Click to Skip Ahead
We all have childhood memories of having a cold, being congested, and our moms dragging out and plugging in the humidifier to loosen up the congestion and help us breathe. In fact, most of us have done it for our kids. However, as pet parents, is using a humidifier for a cat safe? Will a humidifier help a congested cat?
The answer is yes, it is safe to use a humidifier, and it will help with your cat’s congestion. We’ll give you the signs of a cat cold and tell you more about how to take care of it below.
Is a Humidifier Safe For My Cat?
Yes, humidifiers are safe to use around your cat. The ultrasonic cool humidifiers are safer since they do not have heating elements. Just plug in the humidifier in an area where your cat can’t knock it over, and let the healing begin.
What Is a Cat Cold?
Much like a human cold, a cat cold produces similar signs. It’s caused by a virus that affects felines, and your kitty will be miserable, but a humidifier can help.
What Are the Signs of a Cat Cold?
Here are a few signs you should watch out for if you think your cat has a cold.
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Discharge from the nose
- Fever
- Congestion
- Extreme tiredness
These effects usually go away within 7 to 10 days. If they continue after the 7 to 10 days, contact your vet to figure out what’s going on with your feline pal.
How to Treat Your Cat’s Cold & Congestion
You already know that a humidifier can help relieve your cat’s congestion. However, what if you don’t have a humidifier? You don’t need to buy a humidifier to help your cat, and here are a few ways you can relieve their congestion.
- When you take a shower, let your cat into the bathroom with you. The humidity from the hot water should help the congestion.
- Ensure your cat has a warm, dry place to sleep and play.
- Keep your cat inside until the cold has run its duration.
- Contact your vet if the signs persist longer than they should.
Final Thoughts
Humidifiers help congested humans, and they do the same for felines with colds, congestion, and other respiratory conditions. If your cat’s condition worsens over time, it’s best to make an appointment with your vet to determine if there’s another underlying cause for your cat’s congestion.
Cats get colds just as humans do. The best thing you can do for your cat is to relieve the congestion, keep them indoors until the cold has run its course, and keep them in a safe, cozy, comfortable, dry space until they feel better. Don’t forget the love and pampering; soon, your cat will be as good as new.
Featured Image Credit: Marina Demeshko, Shutterstock
I have a question about using a humidifier for my cat. I use it for a few days she starts coughing and has asthma symptoms. I use it for a few hours and it loosened up the mucous and once it's off she sneezes the boogies out. but once it's off for 5 + hours she gets congested again what would be a happy medium? her vet said what she has is genetic not anything contagious. I don't know how to stop it. I gave her Azithromycin.5 ml once a day for 10 days. after it was finished ( the medicine) it started back up 2 weeks later.
I don't know what to do. she is 16.5 years old. otherwise she is healthy. she isn't eating much canned bc of congestion. but drinking normally.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.
Sincerely, Tracy Laux
Hi Tracy Laux, if what she has is not contagious, then there is no need to give her antibiotics. If increasing humidity levels helps her, you can also try bringing her inside the bathroom every time you have a steamy shower or try a non-medicated nasal spray. If you have any further questions about these methods, please don’t hesitate to contact www.pangovet.com. Thanks