Both my cats are indoor cats. Occasionally, for two minutes they may go out on the back balcony (upper duplex) which has been enclosed with recycled glass windows 6 ft. high). I am mentioning this as there are feral cats who are sheltered and fed in the back yard, and wondering if germs can be air borne? Ginger, a large rescued orange tabby, who is 12 years, has started sneezing,
many times in a row, with a bit of spray
flying very light beige, thin, discharge coming out of his mouth, throughout the day. Cali is a very healthy
Calico, rescued feral (approx. 7 yrs. old). She has started coughing and very occasionally a teeny one time sneeze, but I haven't noticed any flying discharge. She coughs just for about 7 seconds, about four times a day, in a crouching position, which at first appeared as if she had a hairball.....but if I listen closely I can hear that she may have a bit of congestion. They both have completely normal appetites. There is not any mucousy discharge or excess tears running from their eyes or noses. There is no difficulty breathing. But for sure it seems as if they have....a cold? In the 43 years of having cats, I have never had any that have had colds.
(Also....f.y.i......over the past few years as Ginger has become older, he occasionally has one eye that is a bit inflamed/ irritated,it becomes teary and sensitive to light, but never with discharge, and has been related to the herpes ocular virus rhino.trach. connection. Recently the Vet saw him and recommended a pump bottle of a gel lysine supplement, and I think it may be helping his eye !!
plus a nice gel tear product in a little tube, to help ease any discomfort. Both seem to help a bit when he gets this.)
Regarding the incessant sneezing and coughing...does anyone know:
>> Can the sneezing with discharge that Ginger has, and the coughing that Cali has, go away on it's own and just run it's course...
with time? And if yes.....approx. how long should I wait? (it is now 3 days)
>> If it is "viral" - do Vets prescribe medications for colds?
>> Can both my cats have the same virus or bacteria but one with occasional coughing?
>> How long do I wait before having to go to the Vet?
>> IS THERE A POSSIBILITY THAT I HAVE BROUGHT THIS INTO THE HOUSE ON MY CLOTHING IF ONE OF THE OUTDOOR YOUNG FERALS HAS BEEN RUBBING ON MY PANTS, AND/OR ON MY LITTLE DOG BABY? > CAN GERMS BE CARRIED TO MY INDOOR CATS ON BABY'S FUR? (SOUNDING QUITE NEUROTIC 
, I KNOW, BUT I HEARD ONE OF THE FERALS SNEEZING RECENTLY)! HOW ELSE COULD THEY HAVE THIS?
(I always wash my hands when entering the house from outside, and do not allow shoes worn outside into the house.)
I would greatly appreciate your
experiences, any advice or information. Thank you all!