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Question
CAN CATS CATCH COLD FROM PEOPLE AND VICE VERSA ?
Hi Ernest. The answer is no. While most colds in cats and humans are both caused by similar viruses called corona viruses, they are different enough that cats cold viruses can only infect cats, and human cold viruses can only infect humans.
There is also "cat flu", more appropriately called calici virus, and the human flu virus, and neither of these can be passed between species, either.
There is one infection that is bacterial, feline chlamydophila, which causes cold symptoms in cats, and it can extremely rarely be passed to humans. However, it doesn't cause typical cold symptoms in people, but body aches, head ache, fever and dry cough. If you experience any of these symptoms while your cat has cold symptoms, you should see a doctor and your cat should see a vet in case you both need antibiotics.
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Answers by Expert:
Jessica
Expertise
The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.
Experience
I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.
Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience
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