The common cold is a mild upper respiratory infection caused by specific human viruses, primarily Rhinoviruses, Coronaviruses, and Adenoviruses. These pathogens cause symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and a sore throat in people. The straightforward answer is no; the viruses that cause the human common cold are highly species-specific and cannot be spread by cats.
Why Human Colds Stay Human
Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that must invade a host cell to replicate. To initiate an infection, a virus must attach to a specific receptor site on the host cell surface, acting like a key to a lock. Human cold viruses, such as Rhinoviruses, have evolved to bind to receptors found predominantly on human respiratory cells.
These receptors are structurally different or absent on the cells of a cat’s respiratory tract. This biological barrier, known as species specificity, prevents human cold viruses from gaining entry into feline cells. Cat respiratory viruses are similarly adapted to feline receptors, which protects humans from catching their illness.
The Illnesses Cats Actually Get
When a cat exhibits signs resembling a human cold, such as sneezing or a runny nose, they are likely suffering from Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (FURI), often called “cat flu.” This condition involves inflammation of the nose and throat, causing symptoms that mimic a mild cold. The most common viral agents responsible for FURI are Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV). These two viruses account for approximately 90% of all feline upper respiratory infections.
FHV-1 often causes conjunctivitis, or inflammation of the membranes lining the eyelids, and can lead to corneal ulcers. FCV frequently results in ulcers on the tongue or palate, which may cause drooling and a reduced appetite. Both infections are highly contagious among cats, spreading through discharge and aerosolized droplets from sneezing. While the symptoms look familiar, these pathogens are completely different from those that cause human colds and pose no threat to people.
General Hygiene When Pets Are Sick
Although the common cold is not transmissible between species, practicing good hygiene is a precaution when any pet is sick. A cat with FURI may develop secondary bacterial infections, which can sometimes be transmissible to humans.
The most important action is washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling a sick cat, especially after cleaning discharge or touching their face. Limit close face-to-face contact, such as allowing the cat to lick your face, until they recover.
If you have other cats, isolating the sick animal is recommended to prevent the spread of FHV-1 or FCV. Regularly cleaning shared surfaces, bedding, and food bowls with an appropriate disinfectant also helps limit the environmental spread of pathogens. Contact a veterinarian if your cat shows signs of lethargy, stops eating, or has difficulty breathing, as this indicates a more severe infection.