Cat Flu: Keep Your Cats Healthy

0

Cat Flu: Keep Your Cats Healthy

Cat flu is very common, even in hot countries like Cambodia. Pets who are kept inside may be sensitive to air conditioning or fans, while pets who go outside may come into contact with other animals and germs.

Actually, cat flu is the name that we give to the syndrome. It is not caused only by one type of virus/bacteria/germ. 

Clinically known as Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Disease (FURTD), cat flu can be treated, and more importantly, prevented, before it becomes more severe and can cause complications like pneumonia.

In this article, Dr. Juan explains everything you must know about cat flu: symptoms, treatment options, and how to prevent this disease.

What is Cat Flu?

Cat flu is a highly contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract that kittens and adult cats can catch.

What Causes Cat Flu?

Cat flu is mostly caused by viruses, primarily:

  • Feline Herpesvirus (FHV)
  • Feline Calicivirus (FCV)
  • And others…

Other less common causes of cat flu can be bacteria:

  • Bordetella bronchiseptica
  • Chlamydophila felis
  • And others…

Interestingly, these bacteria can be present at the same time as a viral infection.

Signs of Cat Flu

So how do you know if your cat or kitten has the flu?

A cat with cat flu will commonly show these symptoms:

  • Sneezing
  • Runny/snotty nose
  • Runny eyes
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy (loss of energy)
  • Coughing
  • Ulcers in mouth and/or on nose

In some cases, cat flu can lead to fatal complications, especially if your cat hasn’t received protective vaccination. 

Therefore, if you notice any of the above signs in your cat, take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. A prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment help to prevent a more severe course of this disease and avoid potential complications.

Cat flu can look like this:

cat flu

Lethargic cat with runny nose and discharge from eyes. Source: kb.rspca.org.au

cat flu

Kitten with snotty nose and discharge from eyes Source: veterinarypartner.vin.com

Next, let’s take a look at how cats can catch these nasty bugs and how to treat and prevent them, where possible.

Transmission of Cat Flu

The viruses and bacteria that cause cat flu can be transmitted:

  • through direct contact with an infected cat
  • indirectly, by coming into contact with objects like blankets, food bowls and clothes, that have been contaminated with bodily fluids (snot, mucus, eye discharge, saliva)

Once a cat catches cat flu, it may carry and spread the virus for life, particularly if the infection was caused by Feline Herpesvirus. In these cases, the virus becomes dormant, hiding in the body, and stressful situations can (but don’t have to) reactivate the virus. This means that the virus can resurface in a cat previously infected, and they may begin showing clinical signs and spreading the virus again throughout their life. 

Have you ever had a cold sore? Cold sores are caused by the human herpesvirus and act in exactly the same way – the virus is never totally gone and you may get another cold sore in future, particularly during times of stress! 

Treatment of Cat Flu

Veterinarians decide on treatment based on clinical signs, physical examination, and medical history. For example, if a cat has clear nasal discharge, it’s more likely viral, while thick yellow or green discharge often suggests a secondary bacterial infection. 

Vets can use swab tests from the eyes, nose, or throat to detect viral or bacterial pathogens. 

At VSL Veterinary Clinic, in consultation with the owner, if we suspect cat flu we may opt to just treat it symptomatically. We may check a swab under the microscope, or if it is a more severe or chronic case we may send samples away to a veterinary pathology lab for further specialised testing. 

A first-time, uncomplicated case of cat flu in an otherwise healthy animal primarily involves symptomatic care to relieve symptoms like congestion and fever and support the cat’s own immune response.

Common treatments include:

  • Mucolytics/nebulisation therapy – to help clear secretions from the respiratory tract
  • Fever reducers – to help control high fevers
  • Antibiotics – used only if there’s a suspected or confirmed bacterial infection. (While antibiotics don’t cure the viruses, they help prevent secondary bacterial infections.)

In advanced cases, when a cat has stopped eating or drinking, it may be necessary to hospitalize the animal, give intravenous fluids to correct dehydration, control nasal congestion and provide nutritional support. In some cases of cat flu, there is a chance that the cat continues to show symptoms throughout its life, even after treatment.

Therefore, vaccination remains the best way to prevent cat flu, as treatment can be lengthy and, in some cases, difficult.

Important: Avoid Long-Term Complications

In order to avoid health complications like pneumonia, bronchitis and chronic sinusitis/rhinitis in your cat, it is important that as soon as your cat starts to show symptoms of congestion or difficulty breathing, take it promptly for a veterinary health check to give an adequate diagnosis and treatment.

Preventing Cat Flu

The two predominant viral causes of cat flu can be prevented by vaccination. Kittens should receive their first vaccine against Herpesvirus and Calicivirus at 2 months of age, receive a second dose 3-4 weeks later, and yearly boosters to maintain proper protection throughout their life.

VSL offers this service as follows:

  • Kitten’s primary vaccine course: 88$
  • Yearly booster: 44$

Tip: Consider our VSL exclusive Annual Pet Health Plan (including vaccinations/boosters…and much more!) for only 22$-28$ per month.

Although vaccination is unlikely to provide total protection against the upper respiratory viruses, it will help minimize the severity of the symptoms and therefore reduce the risk of spreading the virus too.

Additional important preventative measures are:

  • Providing a stress-free environment to your cat, proper pet nutrition and regular veterinary care (annual checks recommended)
  • Hygiene plays a big role in preventing cat flu infection. Regularly clean/wash bowls, litter trays and bedding (weekly recommended).
  • Avoid overcrowding, many cats living together in a small space are more likely to spread all types of infections. Make sure you have enough space at home for the number of cats that you have, and when choosing a cat hotel, look for one that allows each cat plenty of space.

If you suspect your cat has cat flu, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and an individual treatment plan, which may include:

  • Medication (only if and as prescribed by a veterinarian)
  • Ensure hydration (drinking enough water)
  • Keeping them warm and comfortable
  • Encourage eating
  • Letting them rest/sleep
  • Monitor if they are getting better or worse

Important: Isolation of infected cats! To prevent the spread of the disease to other cats in the household or community, isolation for 1 month after the initial infection is necessary.

What’s next

Book your pet’s consultation (33$) with Dr. Juan or Dr. Lauren at VSL:

We are open every day:

  • Monday – Saturday (9am – 7pm)
  • Sunday (9am – 5pm)

Join our VSL Telegram group for updates and exclusive promotions:
https://t.me/+5d7K4kN3Y0ljZTEy