Image: Cat and kitten (© Coquet Vets)
Cat flu, also known as ‘feline influenza’ or ‘feline upper respiratory infection’, is an illness in cats affecting the upper respiratory tract (nose, mouth, and throat). Cat flu is caused by several viruses (in the same way that the human cold can be caused by different viruses). Cat flu is not usually serious in healthy cats. However, it can have serious health effects and even become fatal in kittens and cats who are elderly, unvaccinated, or have underlying health issues.
What are the signs and symptoms of cat flu?
Discharge from the eyes
Runny nose and/or sneezing
Dribbling
Fever
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
In severe cases:
Mouth and throat ulcers
Eye ulcers
If these symptoms are left untreated and become severe, they can cause serious health issues, such as pneumonia, breathing difficulties, damage to the eyes, and even death.
Your cat may not show symptoms for up to two weeks after transmitting the virus, meaning they may have been infected even before symptoms began to show.
If your cat or kitten is displaying any signs of cat flu, contact your vet practice for advice and isolate your cat from other cats to reduce the risk of spreading cat flu.
How is cat flu spread?
The two most common viruses which cause cat flu are Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus. These are highly contagious viruses and can be spread through:
Direct transmission (your cat has come into direct contact with an infected cat):
The virus is transmitted in saliva, eye, or nasal discharge and can be transferred through sneezing, fighting, mating, or mutual grooming.
Cats can also be “carriers” of cat flu without displaying symptoms – if your cat has contact with a carrier cat, they can contract cat flu.
Indirect transmission (your cat has had contact with feline influenza via a contaminated environment):
Cat flu can continue to live in an environment between 2 and 10 days after an infected cat has been present, meaning that your cat does not have to have direct contact with an infected cat to contract the virus.
Use of contaminated bowls, bedding, litter trays and toys can transmit the virus to your cat.
How can I prevent my cat contracting cat flu?
Vaccination is the best preventative measure. Our primary vaccination course for kittens includes the feline viral rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, and calicivirus vaccinations, and annual boosters ensure ongoing protection for adult cats.
The vaccine cannot give complete protection; however, vaccinated cats who contract cat flu tend to experience much milder symptoms.
If you have a cat with cat flu or cat flu symptoms, keep them isolated indoors. If you are a multi-cat household, keep them separate from your other cats and use separate bedding, food and water bowls, and litter trays until they have recovered from the illness. Use good hand hygiene after handling your infected cat while they are unwell.
If this article has raised any concerns about your cat, or you would like to get more advice on vaccinations for your pet, please call us at Coquet Vets on 01665 252250.
