The infection known as “cat flu” is caused by a number of viruses and other pathogens, though the majority of infections are due to Feline Calicivirus (FCV) or Feline Herpesvirus (FHV). On rare occasions the affected cat may also have Mycoplasma or Chlamydophila (Chlamydia).
Symptoms
The symptoms of cat flu can include sneezing, coughing, discharge from the eyes and nose, a loss of appetite and sometimes ulcers on the tongue and eyes. This can lead to severe dehydration and debilitation and in severe cases pneumonia and death. These viruses are easily spread through direct contact between cats, or through contaminated food bowls, bedding or a person’s hands.
Treatment
Cats are treated based on their clinical signs but treatment will at least involve antibiotics. Other treatments include eye ointment, mucolytics and intravenous fluids. Some cats need prolonged hospital stays due to reluctance to eat and dehydration. At the moment there is no effective anti-viral medication available so the aim of treatment is to support the patient until their immune system deals with the virus.
Most cats respond very well to treatment for cat flu as long they are not elderly or suffering from another disease such as FIV or Feline Leukaemia. A small proportion may become carriers of the virus, meaning that they may suffer recurrences during times of stress in the future or may be infectious to other cats.
Prevention
Vaccination is recommended as the best way to try and prevent your cat becoming infected with cat flu. However, as with the human flu there are many different strains of the virus so on rare occasions a vaccinated cat can still get cat flu. We recommend vaccination for cat flu for ALL cats, whether indoors or outdoors.
