Can a Dog Catch a Cold from a Cat? A Dog Lover‘s Guide

As a lifelong dog lover and pet parent, I know how strong the bond between a pup and their family can be. Our furry friends bring us endless joy, comfort, and companionship. So when they‘re not feeling well, it can be incredibly stressful and worrying.

One common concern for those of us with multi-pet households is whether illnesses can spread between species. If you have both a dog and a cat, you may have wondered: Can my dog catch a cold from my cat?

The Basics of Dog and Cat Colds

First, let‘s define what we mean by a "cold." In both dogs and cats, the term usually refers to an upper respiratory infection caused by various viruses and bacteria. The most common signs of a cold include:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Nasal and eye discharge
• Congestion
• Fever
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy

Colds are very contagious between animals of the same species. They spread through direct contact, respiratory secretions, and contaminated objects like food bowls, bedding, and toys.

Causes of Colds in Dogs

According to a comprehensive review in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, the most prevalent viral and bacterial causes of canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), also known as "kennel cough," include:

• Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV): 19.4-39.1%
• Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2): 5.0-12.9%
• Canine distemper virus (CDV): 1.2-11.3%
• Canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV): 8.0-59.1%
• Canine influenza virus (CIV): 0.7-23.4%
• Canine herpesvirus type 1 (CHV-1): 2.0-18.7%
• Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria: 5.2-78.7%
• Mycoplasma cynos bacteria: 0.5-45.4%

As you can see, the incidence varies quite a bit depending on the pathogen and study population. But overall, these bugs are widespread in places where dogs congregate, like kennels, daycares, and shelters.

Causes of Colds in Cats

Cats also have their own set of respiratory pathogens. A 2019 study in The Veterinary Journal found the following prevalence in shelter cats with signs of upper respiratory infection:

• Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1): 47%
• Feline calicivirus (FCV): 32%
• Bordetella bronchiseptica: 19%
• Mycoplasma felis: 18%
• Chlamydia felis: 3%

FHV-1 and FCV are by far the most common primary causes of feline upper respiratory infection complex (URTD). Stress plays a big role in triggering viral reactivation and clinical signs, which is why cats in shelters, boarding facilities, and multi-cat households are at higher risk.

Can Dogs Catch Colds from Cats?

Now to answer the burning question: Can your dog catch a cold from your sniffly kitty? The short answer is that for most respiratory pathogens, transmission between dogs and cats is unlikely.

The viruses that most commonly cause colds in cats (FHV-1, FCV) cannot infect dogs. Similarly, dogs cannot pass their main cold-causing viruses like CIV and CPIV to cats. These bugs are simply too specialized to jump between different animal species.

However, there are a couple exceptions to this general rule. The bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma have been known to spread between cats and dogs in close contact, although it seems to be rare.

Bordetella Transmission Between Dogs and Cats

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a highly contagious bacterium that‘s one of the leading causes of kennel cough in dogs. It‘s transmitted through direct contact, shared objects, and aerosolized respiratory secretions (coughing, sneezing).

While Bordetella is mostly passed from dog to dog, there have been documented cases of sick cats infecting dogs in the same household. A 2015 study in Veterinary Medicine International found that households with a cat recently diagnosed with Bordetella were 7 times more likely to have a dog with compatible respiratory signs, suggesting cat-to-dog transmission is possible.

Bordetella transmission between cats and dogs seems to be a two-way street. There have also been reports of cats contracting the infection from dogs in the same home. However, the risk appears lower than spread between members of the same species.

Several factors likely influence whether Bordetella will jump from cats to dogs or vice versa, including:

• Duration and proximity of contact
• Strength of each animal‘s immune system
• Virulence of the particular bacterial strain
• Concurrent infections and illnesses
• Vaccination status for Bordetella
• Environmental stress levels

Mycoplasma Spread Between Species

Mycoplasma is another bacterial genus that can cause respiratory issues in both cats and dogs. Different species tend to infect each host – M. cynos in dogs, M. felis and M. gateae in cats. However, there have been rare reports of M. cynos – typically found in dogs – detected in cats with respiratory disease.

A 2004 study in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology documented an outbreak of M. cynos-associated pneumonia in a cattery, likely originating from an infected dog. All 6 cats in the household tested positive for M. cynos and had clinical signs like coughing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing.

While this kind of cross-species Mycoplasma spread appears to be very uncommon, it highlights the importance of good hygiene and infection control practices in multi-pet homes, catteries, and kennels.

Keeping Your Pets Safe from Respiratory Infections

As a responsible pet parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your furry family healthy. Here are some tips to minimize the risk of colds spreading between your cats and dogs:

1. Vaccinate: Make sure your pets are up to date on core and risk-based vaccines as recommended by your vet. Vaccines are available for several common respiratory pathogens, including Bordetella and canine influenza for dogs, and FHV-1 and FCV for cats.

2. Isolate sick animals: If you notice any signs of illness, separate the affected pet from other animals in the household and call your vet. Use proper hygiene like hand washing and dedicated cleaning supplies to avoid accidental spread.

3. Disinfect thoroughly: Regularly clean and disinfect items that multiple pets use, like bowls, bedding, litter boxes, carriers, and toys. Choose pet-safe products effective against viruses and bacteria, like accelerated hydrogen peroxide or potassium peroxymonosulfate. Wash items in hot water when possible.

4. Reduce stress: Stress compromises immune function and activates latent infections. Use pheromone diffusers, calming music, and positive reinforcement to make vet visits, car rides, and new experiences less stressful. Ensure each pet has a quiet retreat space.

5. Provide excellent nutrition: A balanced, species-appropriate diet is key for optimal health and immune response. Consider adding supplements like omega-3s and probiotics under your vet‘s supervision.

6. See the vet regularly: Routine check-ups allow your vet to catch any issues early and advise you on preventing infectious disease. Certain breeds like brachycephalic dogs may need extra care to support respiratory health.

When to Worry About a Cat or Dog Cold

Most respiratory infections in cats and dogs are mild and self-limiting. However, sometimes they can progress to more serious conditions like pneumonia, especially in vulnerable animals. When in doubt, it‘s always best to consult your veterinarian.

Dr. Sarah Tasse, DVM, a small animal veterinarian, says to call your vet immediately if you notice any of the following signs:

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Lethargy or unresponsiveness
• Decreased appetite for more than 24 hours
• Vomiting or diarrhea with a respiratory infection
• Any worsening of symptoms despite supportive care

"Respiratory infections can go downhill quickly, so it‘s important to act fast. Depending on the severity, your vet may recommend an exam, diagnostic testing, antibiotics, fluid therapy, or even hospitalization," Dr. Tasse advises. "With prompt treatment, most pets recover well."

Managing Mild Symptoms at Home

According to Dr. Tasse, if your cat or dog has a mild cold, there are some things you can do at home to help them feel better:

• Use a humidifier to moisten irritated airways and break up congestion
• Wipe away any nasal or eye discharge with a warm, damp cloth
• Encourage hydration by offering tasty broths or wet food
• Provide a warm, cozy place to rest

If your pet is very congested, you can also try using over-the-counter saline drops made for infants, like Little Remedies Sterile Saline Nasal Mist. "Just a drop or two in each nostril can help loosen and clear nasal passages," says Dr. Tasse. "Never give any human cold medicine without checking with your vet first, as many are toxic to pets."

A Personal Reflection

Last winter, my elderly dog Rosie developed a stubborn case of kennel cough. She had been vaccinated, but her age made her vulnerable. Despite my best efforts, my cat Felix ended up catching it too, likely from sharing Rosie‘s bed and toys.

It was a stressful time, full of vet visits, nebulizer treatments, and what felt like endless loads of dirty laundry. But with supportive care, antibiotics, and a lot of TLC, both of my sweet seniors eventually kicked the bug.

This experience taught me that while cat-to-dog transmission of colds isn‘t super common, it does happen. Sharing my home with different species means I have to stay vigilant about everyone‘s health, especially my more fragile fur kids.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is keeping the love alive and enjoying every moment with our precious companions. Even the sniffly, eye-goopy moments are part of the beautiful journey we share. As pet parents, we all do our best to protect our babies from harm – but when the sneezes strike, we weather the storm together with patience, compassion, and plenty of warm blankets.

Sources

• Buonavoglia, C., and V. Martella. "Canine Respiratory Viruses." Veterinary Research 38, no. 2 (2007): 355-373.
• Chalker, V. J., et al. "Mycoplasmas Associated with Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease." Microbiology 150, no. 10 (2004): 3491-3497.
• Maboni, Grazieli, et al. "Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease: New Insights into the Etiology and Epidemiology of Associated Pathogens." PloS One 14, no. 4 (2019): e0215817.
• Mitchell, J. A., et al. "Prevalence of Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Pathogens in Cats with Suspected Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Disease." Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2022).
• Priestnall, S. L., et al. "New and Emerging Pathogens in Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease." Veterinary Pathology 51, no. 2 (2014): 492-504.
• Schulz, B. S., et al. "Prevalence of Respiratory Viruses and Bordetella bronchiseptica in Dogs with Acute Respiratory Tract Infections." The Veterinary Journal 201, no. 3 (2014): 365-369.