cat catch this cold from me? The idea that our pets might be susceptible to human illnesses is a common concern, and one that sparks many myths and misunderstandings.

While cats can suffer from respiratory infections that resemble human colds—like sneezing, runny noses, and watery eyes—the truth is a bit more nuanced when it comes to whether or not those sniffles can be passed between species. In this post, we’ll dive into the science behind feline colds, explain how they differ from human viruses, and help you understand when your cat is truly at risk (and when you can stop worrying). By the end, you’ll know exactly how to protect your cat during cold and flu season—and separate fact from fiction.

What Is a Cold in Humans vs. Cats?

To understand whether cats can catch colds from humans, it helps to first understand what a “cold” actually is—both for us and for our feline companions.

In humans, the common cold is usually caused by one of several viruses, such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, or adenoviruses. These viruses target the upper respiratory tract and cause symptoms like sneezing, coughing, sore throat, congestion, and fatigue. Human colds are highly contagious—but only among humans.

Cats, on the other hand, experience similar cold-like symptoms, but their illnesses are caused by completely different viruses. The most common culprits behind a cat cold (medically referred to as an upper respiratory infection, or URI) include:

  • Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1)
  • Feline calicivirus (FCV)
  • Chlamydia felis
  • Bordetella bronchiseptica

These feline-specific pathogens can spread between cats, particularly in multi-cat households, shelters, and high-stress environments. However, they are not known to affect humans.

So while a cat and a human might both sneeze and look miserable, they’re fighting entirely different infections—ones that are not cross-contagious.

Can Cats Catch a Cold From Humans?

The short answer is no—cats cannot catch a cold from humans. The viruses responsible for human colds are species-specific, meaning they are adapted to infect only humans and not animals like cats. Your runny nose and sneezing may seem like a threat to your cat, but in reality, those symptoms are caused by viruses that your feline friend’s immune system simply doesn’t recognize—or respond to.

While you might feel like you’re protecting your cat by keeping your distance when you’re sick, rest assured that your common cold won’t make your cat sick. That said, it’s still good hygiene practice to wash your hands before petting or feeding your cat when you’re under the weather, especially if your cat has a weakened immune system or other underlying health issues.

That being said, there are a few rare exceptions involving different viruses. For instance, some strains of influenza (like H1N1) have shown the ability to jump from humans to cats under unique circumstances. These cases are extremely uncommon and usually occur in situations where the cat has had prolonged, close exposure to a sick human.

So while your everyday sniffles and coughs are no danger to your cat, it’s wise to stay informed and cautious—particularly during widespread flu outbreaks.

Are There Any Human Illnesses That Can Affect Cats?

While the typical cold isn’t something you can pass on to your cat, there are a few rare but noteworthy exceptions where illnesses can move between species. These are known as zoonotic diseases—infections that can be transmitted between humans and animals.

For cats, the list of illnesses they can catch from humans is very short. However, here are some potential concerns to be aware of:

  • Influenza (Flu): Certain strains, such as H1N1 (swine flu), have been documented in rare cases to pass from humans to cats. This generally occurs when a cat is in very close contact with a sick person, especially in confined indoor spaces. Symptoms in cats may include fever, lethargy, and respiratory distress.
  • Ringworm: This is a fungal infection, not a worm, and it can spread between humans and cats. If you have a ringworm infection, it’s important to avoid close contact and keep the affected area covered.
  • MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus): Cats can carry MRSA after contact with an infected human, though they often show no symptoms. The bigger risk is transmission from cats to humans, particularly those who are immunocompromised.

While these examples are uncommon, they highlight the importance of practicing good hygiene when you or someone in your household is sick. Always wash your hands before touching your cat’s food, litter box, or bedding, and avoid face-to-face contact if you’re dealing with anything beyond a simple cold.

Most importantly, if your cat starts showing signs of illness while you’re recovering from a virus or infection, consult your veterinarian right away. They can help determine if it’s coincidental or possibly linked to your health.

How Cats Catch Colds: Common Causes

Although your cat won’t catch a cold from you, they’re still susceptible to catching colds—from other cats. Feline colds, or upper respiratory infections (URIs), are highly contagious among cats and often spread in environments where multiple cats are kept together, such as shelters, rescues, catteries, or multi-cat households.

Here are some of the most common ways cats catch colds:

  • Cat-to-Cat Contact: Direct contact with another infected cat is the most common transmission route. This includes grooming, playing, or sharing food and water bowls.
  • Airborne Transmission: Sneezing and coughing can release virus particles into the air, which other cats can then inhale—particularly in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.
  • Shared Objects (Fomites): Bowls, bedding, litter boxes, toys, or even human hands that have come into contact with an infected cat can serve as transmission points for viruses or bacteria.
  • Stress and a Weakened Immune System: Stress—such as moving to a new home, visits to the vet, or changes in routine—can weaken a cat’s immune system, making them more vulnerable to catching a cold.
  • Lack of Vaccination: Cats that are not vaccinated against common respiratory infections (like FHV and FCV) are far more likely to get sick if exposed.

Even indoor-only cats can catch colds if exposed to infected cats during vet visits, boarding stays, or when new cats are introduced into the household without proper quarantine.

Symptoms of a Cold in Cats

Just like humans, cats show a range of signs when they’re battling a cold. These symptoms typically affect the upper respiratory tract and can range from mild to severe depending on the cat’s immune system and the strain of virus or bacteria involved.

Common signs of a cold in cats include:

  • Sneezing: One of the first and most noticeable signs.
  • Runny Nose: Clear discharge may turn cloudy or colored with infection.
  • Watery or Goopy Eyes: Often accompanied by redness or swelling.
  • Coughing or Wheezing: May indicate post-nasal drip or deeper respiratory involvement.
  • Nasal Congestion: You might hear sniffling or see your cat breathing through its mouth.
  • Loss of Appetite: Cats rely heavily on smell to eat; nasal congestion can interfere with feeding.
  • Lethargy: Reduced energy levels and increased sleeping.
  • Fever: May cause the cat to hide more or feel warm to the touch.

Most feline colds are mild and resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days, but they can sometimes develop into more serious conditions like pneumonia or secondary bacterial infections.

Important Note: If your cat stops eating for more than 24 hours, has difficulty breathing, or becomes unusually withdrawn, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How to Protect Your Cat During Cold and Flu Season

Even though your cat can’t catch your cold, cold and flu season still brings risks—especially if your cat is older, has a chronic condition, or lives in a multi-cat household. Here are some practical steps you can take to keep your feline friend healthy and resilient:

1. Practice Good Hygiene

  • Always wash your hands before handling your cat’s food, toys, or medications if you’re feeling ill.
  • Avoid sneezing or coughing directly near your cat.
  • Disinfect shared surfaces and high-touch areas if you’re recovering from any illness.

2. Clean Shared Items Regularly

  • Sanitize water bowls, food dishes, and litter boxes frequently, especially if you have multiple cats.
  • Wash bedding, blankets, and soft toys weekly using pet-safe detergent.

3. Reduce Stress in the Home

  • Stress weakens your cat’s immune system. Keep routines consistent and provide hiding spots or enrichment to help your cat feel secure.
  • Minimize loud noises and disruptions, especially if guests or children are present more often during winter months.

4. Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations

  • Ensure your cat is vaccinated against feline herpesvirus and calicivirus, which are the most common causes of cat colds.
  • Talk to your vet about booster schedules, especially for indoor/outdoor cats or those exposed to new animals.

5. Create a Warm and Comfortable Environment

  • Keep your home cozy—especially for short-haired or senior cats.
  • Avoid drafts and provide heated beds or warm resting areas.

By creating a low-stress, hygienic environment and maintaining up-to-date preventative care, you significantly lower your cat’s chances of catching a cold—even if others in the home are sick.

What to Do If Your Cat Seems Sick

If your cat starts showing signs of a cold—like sneezing, watery eyes, or lethargy—it’s important to monitor their symptoms closely and take appropriate action to prevent complications.

1. Monitor Symptoms for 1–2 Days

  • Mild symptoms like sneezing or a runny nose may pass on their own.
  • Keep an eye on your cat’s energy levels, appetite, and bathroom habits.

2. Encourage Food and Water Intake

  • Cats with stuffy noses often lose interest in food. Try warming their wet food or offering strong-smelling options like tuna to entice eating.
  • Keep fresh water available and consider adding a pet-safe electrolyte solution if they’re dehydrated.

3. Isolate if You Have Other Pets

  • Separate your sick cat from other cats to prevent spreading infection—especially in a multi-cat household.
  • Don’t share litter boxes, food bowls, or toys between healthy and sick cats.

4. Reduce Stress

  • Give your cat a quiet, comfortable space to rest. Avoid unnecessary handling or changes to their routine.

5. Contact Your Veterinarian

  • If symptoms last more than a few days, or your cat refuses food, has breathing issues, or develops discharge from the eyes or nose, seek veterinary care.
  • Your vet may recommend supportive treatments like fluids, antibiotics (for secondary bacterial infections), or antivirals.

Catching feline respiratory issues early can help your cat recover faster and avoid more serious health issues down the line.

Myth-Busting: Human Colds, COVID-19, and Your Cat

In recent years, especially since the global COVID-19 pandemic, many pet owners have been concerned about whether their cats could catch illnesses like COVID-19—or even the common cold—from humans. Let’s separate fact from fiction.

Myth: Cats Can Catch the Common Cold from Humans

False. As explained earlier, human cold viruses are species-specific and do not infect cats. Your sneezing and coughing may look similar to feline cold symptoms, but the viruses are completely different.

Myth: COVID-19 Can Easily Spread to Cats

Partially true, but extremely rare. According to the CDC and AVMA, there have been isolated cases of cats testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), likely after prolonged exposure to an infected human. However:

  • Most cats showed mild or no symptoms.
  • There’s no evidence that cats play a significant role in spreading COVID-19 to humans.

If you test positive for COVID-19, it’s recommended to:

  • Avoid snuggling, kissing, or sharing food with your cat.
  • Wear a mask and wash hands before handling pet supplies.
  • Let someone else in the home care for your cat if possible.

Myth: You Should Get Your Cat Tested for COVID or Colds

False. Routine testing is not recommended unless advised by your veterinarian. Most feline respiratory illnesses are caused by common feline viruses like herpesvirus or calicivirus, not human illnesses.

By staying informed and keeping a clear head during cold and flu season, you can ensure both you and your cat stay healthy and stress-free.

Conclusion

While it’s natural to worry about your cat’s health when you’re feeling under the weather, you can breathe a sigh of relief—cats cannot catch a cold from humans. The viruses that cause human colds are different from the ones that affect cats, and cross-species transmission is extremely rare. That said, your cat can get a cold from other cats, especially in environments like shelters or multi-cat households.

The best way to protect your cat during cold and flu season is through good hygiene, a stress-free home, regular vaccinations, and prompt attention to any signs of illness. If your cat does show symptoms like sneezing, congestion, or loss of appetite, monitor them closely and don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet.

By staying informed and proactive, you can help your feline companion stay healthy, happy, and comfortable—no matter what’s going around the household.

Keep Your Cat Healthy Year-Round

Now that you know your cold won’t harm your cat, take the next step in supporting their overall health and immunity. Explore more expert-backed guides on keeping your feline companion thriving in every season:

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