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Can my 6-month-old vaccinated kittens catch a foster dog's cold?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 5 months and 20 days old | 6 lbs

If I foster a dog with a cold/cough, can my 6-month-old kittens get sick? The kittens are up to date with their shots.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Angel Alvarado, LVT

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on December 1st, 2016

Not likely but possible. Viruses are usually species specific, but some bacteria can be spread from dog to cat. The bacteria (Bordatella bronchiseptica) most often responsible for kennel cough in dogs can infect cats. Other opportunistic bacteria can also be spread.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 7th, 2018

    While cats technically can be infected with the Bordetella bacteria that causes kennel cough in dogs it is very rare. Cats are more likely to sneeze from a viral upper respiratory infection (usually caused by herpesvirus or calicivirus) that is cat specific. I don’t think you need to worry about Bocephus spreading a respiratory infection to your dog.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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