Feline Influenza
Cats Get The Flu Too!
Feline influenza is the main cause of the majority of respiratory illnesses in cats. Like its human equivalent, feline influenza is highly contagious and easily transmitted by sneezing and coughing. Adult cats are easily infected but kittens are particularly susceptible to the illness.
For cats that have not been vaccinated, feline influenza is bad news. In the absence of vaccines cats have great difficulty making a fully recovery and the illness can lead to chronic coryza and death.
For vaccinated cats, the good news is that feline influenza is easily treated and your cat will usually make a full recovery within a few days.
Symptoms of Feline Influenza
If your kitty is sneezing and has the sniffles as well as runny eyes, it is possible that he or she may have feline influenza. Other symptoms include fever, breathing difficulties, lesions in the mouth and on the tongue, poor appetite and listlessness.
Take your cat to your veterinarian who can properly diagnose the cause of these symptoms.
Causes of Feline Influenza
Feline influenza is usually caused by the presence of a virus in the upper airways. If left untreated, feline influenza can lead to lung infection and pneumonia.
Feline influenza is often caused by two highly contagious viruses: the feline herpes virus (FHV 1) and the feline calcivirus (FCV). The feline herpes virus manifests itself in two main strains: feline herpes virus 1 (FHV 1) and feline rhinotracheitis virus (FRV). Occasionally cats who have been exposed to these viruses become carriers without ever displaying any symptoms of the illness.
There are also less threatening cases of feline influenza, usually the result of the presence of feline chlamydia, a microbe which is a cross between a virus and a bacteria. This can be treated with antibiotics such as tetracycline and azithromycin .
How You Can Protect Your Cat
It is essential to vaccinate your cat against the virus that causes feline influenza. Without vaccinations, cats stricken by the illness can suffer incurable damage to their respiratory organs or even death.
Because kittens are more susceptible to feline influenza it is important to get their first vaccination shot when they are 8 weeks old. The second shot should be given approximately 4 weeks later.
However an adult cat who has been inoculated against feline influenza will simply display symptoms of a common cold. Vaccinated cats will usually make a full recovery after approximately one week. Adult cats should be vaccinated against feline influenza once a year.
Treatment
Whether or not your cat has been vaccinated, if you suspect he or she has feline influenza you should take the cat to your veterinarian immediately.
Your vet will probably recommend an antibiotic treatment and ask you to gently wash your cat's eyes to prevent any waste build up. You will also be instructed to wipe your cat's nose at regular intervals. Make sure you wash your hands before and after you care for your cat. It's important to maintain a sanitized environment.
And don't forget, if your kitty is under the weather a little extra love and affection will go a long way.
Further reading
- Feline Asthma and Respiratory Problems
- How to Care for Your Older Cat
- Feline Socialization: Help Your Cat Lead Her Best Life!
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis
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