Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
Entry 341Filed under Breeding

Can Cats Catch Colds From Humans? What Cat Owners Need to Know

An ordinary human cold is not known to routinely infect cats. Learn how feline respiratory infections differ from influenza, COVID-19 and H5N1, and when to contact a veterinarian.
4-minute read By Animalso Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Your ordinary cold is not known to routinely infect cats, but some other respiratory viruses can pass from people to cats. A cat’s “cold” usually means an upper respiratory illness caused by feline pathogens—not the same illness a person has. Human influenza and SARS-CoV-2 are separate exceptions, and H5N1 avian influenza is a serious, distinct risk.

What a “cat cold” usually means

Feline upper respiratory infections can look much like a human cold. Cornell’s Feline Health Center identifies feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus among the causes of respiratory signs in cats; its respiratory infections page, updated June 2018, also discusses other infectious agents. These are not proof that a person’s ordinary cold has infected the cat.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Signs can include sneezing, coughing, clear or colored discharge from the eyes or nose, conjunctivitis, mouth ulcers, lethargy, and reduced appetite. Symptoms alone cannot identify the cause, and a person’s illness cannot diagnose a cat’s illness. Cornell’s overview of feline respiratory infections describes these signs and the infections that may cause them.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Can a person pass a respiratory virus to a cat?

The available sources do not establish that ordinary human common-cold viruses routinely infect domestic cats. They also do not prove that this is impossible. Keep ordinary colds distinct from influenza, COVID-19, and avian influenza: those are different pathogens with different evidence and risks.

#1 Best Overall
24-in-1 Dog Vitamins and Supplements 200 Ct Dogs Multivitamin Chewable Contain Chondroitin Probiotics Omega-3 Glucosamine for Dogs Skin Coat Heart Joint Gut Liver Brain Eyes Immune Support - Chicken
  • Dog multivitamins chewable for skin & coat : Dog multivitamin is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E,which can relieve skin allergies,dryness,itching and other problems.Multivitamin for dogs nourishes skin follicles.Long-term consumption of dog vitamins multivitamin can make dog hair stronger and smoother,and reduce coat loss.The COQ10 in dog multivitamin chewable can resist oxidation and delay cell aging.Dogs with skin injuries can eat dog vitamins and supplements to promote wound healing
  • Dog multivitamin relieves joint inflammation: Dog vitamins for hip and joint can supplement high-quality MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate to promote cartilage development and repair. Long-term consumption of dog multivitamins chewable can enhance the elasticity and toughness of joint cartilage, improve joint flexibility, and move more freely. Dog multivitamin chews can reduce joint friction and relieve joint pain. Dog vitamins and supplements can prevent and improve dog joint problems
  • Dog multivitamin chews are good for the gut: Vet-endorsed formula dog vitamins and supplements made from natural ingredients.Dog vitamins multivitamin chewables contain a rich blend of probiotics to support intestinal and digestive health.Dog vitamins for small dogs can regulate the balance of intestinal flora,help calcium absorption,and promote bone development.Dog multivitamins chewables improve energy metabolism,converting food into energy, making dogs more energetic in their daily activities
  • Dog multivitamin chews protect overall health:Senior dog vitamins and supplements help improve blood circulation and prevent cardiovascular disease.Dog multivitamins chewable support normal liver function,promote liver detoxification,and improve negative mood.For dog with heart problems and older dog,taking dog vitamins and supplements in moderation is an auxiliary health care measure.Dog vitamins multivitamin helps enhance white blood cell activity,improve immunity,prevent infection and disease
  • Dog multivitamins chewable promote brain development: The DHA in krill oil in multivitamin for dogs is an important component of the brain and retina. Dog vitamins and supplements can improve dog cognitive ability. When training puppies to learn basic commands, puppies who are properly supplemented with dog vitamins multivitamin will behave more intelligently and improve memory.Dog supplements & vitamins can prevent and relieve eye problems such as dry eyes and tear stains, and keep eyes healthy
Illness or virus What the evidence says How to interpret it
Ordinary human cold The sources reviewed do not directly settle whether human rhinoviruses or other ordinary cold viruses infect domestic cats. Routine transmission is not established; do not treat that as proof of impossibility.
Human influenza Cornell’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center documented influenza in one cat with respiratory illness, fever, and radiographic pneumonia. Its May 25, 2018 update identified the virus as seasonal human H1N1; the owner had been ill the prior week. A documented cross-species case, not evidence that ordinary colds commonly infect cats.
SARS-CoV-2 A Cornell explainer published April 20, 2020 said available data suggested a cat in Belgium had been infected by its owner and that transmission from people to cats appeared possible. Dated evidence of possible human-to-cat infection; it does not establish current prevalence or current public-health advice.
H5N1 avian influenza Cornell says cats are susceptible and illness can be serious or life-threatening. The page lists multiple possible exposure routes, including infected people and their clothing. A distinct, potentially severe risk—not an ordinary cold. Cornell says human-to-cat transmission had not been definitively identified in the current outbreak but should be considered possible.

Human influenza

The H1N1 case is a concrete example of human influenza infecting a cat. Cornell’s broader respiratory infections page, updated June 2018, also says some avian and canine influenza viruses can infect cats from humans and dogs, respectively. These reports show why “no respiratory virus can pass between people and cats” is too broad; they do not make ordinary cold transmission routine.

Read Cornell’s Feline Influenza Virus case report for the diagnostic-center account and its dated sequencing update.

Rank #2
Zesty Paws Dog Vitamins - Dog Multivitamin Chews, Chicken, 90 Ct
  • 8-in-1 Formula - Zesty Paws Multifunctional Bites are functional supplement chews with premium ingredients that support physical performance, antioxidants, hip & joint, heart, immune, skin, liver, & gut health for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
  • Skin Health & Antioxidants – For animals with sensitive skin, this formula contains Cod Liver Fish Oil and Vitamin E to help maintain normal moisture and CoQ10 to help reduce oxidative stress.
  • Hip, Joint & Performance Support - Each dog chew features OptiMSM, a premium form of MSM for muscular support, which works synergistically with the Glucosamine HCl and Chondroitin Sulfate in these chews for hip and joint support plus Cod Liver Oil and B-Complex Vitamins support normal physical performance.
  • Gut Health & Probiotics - These chews also contain a six-strain Gut Health Blend (500 million cfu per chew) and a Digestive Health Blend to promote gut flora while supporting normal bowel function for dogs.
  • Heart, Liver & Immune Health - Multifunctional Bites feature powerful antioxidants, premium CoQ10, Cod Liver Oil and Vitamins A, C, & E to promote healthy cardiovascular function, support liver health and enhance immune response.

SARS-CoV-2

The Cornell COVID-19 page was published on April 20, 2020. It reported that people could infect cats and said there was no evidence at that time that cats passed SARS-CoV-2 to people. That statement is specific to the evidence available then, not a current assessment of transmission or guidance. For household precautions, follow current public-health advice rather than relying on a 2020 page.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

See Cornell’s dated explainer on COVID-19 and cats.

Rank #3
Dog Vitamins and Supplements 250 Chews - 26 in 1 Dog Multivitamin Soft Chews with Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Probiotics, Omega 3 - Hip & Joint, Skin & Coat, Immune Support - Chicken Flavor
  • COMPLETE 26-IN-1 DAILY WELLNESS FORMULA: Our advanced multivitamin for dogs is formulated to help support 26 vital nutritional areas as part of a daily routine. With essential vitamins A, C, D3, and E, these gummies help support the immune system and contribute to overall heart and brain health for dogs of all sizes.
  • ADVANCED HIP AND JOINT MOBILITY SUPPORT: Formulated with Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin, and MSM to help support cartilage health, joint flexibility, and everyday mobility — making them a great daily supplement for large breed dogs and active senior dogs.
  • SKIN & COAT SUPPORT: Packed with Norwegian Salmon Oil and Biotin, our dog multivitamin helps nourish skin from within and supports a soft, glossy coat. Omega 3 fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and coat as part of a complete daily nutritional routine.
  • PROBIOTICS & DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Features a Six-Probiotic Blend (500 Million CFU) and Digestive Enzymes to help support gut health, smooth digestion, and nutrient absorption. Cranberry Powder is included as part of this comprehensive daily wellness formula.
  • UNBEATABLE VALUE 250 COUNT JAR: Our 250-count jar provides lasting daily support in a delicious chicken flavor. Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility, our soft chews are grain-free and suitable for puppies, adult, and senior dogs alike.

H5N1 avian influenza

H5N1 is not a common cold. Cornell’s H5N1 guidance lists possible exposure from raw, unpasteurized cow’s milk; raw meat or poultry; infected livestock or poultry and their environments; wild birds; and infected people and their clothing. The page says the illness can be serious or life-threatening and that human-to-cat transmission in the current outbreak had not been definitively identified, though it should be considered possible.

To reduce exposure, Cornell advises keeping cats indoors and away from sick or dead birds and livestock or poultry environments; avoiding raw meat-based foods and treats, including freeze-dried raw products, and unpasteurized dairy; and washing hands and changing clothing and footwear after contact with livestock, poultry, wild birds, other animals, or bird feeders. See Cornell’s H5N1 guidance for cats for its current precautions and outbreak-related information.

Rank #4
Nutramax Cosequin Joint Supplement for Dogs, Chewable Tablets, 132ct
  • Joint Health Supplement for Dogs: Cosequin is the #1 vet recommended retail joint health supplement brand, supporting joint health in dogs for over 25 years
  • Contains Glucosamine for Dogs: Cosequin contains glucosamine hydrochloride (FCHG49) and sodium chondroitin sulfate (TRH122), plus methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). This unique combination of ingredients supports healthy joints
  • For Any Breed or Size: Whether you have a young or senior dog, a small or large breed, Cosequin helps support their joint health
  • Tasty Chews for Daily Use: Cosequin comes in a tasty chewable tablet, making daily administration easy and convenient
  • Exceptional Quality: Cosequin is backed by science, undergoing thorough quality inspections to ensure your dog receives a safe, high-quality product. It is manufactured in the United States with globally sourced ingredients
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What to do if your cat seems sick

Contact a veterinarian about concerning signs

Respiratory signs can have different causes and cannot be diagnosed from appearance alone. Contact a veterinarian if your cat is unwell, especially if signs are worsening or the cat is eating poorly. Difficult or rapid breathing warrants prompt veterinary attention. Do not give human cold medicines or supplements as treatment; ask a veterinarian what care is appropriate for your cat’s illness and severity.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Cornell notes that maintaining nutrition and hydration is important in feline herpesvirus and calicivirus infections. It also describes lysine supplementation for feline herpesvirus as controversial, citing studies suggesting it may not work and may worsen symptoms or viral shedding. Do not assume a supplement is helpful without veterinary advice.

Best Value
Omega 3 for Dogs - Fish Oil for Skin & Coat Health, Itch & Allergy Support
  • Itch & Allergy Relief with Omega-3 for Dogs - with 500mg of Omega (EPA+DHA) per serving, our chewable supplement helps with hot spots, dry itchy skin, ease itching, irritated skin, stops shedding.
  • Skin & Coat + Hip & Joint Supplement Combined - Omega 3 is a vital element to keep your pet active, support healthy hip and joints, brain, heart, immune health. Can be served with regular pet food.
  • Bark&Spark Commitment - we are keen to give best to our furry customers and we take NO compromise when it comes to product quality. Our omega 3 bites are made in the USA, with human grade ingredients.
  • Up to 3 Month Supply - with 180 salmon oil treats per jar you keep your pet healthy while not spending a fortune on overpriced supplements. Best value.
  • Is Your Dog a Picky Eater? We stick to simple formulas rich in natural flavors, that could tempt a fussy eater. No hassle with pills, powder, tablets or capsules.

Call before going in if H5N1 is possible

If your cat may have been exposed to H5N1 and develops signs of illness, isolate the cat, wash your hands before and after care, and call the veterinary clinic immediately before bringing the cat in. The clinic can prepare appropriate precautions.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from Field Notes

  1. Entry 01Disaster Preparedness for Pets: What to Plan and PackBreeding6 min
  2. Entry 02Holiday Pet Safety Tips: How to Keep Dogs and Cats Safe Through the HolidaysBreeding7 min
  3. Entry 03What to Buy for a New Rescue Dog: A First-Week Essentials GuideBreeding3 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.