HomeCatCat Flu: Causes, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Cat Flu: Causes, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Cat flu is a viral infection that affects cats. It is a common respiratory illness caused by various viruses, including feline herpesvirus and Feline calicivirus. It is also known as feline respiratory disease complex (FRDC) or Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR). Cat flu symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. In severe cases, cats can also develop pneumonia.

Causes of Cat Flu


Various viruses cause feline flu, most commonly Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) and Feline calicivirus (FCV). These viruses are highly infectious and contagious and can be easily spread from cat to cat through direct contact with an infected cat’s saliva, nasal or eye discharge, or indirect contact with contaminated objects, such as food dishes, litter boxes, bedding, and toys.

Epidemiology and Transmission of Feline Flu


The virus can also be spread through the air, especially in confined spaces, such as catteries, animal shelters, or multi-cat households. Stressful situations, such as overcrowding, poor nutrition, poor hygiene, and inadequate ventilation, can also increase the risk of transmission and make cats more susceptible to the disease.

Feline Flu

Kittens, pregnant cats, and cats with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to cat flu and may develop more severe symptoms or complications. Certain breeds of cats, such as Persians and Himalayans, are also more prone to developing severe forms of the disease.

Clinical Signs of Cat Flu


The clinical signs of cat flu can vary from mild to severe and range from a mild cold-like illness to life-threatening pneumonia. The most common symptoms of cat flu include

  1. Sneezing.
  2. Runny nose.
  3. Watery eyes.
  4. Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membranes around the eyes).
  5. Coughing.
  6. Fever.
  7. Loss of appetite.
  8. Lethargy.
  9. Ulcers on the tongue, gums, or nose (in severe cases).

In severe cases, cats may also develop pneumonia, which can cause difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and bluish skin and mucous membranes discoloration due to a lack of oxygen. In some cases, the disease can also affect other organs, such as the kidneys and liver, leading to more severe health problems.

It is important to note that some cats may be asymptomatic carriers of the virus, meaning they can transmit the disease to other cats without showing any clinical signs of illness. Therefore, it is essential to isolate infected cats from healthy cats and to practice good hygiene and sanitation measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Diagnosis of Cat Flu


The diagnosis of cat flu is usually based on a combination of clinical signs, medical history, and laboratory tests. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination of your cat and may recommend additional tests to confirm the disease and rule out other possible causes of respiratory illness.

Laboratory tests that may be used to diagnose cat flu include:

  1. Viral isolation: This involves collecting a swab of your cat’s nasal or eye discharge and testing it for the presence of the virus.
  2. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): This is a molecular test that can detect the presence of viral DNA in a sample of your cat’s respiratory secretions or blood.
  3. Serological Test: This involves testing your cat’s blood for antibodies to the virus, which can indicate a current or previous infection. The tests include Compliment Fixation Test, ELISA, and Neutralization Test.

Sometimes, your veterinarian may also recommend additional tests to check for secondary bacterial infections, such as a complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry panel, and chest x-rays.

It is essential to seek veterinary care if you suspect your cat has cat flu, as early detection and medication can help prevent complications and improve the outcome.

Treatment of Cat Flu


Treatment for feline flu aims to manage clinical signs, prevent complications, and support the immune system in fighting a viral infection. Treatment may include:

  1. Symptomatic treatment: This includes supportive care, such as providing your cat with a quiet and comfortable environment, encouraging fluid intake, and offering a soft and palatable diet.
  2. Medications: Your veterinarian may prescribe antiviral medications, antibiotics (to treat secondary bacterial infections), anti-inflammatory drugs, and eye and nose drops to alleviate the clinical signs and prevent complications.
  3. Nebulization: In some cases, nebulization with saline or medication may be recommended to help clear the airways and improve breathing.
  4. Hospitalization: In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary, especially if your cat is dehydrated or has difficulty breathing.
  5. Vaccination: Cat Vaccination can help prevent flu in healthy cats and reduce the severity of the disease in infected cats.

It is essential to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations and complete the entire course of treatment as prescribed. Cats with weakened immune systems, such as kittens or older cats, may require more intensive treatment and monitoring to prevent complications.

It is also essential to practice good hygiene and sanitation measures to prevent the spread of the disease to other cats. This includes isolating infected cats, disinfecting surfaces and utensils that may be contaminated with the virus, and washing your hands properly before and after handling cats.

Prevention of Feline Flu


Prevention of feline flu involves taking measures to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus and to boost your cat’s immune system. Here are some tips to help prevent cat flu:

  1. Vaccination: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent cat flu. Your veterinarian can recommend a cat vaccination schedule based on the cat’s age, health, and lifestyle.
  2. Good Hygiene: Practice good hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly before and after handling cats, disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be infected with the virus, and avoiding contact with sick cats.
  3. Nutrition: Feed your cat a well-balanced diet that meets its nutritional needs to support its immune system.
  4. Stress Reduction: Reduce stress in your cat’s environment by providing them with a comfortable and safe living space, plenty of toys and activities, and regular play and socialization.
  5. Isolation: Isolate infected cats from healthy cats to prevent the spread of the disease.
  6. Regular veterinary check-ups: Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect and treat any underlying health conditions that may weaken your cat’s immune system and make them more susceptible to infections.

Following these preventive measures can help reduce the risk of your cat getting infected with cat flu and other infectious diseases. If you suspect your cat may have cat flu, seek veterinary care as soon as possible to prevent complications and the spread of the disease.

Concluding Remarks on Cat Flu


Feline flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by Feline herpesvirus or calicivirus. The disease can affect cats of all ages but is most common in young kittens and older cats with weakened immune systems. Clinical signs of cat flu include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, conjunctivitis, coughing, fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, and ulcers on the tongue, gums, or nose in severe cases.

Diagnosis of cat flu is based on a combination of clinical signs and laboratory tests. Treatment involves managing the clinical signs and preventing complications through medications, supportive care, and vaccination. Prevention of cat flu involves vaccination, good hygiene practices, nutrition, stress reduction, isolation of infected cats, and regular veterinary check-ups.

Latest Post

Editors' Pick

Editors' Pick