Can cats catch the cold or flu from humans?

Question

My daughter & I are both sick: she has the cold and I have the flu. And I told her not to pet any of the cats until we recover. I make sure to wash my hands thoroughly before feeding them. Is this too drastic? Or can cats catch cold/flu from us, humans?

Answer 1

No, they can't.  The human flu virus is caused by the rhinovirus that only affects humans.  And cats can't catch human colds, either.

Answer 2

Yes, it is too drastic cats cannot catch a cold or illness from humans. The only things we can share are intestinal parasites, flea bites, and ringworm, toxoplasmosis.. Most people catch these things from cats, not the other way around. Washing your hands after petting your cat is just good hygiene anyway so keep doing that but there is no need to avoid petting them.. you could sneeze on them if you want and it wouldn't hurt them at all..

No worries you can't give your cat any human illness..