I remember the first time my cat, Momo, started sneezing repeatedly. I freaked out a little—Was she allergic to something? Did she catch a cold?

Wait… can animals even get colds like us? 😷

Let's talk about this because I know I'm not the only one who's been puzzled watching their pet act a little under the weather.

So… can animals catch colds?

Yes, they absolutely can—but it's not exactly the same as when we catch a cold. Animals, just like us, can get upper respiratory infections. These infections might come from viruses or bacteria, depending on the animal species.

For example:

• Dogs can catch a virus called canine influenza (dog flu) or kennel cough

• Cats can catch feline herpesvirus or calicivirus

• Even horses and birds get their own types of respiratory bugs!

The thing is, animal colds usually don't pass to humans, and our colds don't usually affect them either. So no, you're not gonna give your dog your sniffles 😅

What does an animal cold look like?

Here's what I noticed with Momo (and later confirmed with a vet):

🐾 Sneezing, just like us

🐾 Watery or goopy eyes

🐾 Runny nose

🐾 Less active, maybe napping more

🐾 Sometimes a bit of coughing

It's weirdly cute but also a little sad, right?

Should we be worried?

Usually, it's not a big deal. Like us, most animals recover on their own with rest and warmth. But if they stop eating, become super tired, or struggle to breathe, it's time to call the vet.

Just like humans, young animals or older ones may have weaker immune systems. So a cold can hit them harder.

How to help your sniffling fur friend 🐶🐱

Here's what worked for me:

• Kept Momo warm and cozy

• Cleaned her eyes and nose gently with a soft tissue

• Made sure she stayed hydrated (lots of water and wet food!)

• Gave her space to rest without bothering her too much

• And yes—I kept in touch with her vet just in case

Final thoughts (and a little chat)

So yes—animals can catch colds! It's not just a human thing. It made me feel a little closer to Momo knowing that even she has lazy, sniffly days. And now that I know what to watch for, I feel more prepared (and way less panicked).

Have you ever seen your pet sneeze or act sick? 🐾 Drop your story in the comments—I'd love to hear how you handled it or if your dog pulls dramatic "sick day" moves like Momo did 😹

Let's swap stories!