Cat flu is a common illness that affects a cat’s upper respiratory system, similar to how colds or the flu affect humans. It is primarily caused by either feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus. When a cat is infected, secondary bacterial infections may also occur, often making the condition worse. Cats that are very young, elderly, or have weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe symptoms, as they struggle more to combat infections. For these cats, cat flu can even be life-threatening.
The illness spreads similarly to a cold, through coughing and sneezing, with other cats catching the germs. Even after recovery, some cats may continue to carry the infection and can relapse, especially during times of stress or when they’re ill.
Symptoms of cat flu
The signs of cat flu are very similar to a cold or flu in humans. You should look out for:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Runny nose and eyes
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Mouth ulcers
- Sleeping more than usual
If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat you should contact your vet.
How do cats get cat flu?
Cat flu is primarily transmitted through direct contact between cats, such as through saliva, tears, or discharge from the eyes and nose. It can also spread indirectly via contaminated items like food bowls, bedding, litter trays, or even human hands. Kittens and older cats are particularly vulnerable due to their weaker immune systems. After recovering from cat flu, many cats will become lifelong carriers of the virus, showing little to no signs of illness. However, these carriers can still spread the virus to other cats, especially during times of stress (e.g., in catteries or shelters), when they may shed the virus.
How is cat flu treated?
While there’s no cure for cat flu, it can be managed with the right treatment. The goal is to relieve symptoms and prevent complications, allowing your cat to recover comfortably. Here’s how treatment typically works:
Symptom Management: If your cat has mild symptoms, your vet might not prescribe medication right away. However, supportive care at home is essential. This includes keeping your cat warm, encouraging them to eat and drink, and ensuring they rest in a calm, quiet environment.
Medications:
- Eye Drops: If your cat’s eyes are affected, your vet might recommend eye drops to treat any infection or irritation.
- Antibiotics: These are prescribed if your cat develops a secondary bacterial infection, which can sometimes happen when the immune system is weakened.
- Anti-inflammatory Medications: These can help reduce inflammation and fever, making your cat feel more comfortable.
- Congestion Relief: If your cat has a stuffy nose, your vet may suggest medications to help loosen mucus, making it easier for your cat to breathe.
Home Care Tips:
- Encourage Eating and Drinking: Cats with flu often lose their appetite. Warming their food or offering stronger-smelling treats like sardines can help spark their interest.
- Steamy Room Therapy: Sitting with your cat in a steamy bathroom can help relieve congestion and make it easier for them to breathe.
- Cleanliness: Gently wipe away any discharge from your cat’s nose or eyes to keep them comfortable and prevent further irritation.
How to prevent cat flu
The best way to protect your cat from severe cat flu is by having them vaccinated. While the vaccine won’t completely prevent your cat from catching the virus, it significantly reduces the likelihood of severe symptoms and greatly lowers the chances of requiring additional treatment or hospitalization.
Cat flu in kittens
Kittens are more vulnerable to cat flu as they have immature immune systems. If their mum has been vaccinated, kittens will get some immunity from cat flu when they are born. This does fade, so this is why its important to make sure your kitten is given their first course of vaccinations at around eight to nine weeks old.
If their mum has not been vaccinated, kittens are more at risk of getting seriously ill from cat flu. They can also catch it from their mum if she falls ill with cat flu while pregnant.
Kittens with cat flu can develop severe symptoms, such as pneumonia and eye ulcers.
A kitten’s outlook will depend on how severe their symptoms are, and whether or not they become a carrier. Some kittens recover fully and never have a problem again, but unfortunately, some become permanently infected. This is known as being a ‘carrier’. If your kitten is a cat flu carrier, they are likely to have symptoms that come and go throughout life, especially during times of stress, or when they are otherwise unwell. Some unlucky carrier cats suffer with symptoms all the time, meaning they need long-term medication to control their symptoms and keep them happy
Can humans catch cat flu?
Although the symptoms might be similar, humans cannot catch cat flu. Likewise, cats cannot catch the human flu. Dogs also cannot catch cat flu.
Cat flu is highly contagious among our feline friends. If you have more than one cat, it’s really important to keep them all vaccinated, and if one of your cats gets cat flu, make sure you wash the bedding and bowls they use thoroughly.
Adopting a Cat with Cat Flu: A Second Chance for a Happy Life
Adopting a cat that has had cat flu is still a wonderful choice! While cat flu can be challenging, especially for young, elderly, or immune-compromised cats, many recover fully with the right care. These cats may need extra attention, but with a little patience, love, and a calm environment, they can lead happy, healthy lives.